8:00 pm - At the Opera

9:00 pm - At the Opera

10:00 pm - At the Opera

11:00 pm - At the Opera

AT THE OPERA
Premiere anniversaries, Part 1
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep

Lully, J-B. Atys. Opera in five acts. Libretto by Philippe Quinault. First performed Versailles January 1676.    

Lully, J-B. Atys, Prologue    
[18:24]

Lully, J-B. Atys, Act I    
[41:56]

Lully, J-B. Atys, Act II    
[33:48]

Lully, J-B. Atys, Act III    
[26:34]

Lully, J-B. Atys, Act IV    
[24:27]

Lully, J-B. Atys, Act V    
[30:10]

    ATYS: Guy de Mey, ten
CYBÈLE: Guillemette Laurens, mezz
SANGARIDE: Agnès Mellon, sop
CÉLÉNUS: Jean François Gardeil, bar
Les Arts Florissants/William Christie.Total Time: 2:50:34 
Harmonia Mundi HMX 2908250.79 

    The prologue praises Louis XIV as a hero after his victory over the Netherlands. The opera begins with the shepherd, Atys, singing to encourage the Phrygians to welcome the goddess, Cybèle. Atys declares his love for the nymph, Sangaride, who also loves him, but she is betrothed to Célénus, King of the Phrygians. Cybèle, who loves Atys, selects him as high priest. With his new authority, Atys cancels the marriage of Sangaride and Célénus. Cybèle and Célénus plot revenge. Cybèle casts a spell on Atys and induces him to kill Sangaride. Coming to his senses, Atys tries to kill himself but is turned into a pine tree by Cybèle. Having avenged herself, Cybèle is left lamenting. 

Lully, J-B. Excerpts from L’Amour médecin, comédie-ballet (1665).    Isabelle Poulenard, sop; Agnès Mellon, sop; Bernard Delétré, bass; Les Musiciens du Louvre/Marc Minkowski. 
Erato 245 286-2 [10:34]

Lully, J-B. Excerpts from Acis et Galatée, Act I (1674).    Monique Simon, sop; Françoise Masset, mezz; Thierry Félix, bar; Les Musiciens du Louvre/Marc Minkowski. 
Archiv 453 497-2 [08:28]



23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared and presented by James Nightingale

Haquinius, A. Nocturne (c1900).    Semmy Stahlhammer, vn; Love Derwinger, pf. 
nosag 4049 [02:16]

Norgård, P. Violin concerto: Light night (1986-87).    Christina Astrand, vn; Danish National RSO/Thomas Dausgaard. 
Chandos CHAN 9830 [23:46]

AT THE OPERA Premiere anniversaries, Part 1 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
Lully, J-B. Atys. Opera in five acts. Libretto by Philippe Quinault. First performed Versailles January 1676. &nbsp;&nbsp; Lully, J-B. Atys, Prologue &nbsp;&nbsp; [18:24] Lully, J-B. Atys, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [41:56] Lully, J-B. Atys, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [33:48] Lully, J-B. Atys, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [26:34] Lully, J-B. Atys, Act IV &nbsp;&nbsp; [24:27] Lully, J-B. Atys, Act V &nbsp;&nbsp; [30:10] &nbsp;&nbsp; ATYS: Guy de Mey, ten CYB&Egrave;LE: Guillemette Laurens, mezz SANGARIDE: Agn&egrave;s Mellon, sop C&Eacute;L&Eacute;NUS: Jean Fran&ccedil;ois Gardeil, bar Les Arts Florissants/William Christie.Total Time: 2:50:34 Harmonia Mundi HMX 2908250.79 &nbsp;&nbsp; The prologue praises Louis XIV as a hero after his victory over the Netherlands. The opera begins with the shepherd, Atys, singing to encourage the Phrygians to welcome the goddess, Cyb&egrave;le. Atys declares his love for the nymph, Sangaride, who also loves him, but she is betrothed to C&eacute;l&eacute;nus, King of the Phrygians. Cyb&egrave;le, who loves Atys, selects him as high priest. With his new authority, Atys cancels the marriage of Sangaride and C&eacute;l&eacute;nus. Cyb&egrave;le and C&eacute;l&eacute;nus plot revenge. Cyb&egrave;le casts a spell on Atys and induces him to kill Sangaride. Coming to his senses, Atys tries to kill himself but is turned into a pine tree by Cyb&egrave;le. Having avenged herself, Cyb&egrave;le is left lamenting. Lully, J-B. Excerpts from L&rsquo;Amour m&eacute;decin, com&eacute;die-ballet (1665). &nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle Poulenard, sop; Agn&egrave;s Mellon, sop; Bernard Del&eacute;tr&eacute;, bass; Les Musiciens du Louvre/Marc Minkowski. Erato 245 286-2 [10:34] Lully, J-B. Excerpts from Acis et Galat&eacute;e, Act I (1674). &nbsp;&nbsp; Monique Simon, sop; Fran&ccedil;oise Masset, mezz; Thierry F&eacute;lix, bar; Les Musiciens du Louvre/Marc Minkowski. Archiv 453 497-2 [08:28] 
23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared and presented by James Nightingale
Haquinius, A. Nocturne (c1900). &nbsp;&nbsp; Semmy Stahlhammer, vn; Love Derwinger, pf. nosag 4049 [02:16] Norg&aring;rd, P. Violin concerto: Light night (1986-87). &nbsp;&nbsp; Christina Astrand, vn; Danish National RSO/Thomas Dausgaard. Chandos CHAN 9830 [23:46]

At the Opera  7 January 2026

AT THE OPERA
Favourites, Part 13
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Jules Laurent



Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, K492. Opera in four acts. Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, after Beaumarchais. First performed Vienna, 1786.    

Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act I    
[45:20]

Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act II    
[47:54]

Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act III    
[41:36]

Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act IV    
[42:55]

    FIGARO: Teddy Tahu Rhodes, bass-bar
SUSANNA: Taryn Feibig, sop
COUNT ALMAVIVA: Peter Coleman-Wright, bar
CHERUBINO: Sian Pendry, mezz
COUNTESS ALMAVIVA: Rachelle Durkin, sop
BARBARINA: Claire Lyon, singer/actress
MARCELLINA: Jacqueline Dark, mezz
Opera Australia Ch; Australian Opera and Ballet O/Patrick Summers.Total Time: 2:57:46 
Opera Australia OPOZ56003CD 

    Figaro and Susanna, servants of Count Almaviva, are to be married but Susanna suspects the Count wants to seduce her. Cherubino, a page, tells Susanna he loves women, especially the Countess. When the Count arrives to proposition Susanna, Cherubino hides, but is found by the Count. The Count punishes Cherubino by sending him to his regiment, but the Countess and Susanna disguise him as a girl so he can stay with his girlfriend Barbarina. When they hear the Count arrive, Cherubino hides in a closet. The Count, suspicious of his wife, determines to open the door, but Susanna manages to change places with Cherubino. Marcellina, a housekeeper, alleges that Figaro borrowed money from her on a promise of marriage but is found to be to be Figaro's mother. Eventually, the Count sees the problems of his flirtations and Figaro and Susanna are married at last. 

