Opera Australia’s (OA) production of Attila is returning to Sydney after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the opera in 2020 after two shows and then again in 2021 days before opening night.
“We had magnificent feedback when Attila opened in 2020 and we’ve received requests to reschedule it ever since, so I’m ecstatic that we are able to present it again in the Sydney Opera House with most of the original cast and enable more people to experience such a marvellous production,” says OA Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini.
Attila’s director David Livermore will not disappoint, with his innovation shining through with a colossal set and two live horses gracing the stage.
The incredible direction, Giò Forma’s formidable sets, D-Wok’s captivating video designs and Gianluca Falaschi’s stunning costumes combine with Verdi’s soaring music and gripping story to ensure this production of Attila is nothing short of epic and one not to be missed.
Read more: La Traviata returns to the Sydney Opera House
The story of Attila in a nutshell
Attila, King of the Huns, is invading Italy as he conquers Europe. Ezio, a Roman general, is determined to stop him. He offers Italy’s empires in exchange for his country’s freedom. Attila will not negotiate, declaring he will have Italy anyway.
Ezio plots Attila’s downfall with Foresto, a young knight whose fiancée, Odabella, is among Attila’s slaves. But Odabella already has a plan to kill the King. He is transfixed by her beauty and courage and has foolishly given her his sword.
In this race for vengeance, who will have the final say?
The Cast
Renowned bass Taras Berezhansky reprises his role as the barbarous Attila while OA favourites, soprano Natalie Aroyan and tenor Diego Torre also reprise their roles of the warrior princess Odabella and her fiancé Foresto respectively.
After performing to great acclaim as Giorgio Germont in La Traviata with OA earlier this year, Mario Cassi joins the cast as the determined Roman General Ezio.
OA principal singer, Virgilio Marino reprises his role as Breton slave Uldino, whilst regular OA principal bass Richard Anderson joins the cast as Pope Leo I.
One of the most outstanding young conductors in the world today, Italian Maestro Andrea Battistoni leads the Opera Australia Orchestra, the Opera Australia Chorus and the Opera Australia Children’s Chorus in Verdi’s rarely performed work.
When: 29 October to 5 November 2022
Where: Sydney Opera House