Programme 1966 – Tosca

Tosca

Passionate – Powerful

Presented by:

Hawke’s Bay Opera

HASTINGS MUNICIPAL THEATRE
July 27, 30 and August 1, 4, 1996

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THE
HASTINGS BUILDING SOCIETY
SINCE 1885
A knight to remember …
The Hastings Building Society has been a proud sponsor of the Hawke’s Bay Opera Trust ever since their first production of La Traviata back in 1986.
Like the Hawke’s Bay Opera Trust, the Hastings Building Society has a well established reputation – investing locally in Hastings for over 110 years.
That’s worth remembering.
Tonight though, we’re here to appreciate the talents of our local performers and wish the Hawke’s Bay Opera Trust all the best for their sixth production of Puccini’s stirring opera, Tosca.
EST.
1885

Page 3

1996   Hawke’s Bay Opera
P.O. Box 803, Hastings

PATRON
Patrick Power, B.A. Dip Mus. (Hons)

CHAIRMAN
John Kelly

ADMINISTRATOR
Naomi Baker

TREASURER
Elizabeth Carr

TRUSTEES
Maxine Andersen
Sam Browne
Rosalind Elliott
Len Evans
Bernard Flack
Beverley Heard
Peter Mackie
Libby Smales
Susan Wylie
Philippa Yorke

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Welcome to the 1996 season of “Tosca”

“Tosca” is an exciting and technically ambitious opera.  Hawke’s Bay is fortunate to be able to bring together performers of international repute and a talented production team.  You will enjoy the largest orchestra that we have used in the Municipal Theatre pit, which will add to the richness of the music.

I would like to thank the Trustees whose vision, dedication and months of hard work have really brought “Tosca” together.

Another vital part of the preparation of “Tosca” has been the involvement of our sponsors.  The contribution of local and national companies, many of which have supported us before, is immense.

On this occasion I would like especially to honour Naomi Baker, a founder of Hawke’s Bay Opera and the previous chairperson.  Her vision and energy has created a stage for opera in the region and, nine and a half years later Hawke’s Bay Opera is an established part of the New Zealand opera scene.  Her contribution to the ongoing success of Hawke’s Bay Opera is very special.

We hope you enjoy “Tosca” with its wonderful music and dramatic presence.

John Kelly
Chairperson

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Turbulent
TOSCA
is brought to you
by Hawke’s Bay Opera with the help of
ECNZ, proud supporter of the arts in New Zealand.   ECNZ

Page 5

Hawke’s Bay Opera gratefully acknowledges

THE
HASTINGS
PERMANENT BUILDING & INVESTMENT

Foundation Sponsor

THE MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE TOSCA SEASON

Eastern Equities Corporation Limited
and Mobil Oil NZ Ltd

Major Sponsor

ECNZ

SPONSORS

Brierley Investments Ltd
Central Regional Arts Council

PLATINUM PATRONS
Mrs Christina Robertson-Foley
Mrs Thelma Smith
Dent Robertson & Partners

GOLD PATRONS
Mr and Mrs James Williams

SILVER PATRONS
Mr and Mrs C.W.H. Alexander
Mrs A.J. Bailey & Mr J. Hawtin
Mr and Mrs Hugh Baird
Coffey, Davidson & Partners
Fiona and Les Dunn
Dr and Mrs Michael Hewitt
Mr B.B. Higgins
Felicity and Fenton Kelly
I.M.S. Ltd
Dr and Mrs Kevin Marriott
Mr and Mrs Murray McKearney
Mr and Mrs J.H. Nash
Jean and George Newdick
Mr and Mrs Sam Orton
Lady Pettigrew
Kennedy Rd Physiotherapy
Len and Judy Potts
Dan and Raewyn Ricketts
Mr Ron Shakespeare
Drs O. and E. Smales
Don and Mary Stewart
Terry Longley & Son
Mr and Mrs Guy Wellwood
Anonymous

BRONZE PATRONS
Mr and Mrs Peter Baillie
Mr and Mrs Roger Bate

Mrs D. Charlton Jones
Dr and Mrs David Davidson
Mrs Fay Hanna
Sir Richard and Lady Harrison
Kate Holden
Horizon Advertising
Mr and Mrs J.F. Kelly
Mr and Mrs R. Marsdon
Craig and Ann Morgan
Mr and Mrs Marcus Poole
Mr and Mrs B.A. Ralph
St Andrew’s Cidery
Mr and Mrs J.A. Scotland
Mr and Mrs R.H. Seymour
Mrs B. Tyler
Mrs M. Van Asch

Page 6

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini

SYNOPSIS

Based on the play La Tosca by Victorien Sardou – Libretto by Guiseppe Giascosa and Luigi Illica Rome, June 1880, at the time of the invasion of Italy by the French Republican Government.

ACT 1

Morning.  The church of Sant’ Andrea della Valle.  The entrance to the Attavanti Chapel is visible, also an unfinished painting of Mary Magdalene.

Angelotti in prison garb enters muttering that his sister has hidden a key for him.  He finds it, unlocks the gate of the chapel and enters.

The Sacristan appears, notices that the artist, Cavaradossi is not at work and that his food basket is untouched.  The Angelus sounds and the Sacristan kneels to pray.