Mozart, W. Madamina, il catalogo è questo; Deh, vieni alla finestra, from Don Giovanni, K527 (1787).    Teddy Tahu Rhodes, bass-bar; Tasmanian SO/Ola Rudner. 
ABC 472 826-2 [08:19]

Massenet, J. Thaïs, c’est toi, from Thaïs (1894).    Cheryl Barker, sop; Peter Coleman-Wright, bar; Tasmanian SO/Martin André. 
ABC 465 699-2 [05:11]



23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared and presented by James Nightingale

Pelēcis, G. Concertino bianco (1990).    Tamara-Anna Cislowska, pf; Tasmanian SO/Johannes Fritzsch. 
ABC 481 6295 [15:27]

Yoshimatsu, T. White landscapes, op 47a (1991/97).    Manchester Camerata/Sachio Fujioka. 
Chandos CHAN 9652 [09:33]

AT THE OPERA Favourites, Part 13 Prepared by Elaine Siversen With Jules Laurent
 Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, K492. Opera in four acts. Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, after Beaumarchais. First performed Vienna, 1786. &nbsp;&nbsp; Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [45:20] Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [47:54] Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [41:36] Mozart, W. The marriage of Figaro, Act IV &nbsp;&nbsp; [42:55] &nbsp;&nbsp; FIGARO: Teddy Tahu Rhodes, bass-bar SUSANNA: Taryn Feibig, sop COUNT ALMAVIVA: Peter Coleman-Wright, bar CHERUBINO: Sian Pendry, mezz COUNTESS ALMAVIVA: Rachelle Durkin, sop BARBARINA: Claire Lyon, singer/actress MARCELLINA: Jacqueline Dark, mezz Opera Australia Ch; Australian Opera and Ballet O/Patrick Summers.Total Time: 2:57:46 Opera Australia OPOZ56003CD &nbsp;&nbsp; Figaro and Susanna, servants of Count Almaviva, are to be married but Susanna suspects the Count wants to seduce her. Cherubino, a page, tells Susanna he loves women, especially the Countess. When the Count arrives to proposition Susanna, Cherubino hides, but is found by the Count. The Count punishes Cherubino by sending him to his regiment, but the Countess and Susanna disguise him as a girl so he can stay with his girlfriend Barbarina. When they hear the Count arrive, Cherubino hides in a closet. The Count, suspicious of his wife, determines to open the door, but Susanna manages to change places with Cherubino. Marcellina, a housekeeper, alleges that Figaro borrowed money from her on a promise of marriage but is found to be to be Figaro's mother. Eventually, the Count sees the problems of his flirtations and Figaro and Susanna are married at last. Mozart, W. Madamina, il catalogo &egrave; questo; Deh, vieni alla finestra, from Don Giovanni, K527 (1787). &nbsp;&nbsp; Teddy Tahu Rhodes, bass-bar; Tasmanian SO/Ola Rudner. ABC 472 826-2 [08:19] Massenet, J. Tha&iuml;s, c&rsquo;est toi, from Tha&iuml;s (1894). &nbsp;&nbsp; Cheryl Barker, sop; Peter Coleman-Wright, bar; Tasmanian SO/Martin Andr&eacute;. ABC 465 699-2 [05:11] 
23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared and presented by James Nightingale
Pelēcis, G. Concertino bianco (1990). &nbsp;&nbsp; Tamara-Anna Cislowska, pf; Tasmanian SO/Johannes Fritzsch. ABC 481 6295 [15:27] Yoshimatsu, T. White landscapes, op 47a (1991/97). &nbsp;&nbsp; Manchester Camerata/Sachio Fujioka. Chandos CHAN 9652 [09:33]

At the Opera  31 December 2025

AT THE OPERA
Favourites, Part 12
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Ian MacDonald



Verdi, G. Falstaff. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Arrigo Boito, after Shakespeare. First performed Milan, 1893.    

Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act I    
[29:56]

Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act II    
[41:57]

Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act III    
[43:23]

    SIR JOHN FALSTAFF: Geraint Evans, bar
MISTRESS ALICE FORD: Ilva Ligabue, sop
MISTRESS MEG PAGE: Rosalind Elias, mezz
NANETTE: Mirella Freni, sop
MISTRESS QUICKLY: Giulietta Simionato, mezz
BARDOLPH: Piero de Palma, ten
PISTOL: Giovanni Foiani, bass
MR. FORD: Robert Merrill, bar
DR. CAJUS: John Lanigan, ten
FENTON: Alfredo Kraus, ten
RCA Italiana Opera Ch & O/Georg Solti.Total Time: 1:55:13 
Decca 478 3705 

    Sir John Falstaff plans to acquire money by wooing two wealthy matrons, Alice Ford and Meg Page. He sends identical love letters to them. They, Alice’s daughter, Nanette, and their friend, Mistress Quickly, decide to punish Falstaff by arranging a rendezvous between Alice and Falstaff. Bardolph and Pistol tell Mr. Ford of Falstaff's plan and he believes his wife is unfaithful. When Falstaff attempts to woo Alice, Mistress Quickly announces Meg's arrival. Falstaff hides behind a screen. When Ford arrives to search the house, the women hide Falstaff in a hamper of dirty laundry which they throw out of the window.
Another meeting is arranged between Alice and Falstaff at midnight in Windsor Park. He is to dress as the antlered Black Hunter. The other women will dress as spirits. Mistress Quickly overhears Ford promise to wed his daughter Nanette to Dr. Caius that night and that she will be dressed as the Fairy Queen. However, Nanette loves Fenton.
Falstaff meets Alice in the moonlit park. The spirits rush in and torment Falstaff and he begs for mercy. When the joke is over, he says it was well deserved. Ford then announces that he will marry Dr. Cajus to the Fairy Queen and a second couple asks to be married. After the weddings, he learns that Bardolph has changed into the Fairy Queen’s costume and the second couple was Fenton and Nanette. Knowing that he was not the only one tricked, Falstaff proclaims it a good jest and everyone shares a hearty laugh. 

Bizet, G. In the depths of the temple, from The pearl fishers (1863).    Jussi Björling, ten; Robert Merrill, bar; RCA Victor SO/Renato Cellini. 
RCA GD 87799 [04:34]

Rossini, G. Selva opaca, from William Tell (1829).    Mirella Freni, sop; National PO/Riccardo Chailly. 
Decca 440 844-2 [09:02]

Puccini, G. Che gelida manina, from La bohème (1896).    Alfredo Kraus, ten; National PO/James Levine. 
EMI CDC 7 49929 2 [04:59]

Puccini, G. Quando m'en vo'soletta (Musetta.s Waltz song), from La bohème (1896)La boheeeeee    Amelia Farrugia, sop., BBC SO; Alexander Briger, conductor 
Decca 987 5237 [02:31]



22:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by Paul Cooke
With James Nightingale

Korngold, E. Excerpts from The Snowman (1908; orch. 1910 Zemlinsky).    Peter Manning, vn; BBC PO/Matthias Bamert. 
Chandos CHAN 9631 [23:20]

Messiaen, O. Regard de la Vierge; Le baiser de l'Enfant Jésus; Regard de l'esprit de joie, from Vingt regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus (1944).    Angela Hewitt, pf. 
Hyperion CDA67054 [27:59]

Penderecki, K. Symphony no 2, Christmas (1980).    Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/Krzysztof Penderecki. 
Dux 0897-0901 [33:25]

