Attending The Duel

This evening, the Government House Ballroom was transported back to the eighteenth century as world-renowned composers Mozart and Salieri competed in a musical duel.

In the 1786 challenge set down by the Holy Roman Emperor, Joseph II, Italian opera stylings were pitted against the German ‘singspiel’. To recreate this, performers from the West Australian Opera, in association with The University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music performed at either end of the Ballroom.

Members of the audience were keen to get involved. Photo by Flossy.

Wolfgang Mozart’s comedy Der Schauspieldirektor (The Theatre Director) versus Antonio Salieri’s Prima la musica e poi le parole (First the Music, then the Words) led to a riveting night of fun, frivolity and amazing local talent.

The Governor and Ms Annus greatly enjoyed the performance..

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