The event, which is part of the Shepparton Festival, will be an immersive and vibrant fiesta of music and dance from two ensembles, along with paella, platters and wine.
“This style of Iberian Baroque music saw people from all levels of society spill out on the street together and dance. Much of this repertoire was lost in the 1700s,” Australian mezzo-soprano opera singer Allegra Giagu said.
In 2015, Allegra was on the gruelling New York audition circuit when she was inspired to explore this lost period of Spanish Baroque music.
“I had never heard it before, but I was certain I knew what it would sound like, and so I started to Google. I came up with almost nothing and I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“I had identified a gap, and I knew I had to find this music. It had to be somewhere! That’s where the journey and Mamas Bravas began.
“It is an incredible honour to present them to the community as we have interpreted them, and we hope you will feel inspired and deeply satisfied as you join us on this musical journey.”
The first performance of ¡Ópera Española! unearths this rediscovered repertoire, with Allegra’s voice and the Mamas Bravas ensemble of instruments, including Baroque violin, oboe and harp — along with theorbo, a stringed lute-like instrument, guitar and percussion from world-renowned musicians.
Newly appointed festival director Kristen Retallick is excited for local audiences to enjoy a night and performance to remember for years to come.
“This music is accessible, fun, and will make you want to dance, whoop and have a great time,” Ms Retallick said.
“We’ve also invited some incredible young artists from Uncaged Spirit circus school in Moama to make the evening at Tallis Wine even more special.”
To reserve your seat at this Friday’s performance, head to events.humanitix.com/opera-espanola-spanish-opera
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