AT THE OPERA Favourites, Part 12 Prepared by Elaine Siversen With Ian MacDonald
 Verdi, G. Falstaff. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Arrigo Boito, after Shakespeare. First performed Milan, 1893. &nbsp;&nbsp; Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [29:56] Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [41:57] Verdi, G. Falstaff, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [43:23] &nbsp;&nbsp; SIR JOHN FALSTAFF: Geraint Evans, bar MISTRESS ALICE FORD: Ilva Ligabue, sop MISTRESS MEG PAGE: Rosalind Elias, mezz NANETTE: Mirella Freni, sop MISTRESS QUICKLY: Giulietta Simionato, mezz BARDOLPH: Piero de Palma, ten PISTOL: Giovanni Foiani, bass MR. FORD: Robert Merrill, bar DR. CAJUS: John Lanigan, ten FENTON: Alfredo Kraus, ten RCA Italiana Opera Ch &amp; O/Georg Solti.Total Time: 1:55:13 Decca 478 3705 &nbsp;&nbsp; Sir John Falstaff plans to acquire money by wooing two wealthy matrons, Alice Ford and Meg Page. He sends identical love letters to them. They, Alice&rsquo;s daughter, Nanette, and their friend, Mistress Quickly, decide to punish Falstaff by arranging a rendezvous between Alice and Falstaff. Bardolph and Pistol tell Mr. Ford of Falstaff's plan and he believes his wife is unfaithful. When Falstaff attempts to woo Alice, Mistress Quickly announces Meg's arrival. Falstaff hides behind a screen. When Ford arrives to search the house, the women hide Falstaff in a hamper of dirty laundry which they throw out of the window. Another meeting is arranged between Alice and Falstaff at midnight in Windsor Park. He is to dress as the antlered Black Hunter. The other women will dress as spirits. Mistress Quickly overhears Ford promise to wed his daughter Nanette to Dr. Caius that night and that she will be dressed as the Fairy Queen. However, Nanette loves Fenton. Falstaff meets Alice in the moonlit park. The spirits rush in and torment Falstaff and he begs for mercy. When the joke is over, he says it was well deserved. Ford then announces that he will marry Dr. Cajus to the Fairy Queen and a second couple asks to be married. After the weddings, he learns that Bardolph has changed into the Fairy Queen&rsquo;s costume and the second couple was Fenton and Nanette. Knowing that he was not the only one tricked, Falstaff proclaims it a good jest and everyone shares a hearty laugh. Bizet, G. In the depths of the temple, from The pearl fishers (1863). &nbsp;&nbsp; Jussi Bj&ouml;rling, ten; Robert Merrill, bar; RCA Victor SO/Renato Cellini. RCA GD 87799 [04:34] Rossini, G. Selva opaca, from William Tell (1829). &nbsp;&nbsp; Mirella Freni, sop; National PO/Riccardo Chailly. Decca 440 844-2 [09:02] Puccini, G. Che gelida manina, from La boh&egrave;me (1896). &nbsp;&nbsp; Alfredo Kraus, ten; National PO/James Levine. EMI CDC 7 49929 2 [04:59] Puccini, G. Quando m'en vo'soletta (Musetta.s Waltz song), from La boh&egrave;me (1896)La boheeeeee &nbsp;&nbsp; Amelia Farrugia, sop., BBC SO; Alexander Briger, conductor Decca 987 5237 [02:31] 
22:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by Paul Cooke With James Nightingale
Korngold, E. Excerpts from The Snowman (1908; orch. 1910 Zemlinsky). &nbsp;&nbsp; Peter Manning, vn; BBC PO/Matthias Bamert. Chandos CHAN 9631 [23:20] Messiaen, O. Regard de la Vierge; Le baiser de l'Enfant J&eacute;sus; Regard de l'esprit de joie, from Vingt regards sur l&rsquo;Enfant-J&eacute;sus (1944). &nbsp;&nbsp; Angela Hewitt, pf. Hyperion CDA67054 [27:59] Penderecki, K. Symphony no 2, Christmas (1980). &nbsp;&nbsp; Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/Krzysztof Penderecki. Dux 0897-0901 [33:25]

At the Opera  24 December 2025

AT THE OPERA
Anniversaries, Part 12
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep



Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe. Opera in one act. Libretto by Modest Tchaikovsky. First performed St Petersburg, 18 December1892.    

Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe, Part 1    
[41:10]

Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe, Part 2    
[46:23]

    KING RENÉ: Yevgeny Nestorenko, bass
IOLANTHE: Tamara Sorokina, sop
ROBERT: Yuri Mazurok, bar
EARL VODEMONT: Vladimir Atlantov, ten
Bolshoi Theatre Ch & O/Mark Ermler.Total Time: 1:27:33 
LP Melodiya C10-08343-6 

    King René’s daughter, Iolanthe, is unaware that she is blind as all around her are sworn to secrecy and no stranger is allowed into the castle. She normally lives a happy life but recently has been disturbed by a vague inexplicable desire, is sad and cries often. A famous doctor is called who says that he can cure her but Iolanthe needs to be told of her blindness and to have the desire to have sight but the king forbids it.
Two knights, Robert and Vodemont, enter the castle garden, having lost thteir way. Robert was betrothed to Iolanthe when they were children but he is seeking the king to have the bethrothal dissolved as he loves another. Vodemont comes upon the sleeping Iolanthe and is infatuated with her beauty. She wakes and his excitement evokes a response in her. As Vodemont is saying goodbye to her, he asks her to pick a red rose for him but when she offers him a white rose, he realises that she is blind. He tells her how beautiful the light is and Iolanthe listens in ecstasy. They fall in love.
The king becomes angry that the secret has been revealed but the doctor says it is now possible to cure Iolanthe. She regains her sight and everyone glorifies the light as the source of life and knowledge. 

Tchaikovsky, P. Waltz of the flowers, from The nutcracker, op 71 (1892).    Royal PO/Vladimir Ashkenazy. 
RPO RPO 8021 [07:37]

Rachmaninov, S. Vocalise, op 34 no 14 (1912).    Olga Peretyatko, sop; Ural PO/Dmitry Liss.. 
Sony 88985352232 [06:09]

Stokowski, L. Traditional Slavic Christmas music (1933).    Bournemouth SO/José Serebrier. 
Naxos 8.557645 [03:18]



22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared and presented by James Nightingale

Stravinsky, I. Ballet: Le baiser de la fée (1928/50).    Cleveland O/Oliver Knussen. 
DG 479 4650 [43:37]

Prokofiev, S. Sonata in C, op 119 (1949).    Zoe Knighton, vc; Amir Farid, pf. 
Move MD 3390 [27:40]

Gubaidulina, S. Duo sonata (1977).    Claude Delangle, sax; Damien Royannais, sax. 
BIS CD-765 [11:13]

Norgård, P. Symphony no 6, At the end of the day (1999).    Oslo PO/John Storgards. 
Dacapo 6.220645 [31:15]

AT THE OPERA Anniversaries, Part 12 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
 Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe. Opera in one act. Libretto by Modest Tchaikovsky. First performed St Petersburg, 18 December1892. &nbsp;&nbsp; Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe, Part 1 &nbsp;&nbsp; [41:10] Tchaikovsky, P. Iolanthe, Part 2 &nbsp;&nbsp; [46:23] &nbsp;&nbsp; KING REN&Eacute;: Yevgeny Nestorenko, bass IOLANTHE: Tamara Sorokina, sop ROBERT: Yuri Mazurok, bar EARL VODEMONT: Vladimir Atlantov, ten Bolshoi Theatre Ch &amp; O/Mark Ermler.Total Time: 1:27:33 LP Melodiya C10-08343-6 &nbsp;&nbsp; King Ren&eacute;&rsquo;s daughter, Iolanthe, is unaware that she is blind as all around her are sworn to secrecy and no stranger is allowed into the castle. She normally lives a happy life but recently has been disturbed by a vague inexplicable desire, is sad and cries often. A famous doctor is called who says that he can cure her but Iolanthe needs to be told of her blindness and to have the desire to have sight but the king forbids it. Two knights, Robert and Vodemont, enter the castle garden, having lost thteir way. Robert was betrothed to Iolanthe when they were children but he is seeking the king to have the bethrothal dissolved as he loves another. Vodemont comes upon the sleeping Iolanthe and is infatuated with her beauty. She wakes and his excitement evokes a response in her. As Vodemont is saying goodbye to her, he asks her to pick a red rose for him but when she offers him a white rose, he realises that she is blind. He tells her how beautiful the light is and Iolanthe listens in ecstasy. They fall in love. The king becomes angry that the secret has been revealed but the doctor says it is now possible to cure Iolanthe. She regains her sight and everyone glorifies the light as the source of life and knowledge. Tchaikovsky, P. Waltz of the flowers, from The nutcracker, op 71 (1892). &nbsp;&nbsp; Royal PO/Vladimir Ashkenazy. RPO RPO 8021 [07:37] Rachmaninov, S. Vocalise, op 34 no 14 (1912). &nbsp;&nbsp; Olga Peretyatko, sop; Ural PO/Dmitry Liss.. Sony 88985352232 [06:09] Stokowski, L. Traditional Slavic Christmas music (1933). &nbsp;&nbsp; Bournemouth SO/Jos&eacute; Serebrier. Naxos 8.557645 [03:18] 
22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared and presented by James Nightingale
Stravinsky, I. Ballet: Le baiser de la f&eacute;e (1928/50). &nbsp;&nbsp; Cleveland O/Oliver Knussen. DG 479 4650 [43:37] Prokofiev, S. Sonata in C, op 119 (1949). &nbsp;&nbsp; Zoe Knighton, vc; Amir Farid, pf. Move MD 3390 [27:40] Gubaidulina, S. Duo sonata (1977). &nbsp;&nbsp; Claude Delangle, sax; Damien Royannais, sax. BIS CD-765 [11:13] Norg&aring;rd, P. Symphony no 6, At the end of the day (1999). &nbsp;&nbsp; Oslo PO/John Storgards. Dacapo 6.220645 [31:15]

