On 20 May, Pinchgut Opera will finally present its first fully staged opera since the outbreak of the global pandemic with Francesco Cavalli’s The Loves of Apollo & Dafne. Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company South Australia, Mitchell Butel, has been invited to direct a company that includes soprano Alexandra Oomens in the role of Dafne opposite countertenor Max Riebl as Apollo. The cast also features Jacqueline Dark, Andrew O’Connor, David Hidden and Stacey Alleaume, making her Pinchgut debut following her acclaimed performances alternating as Violetta in the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata.

Pinchgut Opera's Erin Helyard, Mitchell Butel, Alexandra Oomens and Max Riebl Photo Jasmin SimmondsErin Helyard, Mitchell Butel, Alexandra Oomens and Max Riebl. Photo © Jasmin Simmonds

Despite a busy schedule, Mitchell Butel takes time out during a break in rehearsals to talk to Limelight about how the production is coming together with this all-Australian company. “We’ve just had a run of Act One, which was great,” he beams. “They’re such glorious singers and storytellers. The music is divine and our conductor Erin Helyard plays so beautifully. I’m having the time of my life.”

Helyard is also Pinchgut Opera’s...