Following its critically acclaimed debut with Nordic Noir in March, passionate company of volunteers and theatre music and opera veterans, Endangered Productions is upping the ante with a spectacular double bill: Bach’s hilarious Coffee Cantata and Mozart’s uber-romantic Bastien & Bastienna.
The cheeky double bill showcases the wit and wisdom of two great maestros with these rarely performed gems where – significantly - strong, young women are taking control of the men in their lives!
A talented chamber ensemble accompanies a cast of exceptional soloists with new translations and entertaining, intimate staging assuring fun for audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Bastien & Bastienna is a singspiel written in 1768 when Mozart was only twelve years old. It was commissioned by the Viennese physician, 'magnetist' and hypnotherapist, Anton Mesmer and was first performed in his palatial home. This new English translation has been crafted to maximise the effect of Mozart’s gentle humour, a touching nod to human frailty and surprisingly wise observations of affairs of the heart. Extraordinary qualities for one so young.
Coffee Cantata was written by Bach in 1734 Bach about the temptation and power of coffee – a growing fad in Leipzig. It was written for a musical ensemble called The Collegium Musicum who performed in Zimmerman’s coffee house in Leipzig where this work premiered. The coffee houses in Bach’s Leipzig were not suitable for young women – in fact women were often banned in the 18th Century. The setting has been contemporised and there is a new translation. The only tweaking of the original German lyrics was to add an occasional ‘espresso martini’. Bach’s depiction of this rebellious daughter will be very familiar three centuries later! An irate father admonishes his coffee-addicted daughter and tries to forbid her going to the local bar. Who will win?
Directed by Christine Logan, with musical direction by Peter Alexander and design by Sandy Gray, Double Trouble features soprano Northern Sydney’s Lesley Braithwaite, Canberra tenor Damien Hall and bass baritone Ed Suttle from Goulburn. Pianist and vocal coach is Steve Walter.
A major feature of the performances is the unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the heritage Barnet Long Room in Custom’s House where the four performances take place.
Endangered’s recent production of ‘Nordic Noir’ was critically acclaimed and loved by large and enthusiastic audiences.
And - just as satisfying - there are many stories from all the team (both professional and volunteers) that have reinforced how inspiring and successful this concept of age and ability inclusion can be! The company has also performed a number of regional fundraisers, most recently to benefit the fire and flood devastated towns of Bobin and Taree.
Double Trouble: Mozart & Bach at Play
Bastien & Bastienna with The Coffee Cantata
Barnet Long Room, Customs House 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay
Friday 18 June 7pm | Sat 19 June 2pm & 7pm | Sun 20 June 2pm
www.trybooking.com/BRMLQ