At the Opera  17 December 2025

AT THE OPERA
A re-discovered opera
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Jules Laurent



Zemlinsky, A. Görge the dreamer. Opera in two acts and epilogue. Libretto by Leo Feld after a fairytale by Richard von Volkmann and a poem by Heinrich Heine. Composed 1904-06; first performed Nuremberg, 1980.    

Zemlinsky, A. Görge the dreamer, Act I    
[57:23]

Zemlinsky, A. Görge the dreamer, Act II    
[01:02:13]

Zemlinsky, A. Görge the dreamer, Epilogue    
[27:51]

    GRETE: Iride Martinez, sop
GÖRGE: David Kuebler, ten
HANS: Andreas Schmidt, bar
PRINCESS: Susan Anthony, sop
GERTRAUD: Patricia Racette, sop
KASPER: Michael Volle, bar
Cologne School of Music Opera Ch; Gürzenich O/James Conlon. Total Time: 2:27:27 
EMI 5 57087 2 

    Görge is to inherit the village mill. The miller, wanting to maintain control of the mill, has arranged a marriage between his daughter, Grete, and Görge. Görge's obsession with books and fairy-tales makes Grete uncomfortable and, when her former sweetheart, Hans, returns from military service, she is overjoyed. Görge recounts that a beautiful princess came to him in a dream which greatly amuses Grete and Hans. While Görge is sitting on the bank of a stream, the Dream-Princess appears, inviting him to join her in a magical world of beauty and make-believe. After the dream, Görge remembers he is to be married that afternoon but decides he must pursue his dream. He flees the village just as the wedding guests begin to arrive.
Three years later, Görge is living in a different village with another woman, Gertraud. Some of the villagers suspect that Gertraud is a witch or in league with the devil. Görge himself is destitute and in a wretched state. Despite this, the villagers, led by Caspar, ask Görge to organise a peasant revolt against the landowners. They believe that Görge, the most articulate member of their community, should be their leader. Görge declines when told that he must first forsake Gertraud. Marei, who is attracted to Görge, swears revenge.
Gertraud, deciding she is a burden to Görge, prepares to leave. Görge finally realises that he loves her and asks her to be his wife. Marei leads the villagers in setting their house on fire. Görge emerges with Gertraud and, berating the mob, leads her to safety and they leave the village.
They return to Görge’s former village where he has inherited the mill. In the meantime, Grete and Hans have married. Görge establishes a school and Gertraud cares for the poor and needy. The villagers now welcome them and express their gratitude. Görge realises that his dream has been fulfilled in the idyllic life he now shares with his loving wife, Gertraud. 

Zemlinsky, A. Six songs to poems by Maurice Maeterlinck, op 13 (1913).    Violeta Urmana, mezz; Gürzenich O/James Conlon. 
EMI 5 86079 2 [21:16]



23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
With Borodin
Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Borodin, A. Petite suite (1885).    Vladimir Sofronitzky, pf. 
Brilliant Classics 9241 [18:22]

Borodin, A. Symphony no 1 in E flat (1862-67).    Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser. 
Naxos 8.550238 [32:58]

AT THE OPERA A re-discovered opera Prepared by Elaine Siversen With Jules Laurent
 Zemlinsky, A. G&ouml;rge the dreamer. Opera in two acts and epilogue. Libretto by Leo Feld after a fairytale by Richard von Volkmann and a poem by Heinrich Heine. Composed 1904-06; first performed Nuremberg, 1980. &nbsp;&nbsp; Zemlinsky, A. G&ouml;rge the dreamer, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [57:23] Zemlinsky, A. G&ouml;rge the dreamer, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:02:13] Zemlinsky, A. G&ouml;rge the dreamer, Epilogue &nbsp;&nbsp; [27:51] &nbsp;&nbsp; GRETE: Iride Martinez, sop G&Ouml;RGE: David Kuebler, ten HANS: Andreas Schmidt, bar PRINCESS: Susan Anthony, sop GERTRAUD: Patricia Racette, sop KASPER: Michael Volle, bar Cologne School of Music Opera Ch; G&uuml;rzenich O/James Conlon. Total Time: 2:27:27 EMI 5 57087 2 &nbsp;&nbsp; G&ouml;rge is to inherit the village mill. The miller, wanting to maintain control of the mill, has arranged a marriage between his daughter, Grete, and G&ouml;rge. G&ouml;rge's obsession with books and fairy-tales makes Grete uncomfortable and, when her former sweetheart, Hans, returns from military service, she is overjoyed. G&ouml;rge recounts that a beautiful princess came to him in a dream which greatly amuses Grete and Hans. While G&ouml;rge is sitting on the bank of a stream, the Dream-Princess appears, inviting him to join her in a magical world of beauty and make-believe. After the dream, G&ouml;rge remembers he is to be married that afternoon but decides he must pursue his dream. He flees the village just as the wedding guests begin to arrive. Three years later, G&ouml;rge is living in a different village with another woman, Gertraud. Some of the villagers suspect that Gertraud is a witch or in league with the devil. G&ouml;rge himself is destitute and in a wretched state. Despite this, the villagers, led by Caspar, ask G&ouml;rge to organise a peasant revolt against the landowners. They believe that G&ouml;rge, the most articulate member of their community, should be their leader. G&ouml;rge declines when told that he must first forsake Gertraud. Marei, who is attracted to G&ouml;rge, swears revenge. Gertraud, deciding she is a burden to G&ouml;rge, prepares to leave. G&ouml;rge finally realises that he loves her and asks her to be his wife. Marei leads the villagers in setting their house on fire. G&ouml;rge emerges with Gertraud and, berating the mob, leads her to safety and they leave the village. They return to G&ouml;rge&rsquo;s former village where he has inherited the mill. In the meantime, Grete and Hans have married. G&ouml;rge establishes a school and Gertraud cares for the poor and needy. The villagers now welcome them and express their gratitude. G&ouml;rge realises that his dream has been fulfilled in the idyllic life he now shares with his loving wife, Gertraud. Zemlinsky, A. Six songs to poems by Maurice Maeterlinck, op 13 (1913). &nbsp;&nbsp; Violeta Urmana, mezz; G&uuml;rzenich O/James Conlon. EMI 5 86079 2 [21:16] 
23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT With Borodin Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel
Borodin, A. Petite suite (1885). &nbsp;&nbsp; Vladimir Sofronitzky, pf. Brilliant Classics 9241 [18:22] Borodin, A. Symphony no 1 in E flat (1862-67). &nbsp;&nbsp; Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser. Naxos 8.550238 [32:58]

At the Opera  10 December 2025

AT THE OPERA
The 19th century opera, Part 12
Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald

Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de St Georges and Jean-François Bayard. First performed Paris, 1840.    

Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment, Act I    
[01:07:00]

Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment, Act II    
[40:00]

    MARIE: Joan Sutherland, sop
TONIO: Luciano Pavarotti, ten
THE MARQUISE: Monica Sinclar, mezz
Royal Opera House Ch & O/Richard Bonynge. 
Decca 478 1366 [01:47:00]

    Marie, found abandoned and reared by the 21st Regiment, has developed tomboyish manners. She loves Tonio, a young Tyrolean, who joins the regiment in order to marry her. The Marquise, shocked by her rough ways, claims to be her aunt and whisks her away to be groomed as a lady. However, Marie finds her life stifling and longs for her ‘family’, the regiment, who arrive to rescue her. The Marquise organises a grand marriage which Marie resists. When the Marquise admits she is Marie’s mother, the girl feels she must obey. Seeing the misery of Marie and Tonio, the Marquise relents and blesses their union. 

Donizetti, G. Chi mi frena in tal memento? from Lucia di Lammermoor (1835).    Joan Sutherland, soprano; Huguette Torangeau, mezzo; Luciano Pavarotti & Ryland Davies, tenors; Sherrill Milnes, baritone,; Nicolai Ghiaurov, bass; Royal Opera House Ch & O; Richard Bonynge, cond. 
Decca 478 7583 [03:41]



22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by Paul Cooke
With James Nightingale

Agnew, R. Sonata symphonique.    Larry Sitsky, pf. 
Canberra SM CSM:19 [11:25]

Martin, F. Passacaglia (1944).    London PO/Matthias Bamert. 
Chandos CHAN 9312 [12:27]

Henze, H. Fantasia for strings (1966).    Collegium Musicum Zürich/Paul Sacher. 
DG 479 1522 [15:43]

Whettam, G. Sonata: Night music (1968).    Anthony Goldstone, pf. 
Divine Art 25038 [24:49]

Edwards, R. Tyalgum mantras (1999).    Four Winds Philharmonia/Christopher Latham. 
Four Winds 001 [14:00]

Jarrell, M. ... un temps de silence ... (2007).    Emmanuel Pahud, fl; Radio France PO/Pascal Rophé. 
EMI 5 01226 2 [18:55]

Richter, M. Dream 8 (late and soon), from Sleep (2013-15).    Grace Davidson, sop; Max Richter, pf, org, synthesisers, elec; American Contemporary Music Ensemble. 
DG 479 5258 [11:53]

AT THE OPERA The 19th century opera, Part 12 Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald
Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de St Georges and Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois Bayard. First performed Paris, 1840. &nbsp;&nbsp; Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:07:00] Donizetti, G. The daughter of the regiment, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [40:00] &nbsp;&nbsp; MARIE: Joan Sutherland, sop TONIO: Luciano Pavarotti, ten THE MARQUISE: Monica Sinclar, mezz Royal Opera House Ch &amp; O/Richard Bonynge. Decca 478 1366 [01:47:00] &nbsp;&nbsp; Marie, found abandoned and reared by the 21st Regiment, has developed tomboyish manners. She loves Tonio, a young Tyrolean, who joins the regiment in order to marry her. The Marquise, shocked by her rough ways, claims to be her aunt and whisks her away to be groomed as a lady. However, Marie finds her life stifling and longs for her &lsquo;family&rsquo;, the regiment, who arrive to rescue her. The Marquise organises a grand marriage which Marie resists. When the Marquise admits she is Marie&rsquo;s mother, the girl feels she must obey. Seeing the misery of Marie and Tonio, the Marquise relents and blesses their union. Donizetti, G. Chi mi frena in tal memento? from Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). &nbsp;&nbsp; Joan Sutherland, soprano; Huguette Torangeau, mezzo; Luciano Pavarotti &amp; Ryland Davies, tenors; Sherrill Milnes, baritone,; Nicolai Ghiaurov, bass; Royal Opera House Ch &amp; O; Richard Bonynge, cond. Decca 478 7583 [03:41] 
22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by Paul Cooke With James Nightingale
Agnew, R. Sonata symphonique. &nbsp;&nbsp; Larry Sitsky, pf. Canberra SM CSM:19 [11:25] Martin, F. Passacaglia (1944). &nbsp;&nbsp; London PO/Matthias Bamert. Chandos CHAN 9312 [12:27] Henze, H. Fantasia for strings (1966). &nbsp;&nbsp; Collegium Musicum Z&uuml;rich/Paul Sacher. DG 479 1522 [15:43] Whettam, G. Sonata: Night music (1968). &nbsp;&nbsp; Anthony Goldstone, pf. Divine Art 25038 [24:49] Edwards, R. Tyalgum mantras (1999). &nbsp;&nbsp; Four Winds Philharmonia/Christopher Latham. Four Winds 001 [14:00] Jarrell, M. ... un temps de silence ... (2007). &nbsp;&nbsp; Emmanuel Pahud, fl; Radio France PO/Pascal Roph&eacute;. EMI 5 01226 2 [18:55] Richter, M. Dream 8 (late and soon), from Sleep (2013-15). &nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Davidson, sop; Max Richter, pf, org, synthesisers, elec; American Contemporary Music Ensemble. DG 479 5258 [11:53]

At the Opera  3 December 2025

AT THE OPERA
Favourites, Part 11
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep

Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Angelo Anelli. First performed Venice, 1813.    

Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers, Act I    
[01:11:30]

Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers, Act II    
[01:09:21]

    ELVIRA: Kathleen Battle, sop
MUSTAFÀ: Samuel Ramey, bass
LINDORO: Ernesto Palacio, ten
HALY: Nicola Zaccaria, bass
ISABELLA: Marilyn Horne, mezz
TADDEO: Domenico Trimarchi, bar
Prague Philharmonic Choir; I Solisti Veneti/Claudio Scimone.Total Time: 2:20:51 
Erato 2564 68335-9 

    Elvira mourns the loss of the love of her husband, Mustafa. Mustafa, the ruler of Algeria, plans to marry her to Lindoro, his Italian slave. He orders his henchman, Haly, to find him an Italian wife. An Italian ship is ship-wrecked on the coast and, on board, is Lindoro’s fiancée, Isabella, who has come to look for him. She and her travelling companion, Taddeo, are found by Haly and brought to Mustafa, who is delighted to have an Italian beauty to marry. Isabella immediately recognises Lindoro and upsets Mustafa’s plans by insisting that Lindoro should become her personal servant. Left alone, they plan to escape but are foiled when Mustafa arrives. Lindoro tells Mustafa that the reason that Isabella is delaying marrying him is because he does not belong to the noble order of the Papataci, but that he and Taddeo can initiate him. During the preparations for the ceremony, the guards are given too much to drink and the lovers escape. On realising that he has been tricked, Mustafa begs Elvira’s forgiveness. No more Italian girls for him! 

