ned kelly

“a solid, gripping production, mostly because the music and performances are terrific...This Ned has the potential to become a transcendent stage figure, a deeper wellspring of flawed Australian masculinity – hero, myth or otherwise.”

“The folk sweetness was darkened by Britten-esque orchestral dissonance with added bush flavourings from an onstage folk band, rattled gum leaves and metallic percussion. Styles shaped the drama with moments of stillness and explosions of energy.”

“Luke Styles and Peter Goldsworthy’s score and libretto, and Janice Muller’s deft direction, summoned the self-reliant strengths of the bush … to re-imagine a well-worn legend. Light and shade, sound and music were used intelligently throughout this world premiere, the bush a constant backdrop until a steam train whistle signaled the arrival of overwhelming firepower.”

“Luke Styles’ strong score is impressive in this new chamber opera...
The folk element adds a familiar melodic element from the era to sit against the darker, dissonant orchestral score, frequently driven by percussion, with influences of Britten and Berg. At times the percussion evokes the sounds of the bush, while the final scene is explosive musically as the sound of gun shots ring out. Conducted by Chris van Tuinen and splendidly played, it’s clear that Styles has a strong musical voice.”

“an important addition to the Australian operatic canon.”