PETER GRIMES − STORM BREWING IN THE BOROUGH

How do you stage a full scale opera in a concert hall? You put the orchestra on the stage!

Peter Grimes is a co-production between Brisbane Festival, Opera Queensland, Philip Bacon AM, QPAC and QSO. It brings together some stellar international performers with Stuart Skelton in the lead role. His booming voice penetrates every corner of the theatre with ease, and leaves us wanting more of his tenor magic. The single note aria performed with the skills and emotion of a seasoned performer is definitely a highlight!

The musical complexity of this opera provides some juicy material for the lead singers and chorus alike, while the unique staging integrates music and theatre. Queensland Symphony Orchestra takes on the central role in this production; it is the storm ravaging the town and raging in Grimes’s own mind.

With a soaring score by Benjamin Britten, conducted by Rory MacDonald, this production has some fabulous highlights. Great symbolic use of lighting – nothing like a little bit of light comedic relief in an otherwise serious opera. The unusually visible orchestra, squeezing the performers into alternative spaces. The minimalist set designed to work with the breathing sea of musicians onstage. Combined with pretty amazing voices, this is a treat for hard opera lovers.