Rossini, G. Gran Dio! Deh, tu proteggi il mio prode campion ... Giusto Dio che umile adora, from Tancredi (1813).    Aleksandra Kurzak, sop; Warsaw Chamber Choir; Sinfonia Varsovia/Pier Giorgio Morandi. 
Decca 478 3553 [08:23]

Rossini, G. Notturno à due voci: La regata veneziana; La pesca, from Soirées musicales (1830-35).    Renata Scotto, sop; Bianca Casoni, cont; Giuseppe Nait, ten; Teodoro Rovetta, bass; Antonio Beltrami, pf. 
LP EMI 1C 065 99868 [08:32]

Rossini, G. La danza. Tarantella napoletana Gia la luna è in mezzo al mare, from Les soirées musicales (1830-35; arr. Sadin).    Rolando Villazón, ten; Maggio Musicale Fiorentino O/Marco Armiliato. 
DG 479 4959 [03:13]



23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
To northern Africa
Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Ibert, J. Escales (1922).    Christopher Bowman, ob; Suisse Romande O/Neeme Järvi. 
Chandos CHSA 5168 [15:03]

Prokofiev, S. Suite from Egyptian nights, op 61 (1938).    Leningrad Philharmonic SO/Gennady Rozhdestvensky. 
LP Melodiya C10-10453-4 [20:03]

Saint-Saëns, C. Suite algérienne, op 60 (1880).    Swiss-Italian O/Francis Travis. 
Chandos CHAN 9837 [19:46]

AT THE OPERA Favourites, Part 11 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Angelo Anelli. First performed Venice, 1813. &nbsp;&nbsp; Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:11:30] Rossini, G. The Italian girl in Algiers, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:09:21] &nbsp;&nbsp; ELVIRA: Kathleen Battle, sop MUSTAF&Agrave;: Samuel Ramey, bass LINDORO: Ernesto Palacio, ten HALY: Nicola Zaccaria, bass ISABELLA: Marilyn Horne, mezz TADDEO: Domenico Trimarchi, bar Prague Philharmonic Choir; I Solisti Veneti/Claudio Scimone.Total Time: 2:20:51 Erato 2564 68335-9 &nbsp;&nbsp; Elvira mourns the loss of the love of her husband, Mustafa. Mustafa, the ruler of Algeria, plans to marry her to Lindoro, his Italian slave. He orders his henchman, Haly, to find him an Italian wife. An Italian ship is ship-wrecked on the coast and, on board, is Lindoro&rsquo;s fianc&eacute;e, Isabella, who has come to look for him. She and her travelling companion, Taddeo, are found by Haly and brought to Mustafa, who is delighted to have an Italian beauty to marry. Isabella immediately recognises Lindoro and upsets Mustafa&rsquo;s plans by insisting that Lindoro should become her personal servant. Left alone, they plan to escape but are foiled when Mustafa arrives. Lindoro tells Mustafa that the reason that Isabella is delaying marrying him is because he does not belong to the noble order of the Papataci, but that he and Taddeo can initiate him. During the preparations for the ceremony, the guards are given too much to drink and the lovers escape. On realising that he has been tricked, Mustafa begs Elvira&rsquo;s forgiveness. No more Italian girls for him! Rossini, G. Gran Dio! Deh, tu proteggi il mio prode campion ... Giusto Dio che umile adora, from Tancredi (1813). &nbsp;&nbsp; Aleksandra Kurzak, sop; Warsaw Chamber Choir; Sinfonia Varsovia/Pier Giorgio Morandi. Decca 478 3553 [08:23] Rossini, G. Notturno &agrave; due voci: La regata veneziana; La pesca, from Soir&eacute;es musicales (1830-35). &nbsp;&nbsp; Renata Scotto, sop; Bianca Casoni, cont; Giuseppe Nait, ten; Teodoro Rovetta, bass; Antonio Beltrami, pf. LP EMI 1C 065 99868 [08:32] Rossini, G. La danza. Tarantella napoletana Gia la luna &egrave; in mezzo al mare, from Les soir&eacute;es musicales (1830-35; arr. Sadin). &nbsp;&nbsp; Rolando Villaz&oacute;n, ten; Maggio Musicale Fiorentino O/Marco Armiliato. DG 479 4959 [03:13] 
23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT To northern Africa Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel
Ibert, J. Escales (1922). &nbsp;&nbsp; Christopher Bowman, ob; Suisse Romande O/Neeme J&auml;rvi. Chandos CHSA 5168 [15:03] Prokofiev, S. Suite from Egyptian nights, op 61 (1938). &nbsp;&nbsp; Leningrad Philharmonic SO/Gennady Rozhdestvensky. LP Melodiya C10-10453-4 [20:03] Saint-Sa&euml;ns, C. Suite alg&eacute;rienne, op 60 (1880). &nbsp;&nbsp; Swiss-Italian O/Francis Travis. Chandos CHAN 9837 [19:46]

At the Opera  26 November 2025

AT THE OPERA
Anniversaries, Part 11
Prepared and presented by Paul Roper


Rameau, J-P. Dardanus. Opera in five acts. Libretto by Charles-Antoine Leclerc de La Bruère. First performed Paris, 1739.    

    VENUS: Mireille Delunsch, sop
CUPID, PLEASURE: Françoise Masset, sop
DARDANUS: John Mark Ainsley, ten
TEUCER: Russell Smythe, ten
IPHIS: Véronique Gens, sop
ANTÉNOR: Laurent Naouri, bar
ISMÉNOR: Jean-Philippe Courtis, bar
Les Musiciens du Louvre Ch & O/Marc Minkowski 
Archiv 476 7250 [02:35:43]

    Venus encourages the Pleasures to reign in Cupid’s palace. Jealousy and her attendants attempt to disrupt them by causing them and Cupid to fall asleep. Venus urges Jealousy to awaken them, and Cupid urges all mortals to pay him homage. They then proceed to re-enact the story of Dardanus.
Dardanus, son of Jupiter, co-founded the royal house of Troy with Teucer, King of Phrygia. They have since fallen out, and are now at war. Teucer’s daughter, Iphis, has feelings for Dardanus but is discouraged by her father. Teucer announces a military alliance with Anténor, another Trojan leader, to whom Iphis is to be given in marriage (to her dismay).
The priest-magician, Isménor, offers to help Dardanus woo Iphis, displaying his powers by causing an eclipse of the sun. He bestows on Dardanus a staff that will allow him to disguise himself as Isménor. This power is invoked and Iphis approaches the supposed Isménor, seeking help in overcoming her love for Dardanus, who sheds his disguise and pledges his reciprocal love. Embarrassed, Iphis runs away.
Dardanus has been captured. Anténor tells Iphis that this military success allows them to marry that day but Iphis rejects him. The Phrygian people’s victory celebrations are short-lived, as they learn that Neptune has despatched a sea-monster in retaliation for the mistreatment of Jupiter’s son. Anténor prepares for battle again.
Jupiter orders Venus to free Dardanus in his sleep. She summons Dreams which depict Dardanus fighting the sea-monster which, so encouraged, he proceeds to do. He also rescues Anténor, who doesn’t recognise Dardanus and presents him with a sword in gratitude. Dardanus asks Anténor to promise that Iphis can reject him as a suitor if she chooses.
In the belief that it was Anténor who killed the monster, Teucer welcomes him home triumphantly. Dardanus offers to give back Anténor’s sword but Anténor keeps his word by abandoning his wish to marry Iphis. Venus descends and reconciles the warring parties, and Cupid prepares for the marriage of Dardanus and Iphis. 

Rameau, J-P. Les niais de Sologne (1724).    Christophe Rousset, hpd. 
L'Oiseau-Lyre 425 886-2 [05:03]

Montéclair, M. de Mes yeux, eteignez dans vos larmes, from Jephté (1732).    Sophie Daneman, sop; Les Arts Florissants/William Christie. 
Harmonia Mundi HMC 901 424.25 [04:12]



23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by James Nightingale
With Nena Beretin

Higdon, J. Impressions (2003).    Cypress String Quartet. 
Naxos 8.559298 [26:50]

Mills, R. Symphony of nocturnes (2008).    Melbourne SO/Richard Mills. 
ABC 476 4217 [29:02]

