West Australian Opera: Verdi's Otello

Antonello Palombi - Otello

In little over a month the West Australian Opera will be presenting Verdi's mature masterpiece Otello, in the state for the first time.  The production is a joint one between themselves, Cape Town Opera, New Zealand Opera, Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and Victorian Opera and has been touring since it's premiere in Cape Town earlier last year.

Perth audiences have a brilliant cast, headed by Antonello Palombi as Otello and Cheryl Barker as Desdemona.  Iago is James Clayton and Emilia will be played by Fiona Campbell.

Since I've been familiar with the work of all soloists except Palombi for a long time, it was a lucky coincidence that last night I got to view a live stream of him in the role from Teatro Carlo Felice, Genova.

He was thrilling in every aspect of his performance.  I can't wait to see him perform live in a role that suits him very well.  Have a look at the clip below, from Teatro Verdi di Pisa, not sure on the date.  It will give people who have tickets for the performances here in Perth a taste of the consistently high standard of talent our local company can draw to perform aside the incredibly rich pool of Australian Talent with which to choose from, Barker, Clayton and Campbell among the most sought after, and for good reason.

Your mind will be well made up after hearing this.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and get your tickets for this exciting Perth International Arts Festival event.