Cavaradossi enters and unveils his portrait.  The Sacristan recognises the blue eyes and blonde hair as belonging to a young woman who has been praying in the church.  Cavaradossi begins work but pauses and looks at a miniature of his beloved, the singer Floria Tosca, and sings about contrasting beauty – Tosca is dark with black eyes.

Angelotti who has escaped from prison, emerges and greets Cavaradossi as an old friend. Cavaradossi salutes him as “Angelotti, the Consul of the destroyed Roman Republic”, and offers help.

Tosca arrives so Cavaradossi pushes Angelotti into the chapel with the food basket.  Tosca suspects Cavaradossi of entertaining another woman.  He convinces her she is mistaken.  They plan to meet that evening after her performance and go to his country villa.  Tosca complains the painting is too beautiful and recognises the face of the Marchesa Attavanti.  Jealously she instructs Cavaradossi to paint the Magdalene’s eyes black like her own.

Angellotti reappears and reveals that the Marchesa Attavanti is his sister and that she has hidden clothes for his escape.

They speak with loathing of the bullying Baron Scarpia, chief of the Roman Police.  Cavaradossi gives Angelotti the key to his villa telling him to hide there.

A canon is heard, signalling a prisoner has escaped.  The two men rush off.

The Sacristan, priests and choirboys arrive.  The Sacristan tells them of Napoleon’s defeat in battle.

Scarpia, Spoletta and police agents enter to search the building.  Scarpia questions the Sacristan about a prisoner of state finding refuge in the church.  In the chapel Scarpia finds a fan bearing the Attavanti crest and recognises the portrait as the Marchesa.

The Sacristan tells Scarpia the artist is Cavaradossi.  He is surprised at the empty food basket.  Scarpia realises that Cavaradossi has helped Angelotti escape.

Tosca returns and Scarpia, using the Marchesa’s fan, incites in her a jealous fury.  He orders his men to follow her as she rushes to Cavaradossi’s villa.

INTERVAL – 20 MINUTES.

ACT II

The same evening in Scarpia’s apartment in the Palazzo Farnese.

Scarpia sends Sciarrone to summon Tosca to him, after her performance for the guests of the Queen of Naples.  Spoletta reports that Tosca was followed to the villa and Mario Cavaradossi apprehended.

Interrogated, Cavaradossi denies knowledge of Angelotti.  Tosca is heard singing in a Cantata and soon rushes in and embraces Cavaradossi.  He warns her not to speak of whom she has seen at his villa.  Cavaradossi is led off to the torture chamber.

Scarpia interrogates a defiant Tosca.  Mario’s cries weaken her resolve when Spoletta opens the torture chamber door.  She finally tells Scarpia of Angelotti’s hiding place and begs Scarpia to save Cavaradossi.  Scarpia’s price is Tosca herself.  She sinks to her knees in prayer.

Spoletta reports that Angelotti has taken his own life and all is ready for Cavaradossi’s execution.

Tosca agrees to Scarpia’s bargain, but Scarpia explains there must be a mock execution – “as with Count Palmierei”, he instructs Spoletta.

Tosca demands a safe conduct pass from Scarpia, for herself and Cavaradossi.  When Scarpia advances towards her, Tosca picks up a knife and stabs him in the heart.  She finds the pass, places a crucifix on Scarpia and departs in haste.

INTERVAL – 15 MINUTES

ACT III

Before dawn at the prison of the Castle Sant’ Angelo.

Cavaradossi is led to the platform where he asks to write a note to his beloved.  He gives the gaoler a ring in return for delivery of the note.  He is overwhelmed by memories and the realisation of his impending death.

Tosca arrives and shows Mario their safe conduct pass and tells of Scarpia’s death.  She tells Mario to play his part well in the mock execution.  The firing squad fire at Cavaradossi who falls realistically.  Tosca rushes to her beloved but finds her hands covered in blood – the execution was indeed “just like Palmieri’s”.

Scarpia’s body has been found.  Sciarrone and Spoletta are coming with soldiers.  Spoletta cries “Tosca you shall pay dearly for his life”.  Tosca answers “with my own” and with a cry of “Oh Scarpia, we shall meet before God”, flings herself from the parapet.

Page 7

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Page 8

MARGARET MEDLYN   Floria Tosca
English born, Margaret Medlyn emigrated to New Zealand as a child.  She graduated with a B.Mus in singing from Auckland University, winning the Marie d’Albini Prize and the Pears/Britten Scholarship.  She then returned to London to work with David Harper, making her operatic debut with London’s Opera ‘Viva’ and touring with Kent Opera.  Resident in Wellington she has established herself as the country’s top mezzo through consistently highly acclaimed performances in opera, oratorio, and recitals, with leading opera companies, choirs, and the N.Z.S.O.  She is a recording artist for Radio New Zealand.  Overseas engagements have seen her travel to the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia where she sang the role of Azucena in Victoria State Opera’s acclaimed production of ‘Il Travatore’.  Margaret has appeared regularly at the International Festival of the Arts in ‘Die Meistersiger’, ‘Salome’ and this year she sang Varvara in Janacek’s ‘Kat’ya Kabnova’.  Other performances include a televised ‘Last Night at the Proms’ with N.Z.S.O. and Stravinsky’s ‘Les Noces’.

