PENRITH Symphony Orchestra are bringing one of the best known and exciting operas to the stage, with a concert performance of Tosca, September 12 at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.
Giacomo Puccini’s powerful and innovative score propels a dramatic tale of love, lust, murder and political intrigue. For connoisseurs of orchestral music, even before considering the vocal writing for the soloists, there’s action aplenty, with the composers colourful and imaginative use of the orchestra a standout. However, Puccini’s writing for the voice is undeniably centre stage, with a multitude of wonderful moments and perhaps two of the most famous arias in the entire genre, Vissi d’arte, sung by a despairing Tosca, and E lucevan le stelle, by her doomed lover Cavaradossi.
Whilst many may think of opera as complex or inaccessible, Tosca is anything but, with a plot more akin to a fast-paced Hollywood thriller. From passionate and joyous beginnings, the lovers hopes and dreams founder at the hand of one of the great villains, the psychopathic Scarpia. Tosca is offered a terrible bargain, but what will she choose, and who will survive? Set in Rome against a background of the Napoleonic wars, the action is urgent and visceral, charting less than twenty-four hours of real-time.
PSO is excited to bring a cast of stars from Opera Australia for this performance. It’s a very warm welcome back for soprano Imogen-Faith Malfitano who will appear in the title role as Tosca. Previously she has collaborated with the orchestra in exceptional performances as Mimi, in La Boheme, and as a star soloist in PSO’s regular Opera Gala concerts. A multi-award-winning artist, Imogen has appeared in many OA productions, and currently, in their production of Phantom of the Opera. In 2026 she appeared at Handa Opera at Millthorpe.
A principal artist with OA, tenor Thomas Strong appears in the role of Cavaradossi. Equally at home on the concert platform and opera stage alike, he has had the opportunity to perform around Australia in a vast array of repertoire, with highlights including Aida and Il Trovatore and appearing as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly.
One of Australia’s most distinguished baritones, Andrew Williams takes on the ultimate ‘bad guy’ role, playing Scarpia. Andrew has performed extensively with OA in many roles and also appeared at Handa Opera at Millthorpe earlier this year.
A special mention must be made highlighting the importance of our local singers, who make up the Penrith Symphony Orchestra Festival Chorus appearing in this production. This ensemble brings together musicians from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, including the well-known local groups, Academy Singers and Penrith City Choir.
Don’t miss out as PSO presents a thriller, one of the worlds most loved and staged operas, in this concert performance featuring exceptional artists from Opera Australia, the full orchestra and chorus, all led by maestro Paul Terracini. The show begins at 7.30pm Saturday 12 September, at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Tickets for this spectacular special event are available at the box office, thejoan.com.au or call
4723 7600.
