ÉMILIE’S Opera shoots for the stars
Opera is widely regarded as an elitist art-form, and not without good reason; tickets are sold at astronomical prices, with audiences tending to consist of the same higher-income bracket earners. This is something 29 year old composer Nicholas Gentile wants to change. A talented musician and singer in his own right, Gentile stumbled across Émilie’s story in 2019 when he was commissioned to write a new opera for Fine Music Australia.
If Émilie du Châtelet is not a common household name, her lover’s certainly was. Voltaire was a famous philosopher, known as a key figure in progressing the French Enlightenment. But Émilie was more than his silent mistress; she was a secret heroine of science, an innovator in fields that shaped the world we live in today.
I wanted a story that could speak to everyone, and I think I’ve found something really special with Émilie. She really was an incredible woman, says composer Nicholas Gentile.
Collaborating with book writer Cheryl Sawyer, Gentile had a vision to take his opera Emilie and Voltaire to the screen; a vision spurred on with the recent events of the global pandemic. It’s undeniable that the effects of COVID-19 on the theatre industry are disastrous, but Gentile has found renewed vigour in his filmic pursuit of his opera.
People have never been more ready to experience live theatre, but that’s just not possible at the moment. So why not bring opera to people’s homes?!
With the generous support of Opera Australia, Gentile and Sawyer will be filming a short 20-minute concept film that will screen at Italy’s Puccini Opera Festival in 2021 – no small feat for an original Australian piece on an international stage. Heading the vibrant, youthful team is producer Demi Louise.
Demi’s just brilliant! It’s so inspiring to work with other young people who are as passionate about opera and film as I am.
The role of the 18th Century heroine is a demanding one, and requires a highly skilled actor and singer. Who could possibly fill these shoes? None other than the incomparable Julie Lea Goodwin. The talented principal soprano is the darling of the Australian opera world, starring in Phantom Of The Opera, La Boheme, Le nozze di Figaro and countless other productions.
In an industry that is scrambling for content, there’s no doubt that the film will be picked up by a digital streaming service. The production for the concept short is due to be filmed in Darling Point’s Lindesay in December.
“Emilie’s is a woman’s story that everyone should know. Our incredible team is so excited to bring her story to life on the screen.”
Want to stay up to date on all things Émilie & Voltaire? Follow their Instagram @emilieandvoltaire.
Long before I dreamed up the libretto of Emilie & Voltaire, for eight years I was opera reviewer for the Australian Jewish News. This meant that at least 17 times a year I saw performances produced by our prolific and brilliantly creative national opera company, Opera Australia. I was always struck by the age-range and the diversity of the audience. Sure there were plenty of grey-haired, well-heeled opera goers amongst us, but there were also literally crowds of tourists and out-of-towners, to whom going to the Opera House was a must. These people ranged from teenagers to fifty-year-olds. And it was exciting to see young people there to see opera for the first time–and loving it! Everyone needs this most compelling and spectacular art form in their lives–it’s just that some are not aware of it, because they lack the cash to go to opera frequently. I can’t wait for these lovers of music and drama to enjoy Emilie & Voltaire on media that are affordable and accessible–and everyday!