PATRICK POWER   Cavaradossi
Patrick Power grew up in Dannevirke, gained his BA in music at Otago University and an honours degree in singing performance from Auckland.  He studied Italian in Italy and spent three years as principal lyric tenor for the Norwegian Opera.  He made his Covent Garden debut in 1983 as The Simpleton in ‘Boris Godunov’, followed by Britten’s ‘Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and ‘Strings’ for the Royal Ballet.  Since then he has sung in the major opera houses throughout the world in roles which include; Alfredo in ‘La Traviata’, Almaviva in ‘The Barber of Seville’, Fenton in ‘Falstaff’, Tamino in ‘The Magic Flute’, and Nadir in ‘The Pearl Fishers’.  Patrick was chosen by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to sing opposite her in ‘La Boheme’ for her Aotea Centre debut.  He continues to be in demand by leading opera companies and comes straight to us from the role of the Duke of Mantua in Wellington City Opera’s ‘Rigoletto’.  Patrick is the Patron of Hawke’s Bay Opera.

IOSEFA ENARI   Baron Scarpia
Iosefa was runner-up in the North Shore and Rotorua Aria finals in 1985.  In 1987 Iosefa won the New Zealand Herald Aria Competition and was a semi-finalist in the Mobil Song Quest.  In that year he played Papageno in ‘The Magic Flute’ for Perkel Opera for whom he has also played Germont in ‘La Traviata’.  He has performed roles in ‘Madame Butterfly’, ‘Turandot,’ ‘The Barber of Seville’, and ‘Porgy and Bess’ for Mercury Opera.  As a keen oratorio soloist and he has performed in ‘The Messiah’, ‘Elijah’, and ‘St Matthew’s Passion’.  He played the role of Escamillo in Hawke’s Bay Opera’s production of ‘Carmen’.  In 1993 Iosefa was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to study vocal technique at the Longy School of Music in Boston USA.

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SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
Mike Boyce, Secretary/Manager, Hastings Building Society.
“The Society’s association with Hawke’s Bay Opera commenced with La Traviata in 1986 and has proudly continued in each of the five subsequent productions”.
Opera is just one of the may [many] community organisations that have benefited from the Society’s sponsorship.
The Society now administers assets in excess of $50 million and with its local focus and directorship is a unique asset to the Hawke’s Bay community.
THE
HASTINGS
PERMANENT BUILDING & INVESTMENT SOCIETY
P.O. Box 10, 105 Market Street North, Hastings.  Ph: (06) 878 9792  Fax: (06) 878-9631.

Page 9

Count Angelotti and Sciassone   JOSEPH CHRISTENSEN
Joseph studied singing at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, with Donald Smith O.B.E.  He gained a Diploma of Music and a post graduate Diploma in Opera Performance.  He performed the roles of Sir John Falstaff in the Australian premier of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, Melisso in ‘Alcina’ John Claggart in ‘Billy Budd’ and Betto in ‘Gianni Schichi’.  He was a soloist with Brisbane Chorale and the Brisbane Bach Choir.  Joseph understudied Sir Donald McIntyre in the title role of ‘The Flying Dutchman’ for Auckland Opera.  Since his return he has played Count Almaviva in Hawke’s Bay Opera’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, Guiseppe in Hastings Operatic Society’s ‘The Gondoliers’ and is a Choral Society soloist.  In 1995 Joseph taught for the E.I.T. Vocal Performance Course, and now teaches privately.

A Sacristan and Tailer  DONALD EDWARDS
Baritone, Donald Edwards won the New Zealand Opera Society’s Moyra Todd Scholarship in 1988.  He majored in political science at Victoria University, but decided to make music his career and studied for a Bachelor of Music majoring in performance for voice under the tuition of Emily Mair.  He has sung in numerous concerts as soloist and with choral and operatic groups throughout Wellington.  In 1990 he sang the role of Schaunard in ‘La Boheme’ and in 1994 understudied the role of Count Almaviva in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera.

Doctor Bartolo   HAMISH MORRISON
Hamish studied in England with David Harper and Rudolf Piernay, performing in operas including ‘Falstaff’, ‘Marriage of Figaro’, ‘Magic Flute’ and in the New Zealand 1990 opera gala at covent garden.  Appearances since returning to N.Z. include the 1992 and 1994 International Festival of the Arts, Fosters ‘Symphony under the Stars’, Handel’s ‘Messiah’, ‘St Matthew Passion’, ‘St John Passion’, ‘Britten’s St Nicolas’, Pong in ‘Turandot’, Rev Horace Adams in ‘Peter Grimes’, Gaston and Arturo in ‘La Traviata’ and for Hawke’s Bay Opera, Remendado in ‘Carmen’.  Other work includes, Ethel Smyth’s ‘Fete Galante’ (Royal College of Music), Wekerlin’s ‘La Laitiere De Trianon’, Ross Harris’ ‘Tanz Der Schwaene’, ‘Acis & Galtea’, ‘Elijah’, ‘Judas Maccabeus’ and Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’.  He will sing ‘Spoletta’ for Opera New Zealand in October.

