Mozart's rom-com opera
This production of Mozart's first opera (written at 12 years of age) formed one half of the Double Trouble Bach and Mozart double bill in Sydney in June 2021. It will travel to country NSW later this year as part of the Bach to the Bush Tour.
The plot
The shepherdess, Bastienna, has her heart broken by the unfaithful Bastien, a shepherd. Both seek the advice of the clairvoyant, Dr Colas. Following his advice, Bastienna is aloof, seeming to be interested in someone else. Bastien rages with jealousy and threatens to commit suicide. This moves Bastienna’s heart and the lovers are reconciled.
Performances so far
Audiences enjoyed Bastien and Bastienna at the Sydney performance of Double Trouble. The staging was a nod to the 1950's and suited the relaxed cabaret setting.
Lesley Braithwaite, soprano, was the slighted Bastienna and tenor Damien Hall played the faithless Bastien. Ed Suttle was Dr Colas, a Freudian clairvoyant who help the lovers by hypnotising Bastien. This would not have been a surprising idea to Mozart - he composed the work for Dr Franz Anton Mesmer, who gives his name to our word "mesmerise". Our singers were accompanied by an equally talented ensemble. Music Director, Peter Alexander, conducted this miniature gem.