AT THE OPERA Anniversaries, Part 11 Prepared and presented by Paul Roper
 Rameau, J-P. Dardanus. Opera in five acts. Libretto by Charles-Antoine Leclerc de La Bru&egrave;re. First performed Paris, 1739. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; VENUS: Mireille Delunsch, sop CUPID, PLEASURE: Fran&ccedil;oise Masset, sop DARDANUS: John Mark Ainsley, ten TEUCER: Russell Smythe, ten IPHIS: V&eacute;ronique Gens, sop ANT&Eacute;NOR: Laurent Naouri, bar ISM&Eacute;NOR: Jean-Philippe Courtis, bar Les Musiciens du Louvre Ch &amp; O/Marc Minkowski Archiv 476 7250 [02:35:43] &nbsp;&nbsp; Venus encourages the Pleasures to reign in Cupid&rsquo;s palace. Jealousy and her attendants attempt to disrupt them by causing them and Cupid to fall asleep. Venus urges Jealousy to awaken them, and Cupid urges all mortals to pay him homage. They then proceed to re-enact the story of Dardanus. Dardanus, son of Jupiter, co-founded the royal house of Troy with Teucer, King of Phrygia. They have since fallen out, and are now at war. Teucer&rsquo;s daughter, Iphis, has feelings for Dardanus but is discouraged by her father. Teucer announces a military alliance with Ant&eacute;nor, another Trojan leader, to whom Iphis is to be given in marriage (to her dismay). The priest-magician, Ism&eacute;nor, offers to help Dardanus woo Iphis, displaying his powers by causing an eclipse of the sun. He bestows on Dardanus a staff that will allow him to disguise himself as Ism&eacute;nor. This power is invoked and Iphis approaches the supposed Ism&eacute;nor, seeking help in overcoming her love for Dardanus, who sheds his disguise and pledges his reciprocal love. Embarrassed, Iphis runs away. Dardanus has been captured. Ant&eacute;nor tells Iphis that this military success allows them to marry that day but Iphis rejects him. The Phrygian people&rsquo;s victory celebrations are short-lived, as they learn that Neptune has despatched a sea-monster in retaliation for the mistreatment of Jupiter&rsquo;s son. Ant&eacute;nor prepares for battle again. Jupiter orders Venus to free Dardanus in his sleep. She summons Dreams which depict Dardanus fighting the sea-monster which, so encouraged, he proceeds to do. He also rescues Ant&eacute;nor, who doesn&rsquo;t recognise Dardanus and presents him with a sword in gratitude. Dardanus asks Ant&eacute;nor to promise that Iphis can reject him as a suitor if she chooses. In the belief that it was Ant&eacute;nor who killed the monster, Teucer welcomes him home triumphantly. Dardanus offers to give back Ant&eacute;nor&rsquo;s sword but Ant&eacute;nor keeps his word by abandoning his wish to marry Iphis. Venus descends and reconciles the warring parties, and Cupid prepares for the marriage of Dardanus and Iphis. Rameau, J-P. Les niais de Sologne (1724). &nbsp;&nbsp; Christophe Rousset, hpd. L'Oiseau-Lyre 425 886-2 [05:03] Mont&eacute;clair, M. de Mes yeux, eteignez dans vos larmes, from Jepht&eacute; (1732). &nbsp;&nbsp; Sophie Daneman, sop; Les Arts Florissants/William Christie. Harmonia Mundi HMC 901 424.25 [04:12] 
23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by James Nightingale With Nena Beretin
Higdon, J. Impressions (2003). &nbsp;&nbsp; Cypress String Quartet. Naxos 8.559298 [26:50] Mills, R. Symphony of nocturnes (2008). &nbsp;&nbsp; Melbourne SO/Richard Mills. ABC 476 4217 [29:02]

At the Opera  19 November 2025

AT THE OPERA
A Charles Mackerras celebration, Part 11
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep



Janácek, L. From the house of the dead. Opera in three acts. Libretto by the composer. First performed, Brno, 1930.    

Janácek, L. From the house of the dead, Act I    
[27:21]

Janácek, L. From the house of the dead, Act II    
[29:41]

Janácek, L. From the house of the dead, Act III    
[33:44]

    GORYANCHIKOV: Dalibor Jedlička, bass
ALYEYA: Jaroslava Janská, sop
SHISHKOV: Václav Zitek, bar
FILKA MOROZOV: Jiři Zahradnič, ten
Vienna State Opera Ch & O/Charles Mackerras.Total Time: 1:30:48 
Decca 430 375-2 

    A political prisoner, the nobleman Alexander Petrovich Goryanchikov, arrives at a Siberian prison camp and is interrogated by the Commandant who orders him to be flogged. Meanwhile, the prisoners have found an eagle with a broken wing and begin to tease it. They admire its defiance and decide to look after it. As various prisoners relate the crimes that have brought them to Siberia, Goryantchikov is dragged in, near death, after his flogging.
A year has passed and Goryanchikov has befriended a young Tartar boy, Alyeya, and has taught him to read and write. A prisoner, resentful of Goryanchikov having the means to buy tea, attacks him but Alyeya gets injured during the scuffle. In the prison hospital, Shiska tells Luka, who is dying from tuberculosis, the story of the girl whom he had married, who was rumoured to have been dishonoured by Filka. When Shiskov discovered she still loved Filka, he killed her. When Luka dies, Shishkov recognises him as Filka. The Commandant informs Goryanchikov that he has been pardoned and apologises for the flogging. As Goryanchikov is freed, the prisoners release the eagle whose wing has now fully healed. The guard orders them back to work. 

Dvorák, A. Song to the moon, from Rusalka (1901).    Renée Fleming, sop; Czech PO/Charles Mackerras. 
ABC 480 5629 [05:45]

Nathan, I. Finale: Hail to the star that in glory appears, from Don John of Austria (1847; arr. Mackerras).    Cheryl Barker, sop; Sally-Anne Russell, mezz; Steve Davislim, ten; Grant Doyle, bar; Paul Whelan, bass; Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers; Sydney SO/Alexander Briger. 
ABC 476 4114 [08:49]



22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by James Nightingale
With Nena Beretin

Smyth, E. Serenade in D (1890).    BBC PO/Odaline de la Martinez. 
Chandos CHAN 9449 [35:28]

Boulanger, L. D’un soir triste (1917).    BBC PO/Yan Pascal Tortelier. 
Chandos CHAN 9745 [10:37]

Britten, B. Night piece, notturno (1963).    Stephen Hough, pf. 
Virgin VC 7 91203 2 [05:22]

Broadstock, B. In the silence of the night.    Linda Kouvaras, pf. 
Move MCD 042 [09:31]

Tailleferre, G. Sonata (1957).    Isabelle Moretti, hp. 
Harmonia Mundi 7905184 [08:57]

Saariaho, K. Vent nocturne, I and II.    Garth Knox, va. 
ECM New Series 476 4501 [12:47]

Isaacs, M. Nocturne (2005).    Simon Tedeschi, pf. 
ABC 481 0960 [03:26]

Hosokawa, T. Lotus under the moonlight (2006).    Momo Kodama, pf; Mito CO/Seiji Ozawa. 
ECM 4855413 [22:46]