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Page 10

BRUCE GREENFIELD
Conductor
Bruce Greenfield is one of New Zealand’s finest accompanists. He has performed extensively for the Music Federation with a wide variety of groups and soloists. During his sixteen years on the staff of the Wellington Polytechnic Conservatorium of Music he taught many young musicians who are now a new generation of performers. Involved throughout his career with music/theatre he has been musical director of The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Downstage Theatre, Circa Theatre, New Zealand Opera Company and TVNZ. He appears regularly as an accompanist, soloist, and recording artist for Concert FM of Radio New Zealand, and continues to work as coach and accompanist to leading New Zealand singers such as Dame Malvina Major, Margaret Medlyn, and Richard Greager. Bruce has toured extensively overseas and this year undertook a major tour of Japan, Korea, and Australia as musical director of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. He has appeared in the International Festival of the Arts since its inception and this year gave performances in Stravinsky‘s ‘Les Noces’, and received critical acclaim for his playing in Janacek’s ‘Diary of one who Disappeared’. He has just returned from Salt Lake City where he performed with Dame Malvina Major and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

PHILLIPA READE
Chorus Mistress
A pupil of Dame Sister Mary Leo, Phillipa was the Auckland Competitions’ Society vocal champion in 1983 winning the S.K. Phillips Memorial Scholarship. She has her ATCL (performance) and in 1984 won the Australian Marianne Mathy Scholarship and attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She completed a year at the Royal College of Music, London attaining her ARCM (performance) and won the postgraduate singing prize. In 1990 Phillipa won the Petrocorp Scholarship to sing in ‘Die Meistersinger’ in the Wellington International Festival of the Arts. She played the part of Cherubino in Auckland Opera’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and was chorus mistress for ‘The Pearl Fishers’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera. In 1993 she gave stunning performances in the role of ‘Carmen’ for Hawke’s Bay Opara. In 1994 she won the Dame Sister Mary Leo Scholarship and studied in Vienna that year followed by the role of Countess Amaviva in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera.

ORCHESTRA

Leader: Elsa Jensen

First Violins
Norma Smith
Dallas Knight

Second Violins
Marea Smith
Sandy Nolden
Sascha Nolden
Elizabeth Ralph

Viola
Marion Stronach
Sue Branch
Kathy Brenstrum

Cello
Fiona Dunn
Stephen Gibbs
Wendy Johnson

Double Bass
Rosemary Severinsen

Clarinet
Frances Morgan
Andrew Uren

Oboe
Julian Pook
Lukas Beech

Flute
Mary McHattie
Sarah Tait-Jamieson
Sally Davies

Bassoon
Kate Goldstone
Martin Sobelman

Trumpet
Maurice Reid
Julie Williams

Horn
Michael Winter
David Foster
Wendy Pearce

Trombone
Raewyn McIndoe
David Apperley
Keith Robinson

Percussion
Grant Myhill

Harp
Karen Heathcote

Repetiteur and Keyboard: Megan Holmes.

Chorus Pianist: Marie Stothart.

Page 11

JOHN HARDING
Set and Costume Design
John grew up in Waipukurau and attended Central Hawke’s Bay College.  His tertiary education was undertaken at Christchurch University and Teachers College where he trained as a specialist art teacher.  After an innovative six years in education, teaching art, developing videos, lecturing at summer schools, and teaching theatre crafts he moved to Auckland and became Head of Properties, the Design Assistant at the Mercury Theatre.  He worked on a myriad of plays, operas and musicals and was appointed Resident Designer in 1991.  After three years he left to pursue a freelance career and his diverse talents led him into television where he has been Designer/Director for programmes such as TVNZ’s Maori Language Programme ‘Marae’, Andrew Shaw’s ‘Clash of the Codes’, TVNZ’s ‘Young Achievers Award’.  He has undertaken commercial design work around Auckland City including several shops.  John was set designer for the Jose Carreras concert at Western Springs and the Opera in the Park at the Domain.  We anticipate with excitement John’s return to Hawke’s Bay.

RAYMOND HAWTHORNE
Director
Raymond Hawthorne was born in Hastings and educated at Hastings High School.  An early interest in theatre came to fruition in 1955 when he became a member of New Zealand Players.  A Government Bursary took him to London to study at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and for the next 13 years he gained wide experience as an actor, singer and director in the United Kingdom.  In 1971 he returned to New Zealand and after two years with Mercury theatre he instigated the formation of Theatre Corporate and was director for eight years.  In 1982 he was appointed director of National Opera New Zealand, producing the Brecht/Weill ‘Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany’ and Britten’s ‘Turn of the Screw’ which set new standards for opera production in this country.  In 1985 he became artistic director of the Mercury and pursued a policy of offering Auckland the best in drama, opera, and musical comedy.  After the closure of Mercury Theatre Raymond became a freelance actor/director and has his own acting studio ‘The Actors Space’ in Auckland.  He comes straight to us from a lead roll in Graham Greene’s stage play ‘Travels with My Aunt’.  This is Raymond Hawthorne’s first production for Hawke’s Bay Opera.  He is delighted to be working in his home town on such an exciting musical drama.

