Heads up, Christchurch opera lovers – with only one visit from NZ Opera to look forward to in 2024, you’ll want to make sure you get tickets!

Coming in June to the Isaac Theatre Royal is a brand-new touring production of Rossini’s frothy, rollicking bel canto masterpiece Le comte Ory, directed by Kiwi director Simon Phillips.

The opera showcases some of Rossini's most exhilarating music. The all-star cast includes award-winning lyric tenor Manase Latu (Hamlet, Don Giovanni, Idomeno) in the titular role, sparkling soprano Emma Pearson (Cosi fan tutte, Semele, Lucia di Lammermoor) as Countess Adèle, and baritone Moses Mackay (Lucia di Lammermoor, Cavalleria Rusticana, Sol3 Mio) as the Count’s louche friend Raimbaud. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Opera Chorus will perform under the baton of conductor Brad Cohen.

Internationally acclaimed Kiwi director Simon Phillips (North by Northwest, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Elixir of Love) brings a local twist to this lively and risqué French comedy, offering a fresh take on its sublime silliness.

Le comte Ory, Isaac Theatre Royal, 27 – 29 June 2024. With the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Opera Chorus

nzopera.com