Andrew Goodwin, who will play the role of Orpheus, joined Pinchgut rehearsals for the first time today. After some coaching session with Erin Helyard, Andrew joined director Mark Gaal and Erin to discuss the production – expectations, experiences hoped for & emotions to be felt! Tomorrow’s it Elena Xanthoudakis' (Eurydice) turn.
Andrew is a very highly skilled and accomplished tenor. From all accounts he has been impressing many people over the past decade in Europe, England and most especially in Russia - a place where going to all sorts of cultural events is an integral part of life. Andrew left Australia for Europe in 1999 at the suggestion from his piano teacher to study voice. He attended the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatoire in St Petersburg, which has been a training ground for classical musicians for many years. Andrew sang the role of Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at the Conservatoire Theatre, a rare achievement by a foreigner (Check this video out and read the comments). Performing in many of Russia’s most prestigious musical halls, he met his Russian wife, singer Maria Timofeeva (who has accompanied Andrew with their gorgeous little boy on this trip). He certainly is a wonderful ambassador for Australia and we are delighted to have him, and his family, with us.
Although it’s only three days into rehearsals, I think Mark, Erin and the three lovely boys - I mean, Fates - are feeling very settled. Sean Hall is assistant director to Mark and will also be one of the three Fates. He took the afternoon session with the other two actors from NIDA, Nick & Jake, to go through the finer points…
Here are some pics from today’s rehearsals:-
Above: Mark Gaal & Erin Helyard proving that they know what opera they’re doing.
Below: Nick Gell, one of the Fates, has some time out. Co-artistic director and keyboard guru, Erin Helyard
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