AT THE OPERA A Charles Mackerras celebration, Part 11 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
 Jan&aacute;cek, L. From the house of the dead. Opera in three acts. Libretto by the composer. First performed, Brno, 1930. &nbsp;&nbsp; Jan&aacute;cek, L. From the house of the dead, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [27:21] Jan&aacute;cek, L. From the house of the dead, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [29:41] Jan&aacute;cek, L. From the house of the dead, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [33:44] &nbsp;&nbsp; GORYANCHIKOV: Dalibor Jedlička, bass ALYEYA: Jaroslava Jansk&aacute;, sop SHISHKOV: V&aacute;clav Zitek, bar FILKA MOROZOV: Jiři Zahradnič, ten Vienna State Opera Ch &amp; O/Charles Mackerras.Total Time: 1:30:48 Decca 430 375-2 &nbsp;&nbsp; A political prisoner, the nobleman Alexander Petrovich Goryanchikov, arrives at a Siberian prison camp and is interrogated by the Commandant who orders him to be flogged. Meanwhile, the prisoners have found an eagle with a broken wing and begin to tease it. They admire its defiance and decide to look after it. As various prisoners relate the crimes that have brought them to Siberia, Goryantchikov is dragged in, near death, after his flogging. A year has passed and Goryanchikov has befriended a young Tartar boy, Alyeya, and has taught him to read and write. A prisoner, resentful of Goryanchikov having the means to buy tea, attacks him but Alyeya gets injured during the scuffle. In the prison hospital, Shiska tells Luka, who is dying from tuberculosis, the story of the girl whom he had married, who was rumoured to have been dishonoured by Filka. When Shiskov discovered she still loved Filka, he killed her. When Luka dies, Shishkov recognises him as Filka. The Commandant informs Goryanchikov that he has been pardoned and apologises for the flogging. As Goryanchikov is freed, the prisoners release the eagle whose wing has now fully healed. The guard orders them back to work. Dvor&aacute;k, A. Song to the moon, from Rusalka (1901). &nbsp;&nbsp; Ren&eacute;e Fleming, sop; Czech PO/Charles Mackerras. ABC 480 5629 [05:45] Nathan, I. Finale: Hail to the star that in glory appears, from Don John of Austria (1847; arr. Mackerras). &nbsp;&nbsp; Cheryl Barker, sop; Sally-Anne Russell, mezz; Steve Davislim, ten; Grant Doyle, bar; Paul Whelan, bass; Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers; Sydney SO/Alexander Briger. ABC 476 4114 [08:49] 
22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by James Nightingale With Nena Beretin
Smyth, E. Serenade in D (1890). &nbsp;&nbsp; BBC PO/Odaline de la Martinez. Chandos CHAN 9449 [35:28] Boulanger, L. D&rsquo;un soir triste (1917). &nbsp;&nbsp; BBC PO/Yan Pascal Tortelier. Chandos CHAN 9745 [10:37] Britten, B. Night piece, notturno (1963). &nbsp;&nbsp; Stephen Hough, pf. Virgin VC 7 91203 2 [05:22] Broadstock, B. In the silence of the night. &nbsp;&nbsp; Linda Kouvaras, pf. Move MCD 042 [09:31] Tailleferre, G. Sonata (1957). &nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle Moretti, hp. Harmonia Mundi 7905184 [08:57] Saariaho, K. Vent nocturne, I and II. &nbsp;&nbsp; Garth Knox, va. ECM New Series 476 4501 [12:47] Isaacs, M. Nocturne (2005). &nbsp;&nbsp; Simon Tedeschi, pf. ABC 481 0960 [03:26] Hosokawa, T. Lotus under the moonlight (2006). &nbsp;&nbsp; Momo Kodama, pf; Mito CO/Seiji Ozawa. ECM 4855413 [22:46]

At the Opera  12 November 2025

AT THE OPERA
The 19th century opera, Part 11
Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald

Verdi, G. Luisa Miller. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Salvadore Cammorano after Schiller's play, Intrigue and love. First performed Naples, 1849.    

Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act I    
[55:53]

Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act II    
[39:07]

Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act III    
[36:10]

    Rodolfo: Carlo Bergonzi, ten
Count Walter: Giorgio Tozzi, bass
Luisa: Anna Moffo, sop
Federica: Shirley Verrett, mezz
Miller: Cornell MacNeil, bar
Wurm: Ezio Flagello, bass
RCA Italiana Opera Ch & O/Fausto Cleva.Total Time: 2:11:10 
RCA GD86646(2) 

    Rodolfo, son of Count Walter, shares a deep love with Luisa Miller, daughter of an old soldier. The Count wants Rodolfo to marry his cousin, Federica, but Rodolfo refuses, revealing that he knows a terrible secret about the Count’s past. The furious Count imprisons Miller, and his aide, Wurm, forces Luisa to write to Rodolfo saying she loves another. Rodolfo confronts Luisa, who admits writing the letter. Rodolfo poisons both himself and Luisa. Dying, Luisa tells him how Wurm forced her to write the letter. Miller, Count Walter and Wurm arrive and Rodolfo summons his last strength to kill Wurm before he falls dead beside Luisa. 

Verdi, G. Pietoso al lungo pianto, from A king for a day (1840).    Carlo Bergonzi, ten; New Philharmonia O/Nello Santi. 
LP Philips 6747 193 [02:15]

Verdi, G. Tacea la notte placida, from Il trovatore    Nicole Car, sop; Australian Opera & Ballet O; Andrea Molino, cond. 
ABC 481 2371 [05:10]

Verdi, G. Tacea la notte placida, from Il trovatore    Nicole Car, sop; Australian Opera & Ballet O; Andrea Molino, cond. 
ABC 481 2371 [05:10]



22:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by Paul Cooke
With Nena Beretin

Anderson, Julian. The crazed moon (1997).    BBC SO/Oliver Knussen. 
Ondine ODE 1012-2 [13:27]

Guastavino, C. Sonata (1970).    Michael Collins, cl; Michael McHale, pf. 
Chandos CHAN 10901 [17:03]

Meyer, E. Quintet (1995).    Edgar Meyer, db; Emerson String Quartet. 
DG 474 321-2 [26:44]

Skalkottas, N. Largo sinfonico (1944).    Malmö SO/Nikos Christadoulou. 
BIS BIS-CD-300904 [26:45]

AT THE OPERA The 19th century opera, Part 11 Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald
Verdi, G. Luisa Miller. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Salvadore Cammorano after Schiller's play, Intrigue and love. First performed Naples, 1849. &nbsp;&nbsp; Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [55:53] Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [39:07] Verdi, G. Luisa Miller, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [36:10] &nbsp;&nbsp; Rodolfo: Carlo Bergonzi, ten Count Walter: Giorgio Tozzi, bass Luisa: Anna Moffo, sop Federica: Shirley Verrett, mezz Miller: Cornell MacNeil, bar Wurm: Ezio Flagello, bass RCA Italiana Opera Ch &amp; O/Fausto Cleva.Total Time: 2:11:10 RCA GD86646(2) &nbsp;&nbsp; Rodolfo, son of Count Walter, shares a deep love with Luisa Miller, daughter of an old soldier. The Count wants Rodolfo to marry his cousin, Federica, but Rodolfo refuses, revealing that he knows a terrible secret about the Count&rsquo;s past. The furious Count imprisons Miller, and his aide, Wurm, forces Luisa to write to Rodolfo saying she loves another. Rodolfo confronts Luisa, who admits writing the letter. Rodolfo poisons both himself and Luisa. Dying, Luisa tells him how Wurm forced her to write the letter. Miller, Count Walter and Wurm arrive and Rodolfo summons his last strength to kill Wurm before he falls dead beside Luisa. Verdi, G. Pietoso al lungo pianto, from A king for a day (1840). &nbsp;&nbsp; Carlo Bergonzi, ten; New Philharmonia O/Nello Santi. LP Philips 6747 193 [02:15] Verdi, G. Tacea la notte placida, from Il trovatore &nbsp;&nbsp; Nicole Car, sop; Australian Opera &amp; Ballet O; Andrea Molino, cond. ABC 481 2371 [05:10] Verdi, G. Tacea la notte placida, from Il trovatore &nbsp;&nbsp; Nicole Car, sop; Australian Opera &amp; Ballet O; Andrea Molino, cond. ABC 481 2371 [05:10] 
22:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by Paul Cooke With Nena Beretin
Anderson, Julian. The crazed moon (1997). &nbsp;&nbsp; BBC SO/Oliver Knussen. Ondine ODE 1012-2 [13:27] Guastavino, C. Sonata (1970). &nbsp;&nbsp; Michael Collins, cl; Michael McHale, pf. Chandos CHAN 10901 [17:03] Meyer, E. Quintet (1995). &nbsp;&nbsp; Edgar Meyer, db; Emerson String Quartet. DG 474 321-2 [26:44] Skalkottas, N. Largo sinfonico (1944). &nbsp;&nbsp; Malm&ouml; SO/Nikos Christadoulou. BIS BIS-CD-300904 [26:45]

At the Opera  5 November 2025

A tradition of 40 years and more, At the Opera brings you favourite and lesser-known operas, in full.

A tradition of 40 years and more, At the Opera brings you favourite and lesser-known operas, in full.

At the Opera

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

164 clip(s)