Artaserse

With its dedication to unearthing rarely heard Baroque musical treasures, Pinchgut Opera is one of the unsung heroes of Australia’s classical scene. This month, the company has outdone itself, presenting four-time Grammy-nominated mezzo soprano Vivica Genaux in Hasse’s 1730 opera Artaserse, the first time the work has been performed in Australia. Described as “more like a psychological thriller than a historical drama”, Genaux plays Mandane, whose lover Arbace is accused of murdering her father to ascend to the throne. She’s joined by Pinchgut favourite David Hansen as Arbace, and countertenor Carlo Vistoli as the villainous Artabano, under Helpmann Award-winning conductor Erin Helyard (Theodora).