There was no doubting Sutherland’s vocal ability, but it was the synergy of her talent, the role of Lucia and the quality of the production that created pure alchemy.
Since then, Lucia has become a much coveted and challenging role, even for the world’s best sopranos. The story of a fragile woman tricked by her brother into marrying a wealthy man to secure her family’s future, Lucia demands a performer with superior technique, stamina and acting chops in equal measure to portray the enactment of her revenge in one of the most famous ‘mad scenes’ in opera.
In 1980, director John Copley created a new production of Lucia di Lammermoor, almost made to measure for Joan Sutherland who was by then known all over the world. Over 40 years later, State Opera South Australia is bringing that production back on stage with another Australian soprano, Emma Pearson, starring in the title role.
Pearson’s love affair with Lucia started in 2012 at Germany’s Staatstheater Wiesbaden, and continued with more productions across Australia and New Zealand, receiving rave reviews every time for her performance. “It was my dream role” says Pearson “and thanks to Lucia, I achieved so much in my career… she opened a few doors for me”. Being a part of a production steeped in history and prestige, as well as stepping into a role so inextricably tied to an Australian operatic legend, is both an honour and a responsibility: “Dame Joan Sutherland’s inspiring presence is woven into the costumes and set… Every performance is a great tribute to her incredible legacy.”
Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece has all the ingredients needed for a quintessential tragic opera: feuding families, ill-fated lovers, betrayal, murder and madness, sprinkled with stratospheric vocal highs, grand epic staging, and a glorious score.
Lucia di Lammermoor
8th – 16th of November, 2024
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
Image credit: James Rogers, courtesy of West Australian Opera (2017)