VERA THOMAS
Lighting Designer
Vera Thomas began her theatre career as a seamstress in the wardrobe of Mercury Theatre Auckland.
After 15 months in the wardrobe, Vera confessed a desire to move into the technical department and was promptly transferred there.
Vera then worked as a technician for several years eventually moving to lighting design.
Her designs have included ‘Shadowlands’, ‘Conjugal Rights’ and ‘Glorious Ruins’.
Since that time Vera has designed at the Maidment Theatre Auckland and for Michael Hurst’s productions of ‘MacBeth’ at the Herald Theatre and ‘Othello’ at the Watershed Theatre.
Recent designs include ‘3 Tall Women’, (directed by Raymond Hawthorne) and ‘Travels of My Aunt’, both at the Herald Theatre.
Vera is one of only two women lighting designers working in this country.  “Tosca” is her first opera design.

Page 12

Tosca

An opera in three acts.

Music by Giacomo Puccini

Libretto by Giuseppe Giascosa and Luigi Illica.

Based on the play ‘La Tosca’ by Victorien Sardou.

Characters in order of appearance

Cesare Angelotti   An escaped political prisoner   Joseph Christensen
The Sacristan   Donald Edwards
Mario Cavaradossi   A painter   Patrick Power
Floria Tosca   A celebrated singer   Margaret Medlyn
Baron Scarpia   Chief of Police   Iosefa Enari
Sciarrone   A policeman   Joseph Christensen
Spoletta   A police agent   Hamish Morrison
Shepherd boy   Heard in the distance   Natalie Stent
Gaoler   Donald Edwards

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chorus
Nuns – Priests – Soldiers – Police Agents

Diane Abraham
June Berry
Anita Davies
Rowena Godfrey
Beverley Heard
Heather Polson
Janet Smith
Francis Tod
Lauris Varney
Alison Wall
Martin Beech
Sam Browne
Callum Dodunski
Ian Gearey
Kevin Keys
Mac Kirkwood
Ross Lange
John Latton
John Pryce
Hans Spijker

Choir Boys
Patrick Donovan
Hayden Dooney
Jonathon Eagle
Dane Isherwood
Roger Knauf
Daniel Scott
John Scott

Henchmen
Michael Kupenga
Inia Maxwell
Michael Tibbles
Aaron Ward
Mark Warren

Covers
Tosca   Karen Heathcote
Scarpia   Donald Edwards
Sacristan   Callum Dodunski
Angelotti   Richard Harris
Spoletta   Ross Lange

Hawke’s Bay Opera reserves the right to substitute cast in the event of unavoidable circumstances.

Page 13

Director’s Notes

Puccini is recognised indisputably as one of the great opera composers. ‘Madam Butterfly’, ‘Manon Lescaut’, ‘La Boheme’, ‘Turandat’, all are filled with the most ravishing and sensuous music that forge the action of his operas. He has a wonderful gift for melody.

The quality, however, that makes Puccini’s operas so enduring and watchable is his uncanny gift as a dramatist. In this, he can be most compared with Mozart, who, too, was deeply concerned with the dramatic structures of his operas. Mozart and Puccini acted as strong arbitrators to their librettists and were specific in their demands for changes and rewriting. Puccini knew that his own talent lay in “writing for the theatre.” He understood his strength lay in that direction and that was where he focused his considerable talents.

There was much in Puccini’s nature that was flawed, his propensity for falling hopelessly, desperately and frequently in love being but one. It caused much chaos in his domestic life. He lived fully, drank and smoked heavily and forgave himself readily.

This recognition of his humanities enabled him to create characters for his operas of vitality, courage and vulnerability. These qualities often eventually entrap them in the great wheel of life and often destroy them. We are left with a great sense of loss, for Puccini has the ability to involve us in his characters exposition and resolve.

In this respect “Tosca” is for me the most riveting of his operas, (although a great ‘Madam Butterfly’ is an awe inspiring experience, too) ‘Puccini’s three major protagonists Tosca, the tempestuous opera singer, Cavaradossi: painter and republican, and Scarpia the lascivious and manipulative Gestapo of the 1800’s, bring into battle.  Art, politics, religion and the human differences that divide them.  Their dramatic struggle causes the blood to pulse in our veins.

“To interest to surprise, to move: – “to create something to make the world weep”.  These are Puccini’s aims as a dramatist composer.  With Tosca he achieves these with sublimity.

How fortunate to work with this fine cast of singers headed by Margaret Medlyn, Patrick Power and Iosefa Enari as our three protagonists Tosca, Cavaradossi and Scarpia.  Their performances are thrilling and fulfilling and supported most ably by the remaining company and chorus.

“Tosca” is designed by another Hawke’s Bay man John Harding.  His concept for set and costumes fulfils with clarity and distinction Puccini’s intentions (a director is only as good as his designer’s concepts).  The lighting is by Vera Thomas, a young designer with a growing reputation, who’s lighting skills unite both artist and design.  With Bruce Greenfield as musical director and conductor you can be ensured of a cohesive evening of opera.

What a delightful opportunity to return to Hastings.  To this beautiful intimate and lovingly restored theatre, to work with and for the Hawke’s Bay Opera Company who have so committedly brought opera to “The Bay” for you during these last years.

On behalf of those of us who are quests with you, thank you for the opportunity to share this great journey of “Tosca” with you.

“Vissi d’ Arte, vissi d’ amore.”

Raymond Hawthorne, Director.

