Dominica Matthews

Starring the exquisite coloratura soprano Emma Matthews as the innocent girl priestess Lakmé, and superb tenor Aldo Di Toro as the love-struck Gerald, the story tackles religion and cross-cultural love against a backdrop of British rule in India in the mid-19th century. French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak brings out the full depth of the lush, dramatic score, with familiar high points being the beautiful renditions of the well-known Flower duet and Bell Song. Dominica Matthews adds her rich voice as Mallika and Stephen Bennett is darkly dominating as Brahmin priest Nilakantha, Lakmés father, while Roxane Hislop is a consumate Mistress Bentson. Set and costume designs by Mark Thompson fill the stage with rich colour, atmosphere and exoticism, complemented by Nigel Levings warm lighting. This restudied production, originally conceived by Adam Cook, is skilfully directed by Roger Hodgman.

The 2011 recording of Gilbert & Sullivan's Opera

Opera Australia's 2011 rendition of the Gilbert and Sullivan opera "The Mikado". Filmed live with high definition cameras over two nights, on 24-25 May at The Arts Center in Melbourne. The film had a week long limited release in Australian cinemas in August 2011, and was released on DVD and Blu-Ray a few months later. The film was also screened on ABC television in 2012.