NEWS
I have joined Hancock Artists for worldwide representation: https://hancockartists.com
Roster
Lyric Opera Directing Workshop - April 27 to May 4, 2020 (Cancelled due to COVID-19)
Das Rheingold - Melbourne Opera - August 2020 (Postponed due to COVID-19)
The Marriage of Figaro - Melbourne Opera - 2020
Die Walkure - Melbourne Opera 20201
2019
Started early with a very satisifying production of 'The Flying Dutchman' for Melbourne Opera at The Regent Theatre in February. This production was again under the baton of Maestro Anthony Negus, Verity Hunt-Ballard joined my opera life this time, as movement director, Rob Sowinski again, was lighting designer and I worked with wonderful designers Andrew Bailey (sets) and Harriet Oxley (costumes) for the first time. We were blessed with an outstanding cast, mostly local singers, with the notable exception of our Dutchman, Darren Jeffrey. Senta was sung by Lee Abrahmsen, Daland by Steven Gallop, Erik by Rosario La Spina, Mary by Roxane Hislop and Steuermann by Michael Lapina. The production also featured a chorus of 100! Including a 'live' ghost chorus.
"Director Suzanne Chaundy has helmed countless Melbourne Opera productions in the past, and her feel for Wagner's allegorical tendencies is on full display here. She knows that if symbolism is going to work, it needs real psychological texture to ground it, and she directs her singers towards and emotional realism that offsets the fantastical nature of the story. she subtly but surely pivots the opera around the character of Senta, making something moving and monumental about her sacrifice." Tim Byrne, Time Out. (4 stars)
"The whole was an enriching experience" Peter Hurley, Classic Melbourne.
"Suzanne Chaundy's impressive direction gives clarity and sensitivity in a staging realised with striking stylised economy and folkloric feel. Chaundy deftly balances the sexes.....the impression you get is that no stage in unconquerable for Melbourne Opera." Paul Selar, the Herald Sun & Operachaser blog. (4.5 stars)
"...an experience that comes close to the "total art work" Wagner envisaged" Limelight.
"Suzanne Chaundy, director of Melbourne Opera's fine new production , understands this psychological drama... Chaundy lets the drama unfold sympathetically and without exaggeration throughout." Barney Zwartz, Australian Book Review.
"Melbourne Opera soars with Flying Dutchman", Bridget Davies, The Age. (4 stars)
I was in Perth in March, where I remounted my production for CAAP, 'In Between Two', which then went on to a national tour through Arts On Tour. This was followed by work on my CHASE productions for Deakin University, a stint with the third year designers at the Victorian College of the Arts, the fourth Lyric Opera Directing Workshop and welcoming a new cohort to the Richard Divall Emerging Artists Programme which I run for Melbourne Opera.
We had a wonderful time unlocking the druidic secrets of NORMA in a sold out season in September 2019. I had a wonderful team, working again with Dale Ferguson (Set Designer),Harriet Oxley (Costume Designer) and Verity Hunt-Ballard (Movement Director). Cast: Helena Dix, Jacqui Dark, Samuel Sakker, Eddie Muliaumaseali'i, Michael Lapina and Rebecca Rashleigh.
2020 began busily, with members of the Richard Divall Emerging Artists Programme preparing for a full production of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO featuring programme members after a successful studio showing late in 2019 and gearing up for the beginning of THE RING CYCLE, DAS RHEINGOLD. Now all is on-hold. We can only wait and see.