‘Tosca’s Launch

Fiona Avery
Guest Artist

John Kelly
Chairman

Naomi Baker
Past Chairman

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Page 14

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Page 15

Production Personnel

Conductor
Bruce Greenfield

Director
Raymond Hawthorne

Set and Costume Designer
John Harding

Lighting Designer
Vera Thomas

Chorus Mistress
Phillipa Reade

Production Manager
John MacGibbon

Production Secretary
Staveley Tankersley

Rehearsal Secretary
Molly Evans
Sam Browne

Stage Manager and Mechanist
Alan Jones

Assistant Stage Manager and Cue Caller
Leigh Jones

Assistant to Director
Aileen Robertson
Trainee – Alex Campbell

Call Steward
Philippa Jones

Construction
Len Evans
Dan Ricketts
Owen McMillan
Andrew Crayton

Theatre Manager
Ross Williams

Wardrobe
Lois Reefman
Jan Simmers
Bev Elms
Jill Taylor
Pam Annand
Alison Russell

Properties
Barbara Speers
Liz Pegg
Staveley Tankersley
Pam Winfield

Stage Crew
Clive Buttery
Les Dunn
Barry Hughes
Harley Jones
Darryl Mitchell
Jim Speers

Front of House
Eric Reay and Friends of HBO

Make Up
Dawn McCowatt and friends

Hairdresser
Raymond Gempton

Surtitle [Subtitle] Operators
Susan Melville
Sam Browne
Harold Stewart

Sound Technician
Robin Barker

Cavaradossi Painting
Sarah Curtis

Billboards
Anne Perry

Floral Art
Pat Stewart
Pat Abernethy
John Pryce

Refreshments
Barbara Morris and friends

Booking Offices
Phillipa Yorke
Carol Keys
Judy White
Dallas Knight
Jan Paterson
Celia Redmond
Anne Anson
Hilary McGregor
Staveley Tankersely [Tankersley]
Jill Taylor
Leith Morgan

Acknowledgements

Tamatea High School
HB Herald-Tribune
Napier Daily Telegraph
Stephen Gibbs
CHB Print
Statements Gallery
Mr Douglas Knight
Palm City Motors Ltd
Tourist Kelt Motors Ltd
Mitre 10 – Hastings
Mr John Newland
St Peters Church
Lucy Swinburne
Camberley Court Motel
Clive Ralph Photography
Telecom Central Ltd for Opera phone
Avison’s Flowers
Geenty Walsh Accountants
Bannister & von Dadelszen, Solicitors
Dent, Robertson & Partners, Auditors
Hastings Musical Comedy Co
John Pryce
St Matthew’s Church
Napier Operatic Society
The Office Furniture Company Limited
Hastings Girls’ High School
Garner Insurance Brokers
Carter Holt Ltd
Mr John Lowe
Ian Clarke Signs
Peter McNeil
Dick Johnstone
South Pacific Orchids Ltd
“Raphael Antiques”
Hastings Operatic Society
John Pryce Interiors

Page 16

THE COMPOSER

Giacomo Puccini 1858 – 1924

Giacomo Puccini was born in Tuscany in 1858 to a musical family.  His great, great grandfather was an organist and choirmaster and his grandfather was also a choirmaster and composer.  Michele, Giacomo’s father, composed operas.

Giacomo was an organist, choirboy and accomplished pianist by the age of ten.  By sixteen he had been introduced to the joys of opera.

He gained his diploma from the Milan Conservatorium in 1883, and his teacher, Ponchielli, introduced Puccini to Giulio Ricordi, the director of a famous publishing firm.  Puccini, assisted by a contract with Ricordi, stayed in Milan and began his career as a composer.

While he was in Milan studying and composing, he lived in lodgings with his younger brother, a cousin and the young Mascagni, composer of Cavalleria-Rusticana.

Eventually Puccini’s lover, Elvira Gemignani left her husband and, with her daughter, moved in with Puccini.  They had a son, Antonio in 1886.  Elvira’s husband died and she was able to marry Puccini in 1904.

Puccini was injured in a car accident the year before and later developed a persistent hoarse throat which eventually was to lead to the cancer which killed him in 1924.

His legacy to the world includes the much loved operas Manon Lescaut (1893), La Boheme (1896, being regarded as a reflection of his earlier student life in Milan), Madam Butterfly (1903), Gianni Schicchi and Turandot (unfinished at Puccini’s death).

Tosca was written in 1899 and premiered at the Teatro Costanzi Rome on January 14, 1900.  Frederico von Hohenstein, La Scala’s scenic artist designed the sets and Tito Ricordi took charge of the production.  The conductor was Mugnone.  Critics were not generally favourable but Tosca played in Turin, La Scala, Genoa and in Covent Garden in the six months after the Rome premiere.  By now Tosca was receiving great enthusiasm and has become a permanent fixture in opera house repertoires world wide.

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Page 17

Hawke’s Bay Opera Scholarships

At each opera season Hawke’s Bay Opera grants a scholarship.  These are awarded in different areas of performance or production and are seen as encouragement for future training to the betterment of theatre in general.

Past recipients are:-
Joseph Christensen   La Traviata
Scott Cormack   La Bohéme
Maxine Andersen   The Pearl Fishers
Len Evans   Carmen
Caroline Hickman   The Marriage of Figaro

“The Best Little Opera House in Australasia”

That’s the view of Ron Goodwin, famous international composer and conductor.

It’s my privilege to be associated with the management and promotion of this fine theatre.

