AUSTRALIAN mezzo-soprano opera singer Allegra Giagu has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages – including the Sydney Opera House and London’s West End. Now, Giagu, along with ensemble Mamás Bravas, can add Dookie to the list.
¡Ópera Española! (translated to Spanish Opera) at Tallis Wine in the Dookie Hills on March 24 will be an immersive and vibrant fiesta of music and dance from two ensembles, along with paella, platters and wine.
The event is brought to local audiences as part of 2023’s Shepparton Festival, however the story of how this baroque style of Spanish music can be enjoyed in modern times dates back centuries.
The vitality of Spanish music in this period may only be revealed by understanding the performance as a whole: A fantastical celebration of dance, music, acting and often circus, which calls for the audience to be invested and involved.
“This style of Iberian Baroque music saw people from all levels of society spill out on the street together and dance. Much of this repertoire was lost in the 1700’s,” explained Giagu.
“Due to severe controls and prohibitive costs of printing in Spain at that time, it was common for just one copy of musical compositions to be printed and housed in national libraries.
Following the fires which destroyed the Royal Library and Music Archive of the Alcázar palace in Madrid in 1734, and the earthquake of 1755 which took with it the library of King John IV of Portugal, hundreds and thousands of musical records were lost.”
The works presented in this program then, have quite literally risen from the ashes.
“It is an incredible honour to present them to the community as we have interpreted them, and we hope you will feel inspired and deeply satisfied as you join us on this musical journey,” said Giagu.
The first performance at Shepparton Festival’s ¡Ópera Española! unearths this rediscovered repertoire, with Giagu’s voice and the Mamas Bravas ensemble of instruments, including Baroque violin, oboe and harp – along with theorbo (a stringed lute-like instrument), guitar and percussion from world-renowned musicians.
The second, Eterno Flamenco, explores a universe of music and dance; presented by acclaimed dancers, Chantelle Cano and Johnny Tedesco (Arte Kanela) and renowned guitarist, Gerard Mapstone.
Tickets to ¡Ópera Española! are on sale now via the Shepparton Festival website.
