2005, Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana

The main "oratorio" for 2005 was the one-act opera Cavalleria Rusticana. For the performance with the Preston Symphony Orchestra we also sang the last part of Rimsky-Korsakov's Christmas Eve Suite.

Poster advertising our two performances, the second with Preston Symphony Orchestra.

Poster advertising our two performances, the second with Preston Symphony Orchestra.

Soloists for the one-act opera Cavalleria Rusticana were Raymond Khong, Carmela de Lossino, Giselle Baulch, Kim Kocijan and Derek Welton. Giselle and Derek had competed in the Herald Sun Aria final the year before. Alexandra Oke and Lucio Coceani were offered understudy roles. This was to be prepared by 21-year-old Melba Conservatorium student Boyd Owen, but it was September before he was available. He had been a student conductor for the popular Opera in the Alps program and impressed some of our members.

These history notes have been kindly provided by our long-term artistic director and co-founder, Graham Ford.

Oratorios, 2000'sSteve Wilkie2005, Mascagni