The Hastings District Council is committed to continuing the excellent work of the Theatre Restoration Trust, and has approved substantial spending to complete the upgrade of the venues.  Planning underway includes improved dressing room and backstage facilities, upgraded toilets for both the stall and grand circle areas.  When funds are raised, more comfortable seating and an improved heating, ventilation system can be installed.

In 1915 £15,000 was raised by the 7000 citizens of Hastings to build this theatre.  I believe that with the same commitment and enthusiasm as our forefathers, we must preserve, and maintain a wonderful venue for wonderful productions like “Tosca”.  My congratulations to the Hawke’s Bay Opera Trust on yet another magnificent production.

Dave Pipe, Promotions and Recreation Manager, Hastings District Council.

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Page 18

FOUNDATION MEMBERS

Miss Joy Archibald
Mr Alan Brabant
Naomi and James Baker
Mr and Mrs H.A.A. Baird
Gladys and Frank Boyce
Mrs Caryl Boyle
Sue Branch
Mr and Mrs M.J. Brenstrum
Mr and Mrs W. Bull
Elizabeth Curtis
Mr and Mrs D. Charlton-Jones
Mr and Mrs A.B. Christensen
Mr Scott Cormack
Mrs M. Crook
Paddy and Jean Crowe
Mr and Mrs R.A. Date
Mrs Patricia Davidson
Mrs Ruth Donovan
Miss C.A. Elliot
Mr and Mrs Len Evans
Mrs E.M. Ferguson
Mr and Mrs Geoff Fuller
Mrs N. Geor
Mr Chris Gibbs
Mrs D. Goddard
Mrs Pamela Graham
Mr Bruce Greenfield
Sir Richard and Lady Harrison
Miss Margot Harvey
Mrs Greta Hawtin
Mr and Mrs M. J. Hay
Mr and Mrs C. Heard
Mrs N.R. Isaacs
Miss Amy Jarvis
Mrs G. Kempshall
Mr and Mrs Ian Kerr
Dr and Mrs A. Kurta
Terry Longley and Son
Mrs Valarie Mays
Miss S. McKeever
Mrs M.R. Menzies
Mrs Freda Milne
Craig and Ann Morgan
Mr Michael Morgan
Mr and Mrs J.E. Morgan
Mrs W. J. Morgan
Mrs Thelma Murphy
Jean and George Newdick
Miss E.M. Sampson
Janet Smith
Thelma Smith
D.L. and A.M. Stewart
Mrs Glenn Sutherland
Mrs Staveley Tankersley
Mrs Frances Tod
Mrs B. Tolley
Mrs Kathleen Twigg
Mr and Mrs G.E. Vogtherr
Mrs Margaret Walmsley
Mr and Mrs Guy Wellwood
Mr John Wenley
Helen Whittaker
Mrs D.I. Whyte

MEMBERS

Dr and Mrs Ian Abernethy
Mrs M. Absolum
Horizon Advertising
Mr and Mrs C.W.H. Alexander
Maxine Andersen
Mr and Mrs R. Anderson
Mrs W.M. Anderson
Miss Anne Anson
Miss Joy Archibald
Miss June Armstrong
Artist Management, Pamela Wright
Mrs B.H. Aveling
Mrs S.M. Averill
Dr Peter Bannister
G.E. and K.S. Barnett
Bay Tours, Jenne Leedes
Dr and Mrs John Beaumont
Mrs Shirley Bell
Mr and Mrs Quentin Bennett
Prof Don Bewley
Mrs W. Bickerstaff
Mrs V. Biss
Mr and Mrs C. Blackmore
W.J. and B.C. Boag
Dr and Mrs Michael Bostock
Mr and Mrs C.A. Brocklehurst
Mr and Mrs Sam Browne
Mrs K.C. Bryant
Wendy and Alex Burns
Mr and Mrs R. Campion
Mrs T. Carlton
Miss E. Carr
Mr and Mrs A.K. Carran
Mrs Barbara Caseley
Mr R.J. Cleland
Mrs Adele Cochrane
Mr and Mrs A.J. Coleman
Mr Jeremy Commons
Mrs D. Cranswick
Mr and Mrs D. Crofskey
Mrs Joyce Cullinane
Mr and Mrs G.M. Curtis
Mrs Ena Dames
Anita Davies
Mrs Averil Day
Mrs Marion Dent
Mr and Mrs B.S. Devine
Mrs Margie Dick
The Dooney Family
Mrs Judith Drabble
Dr and Mrs Colin Dykes
Mrs Nola E. Dykes
Mr and Mrs T.H. Dysart
Mark and Julie Eagle
Mrs Rosalind Elliott
Dr and Mrs Ross English
Mary Erickson
Mrs Noel Evans
Mrs A. Everts
Miss Clare Fearnley
Mr and Mrs Barry Fell
Mrs B. Ferguson
Mr and Mrs Bernie Flack
Miss Joy Forbes
Mrs B.W. Ford
Mrs W. Forster
Mr and Mrs I.S. Fraser
Mrs Elizabeth Gawler
Mr J.G. Geddie
Mrs J.A. Geere-Watson
Mrs A. Gibbons
Mr and Mrs P.T. Gifford
Mrs Valda Gillies
Mrs D. Goddard
S.C.M. and R.G. Graham
Mrs Jill Graham
Mrs J. Graham
Josephine Grant
Mrs Y. Hawthorne
Mrs D.M. Hay
Colleen Henderson
Mr and Mrs E.F. Hill
Mr and Mrs L.P. Hodgson
Mr and Mrs J.D. Hole
Mrs D. Honnor
Mr and Mrs J.S. Hopkirk
Mr and Mrs Ian Hopson
Mr and Mrs Ivan Hunt
Mr and Mrs Ken Hutchison
Mrs P.M. Hylton-Smith
Mr Witi Ihimaera
I.M.S. Ltd
Mr Peter Ingram
Helen M. Jackson
Mrs H.W. Janssen
Mrs L.M. Joll
Mr and Mrs Alan Jones
Mr and Mrs Paul Jones
Dr and Mrs Colin Jones
Barbara Jones
Mr J.W. Kelly
Mrs Roisin Kelly
Miss Joyce Kemp
Mr Gordon S. King
Mr and Mrs J. Kingsford
Mrs G.I. Kirkby
Mrs Alison Kitchin
Jos Lamers and K. Peters
Mrs R. Land
Mr D.E. Lanigan
Mr S. Laurent
Mrs M. Leech
Mrs J. Liddy
Mrs Beverley Lidington
Mrs N.R. Lindsay
Mrs M.T. Lowther
Mr and Mrs K. Lyons
Mrs J. Mabin
Mrs O. Mabin
Mrs M. MacDonald
Mrs E. MacGibbon
Mr Peter Mackie
Miss Emily Mair
Mr Philip Mardon
Mrs B. Marflitt
Mrs Mary Marshall
Mrs R. Marriage
Mr J.A. Martin
Mrs Joan Mathers
Lyn Matthews
Mrs K. Maxted
Mrs Jean Maxwell
Mayfair Choir
Mrs J.R. McCool
Mr and Mrs Ian McGregor
Mrs A.J. McGuinness
Mrs Hilary McGregor
Mrs Mary McHattie
Mrs Valerie McInnes
Mr A. and Ranee McKinnon
Mr and Mrs Gavin McLean
Mr and Mrs O. McMillan
Mrs B. McQuarrie
Mr and Mrs J. Melhuish
Mrs Cherry Metz
Mrs F.M. Monk
Miss J.L. Monteith
Gay Monteith
Mr L.F. Morgan
Mark and Kay Morgan
Miss Frances Morgan
Miss Jane Morgan
Mrs B. Morris
Miss Patricia Murtagh
Mr Grant Myhill
Mrs M. Napier
Mr and Mrs Nation
Mrs E.J.D. Newbigin
Ngarie and Peter Newby
Mrs Barbara Nicholls
Mrs C. E. Northe
Mr and Mrs John Nott
Mr J.M. O’Connor
Mr A. Oldershaw
New Zealand Opera Society Inc
Mr and Mrs Cliff Owen
Mrs N. Pacey
Mr and Mrs R.J. Parkhill
The Rev Joan Pascoe
Mrs J.I. Pattullo
Mrs Audrey Pay
Mrs M. Percy
Mrs Ann Perry
Mr H.W. Peters
Mr and Mrs M.J. Phillips
Mr and Mrs R.W. Phillips
The Rev G. Pilgrim
Miss Elizabeth Pindar
Heather Polson
Mr Julian Pook
Mrs J. Poppelwell
Mrs M.P. Power
Mrs A.E. Prickett
Mrs C. Redmond
Mrs L.M. Ross
Mrs Marie E. Russell
Mrs G.M. Sabiston
Mr and Mrs Fred Sanders
Mrs A.W. Scott
Christine M. Scott
Dr and Mrs H. Selderbeek
Mr and Mrs J.E. Shand
Mr and Mrs E.R. Shepherd
Mrs Jan Simmers
Mr and Mrs J.R. Simpson
Mrs C. Simpson
Mrs Joan Skudder
Mr Kris Slagter
Margaret Sloane
Robyn Smith
Barbara Speers
John and Iris Spittle
Mrs B. Steele
Mrs Elaine Stent
Mr and Mrs H.A. Stewart
Mr and Mrs G.A. Stewart
Mr and Mrs Roger Stewart
Mrs Marie Stothart
Mrs Marian Struthers
Mr and Mrs K.J. Sullivan
Dr Bill Sutton
Mr and Mrs S. Tait-Jamieson
Mrs Jill Taylor
Mr and Mrs R. Taylor
Mrs Margaret Thelwall
Mrs June Thomas
Mrs Joan Thompson
Mrs M.R. Thompson
Mrs E.H. Tinker
Pauline’s Tours & Travel
Mrs D.S. Tustin
Dr and Mrs P. Twigg
Mrs Jane Tylee
Dr A. van der Walt
Louie and Jopie Vogels
Dr and Mrs J. Wakeman
Mrs L. Walsh
Mr and Mrs O.G. Walton
Mrs Glen Ward
Mr and Mrs M.J. Watson
Mrs Anne Watt
Miss White-Parsons
Jenny Leu Williams
Mr and Mrs P. Williams
Mr Ulric Williams
Mr and Mrs A.L. Williams
Mr I.J. Wilson
Gaela Witters
Susan Wylie
Mr and Mrs St John Yorke
Dr and Mrs S.R. Young

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