Debut for N.Z. baritone

Press, 27 March 1979, Page 22

Debut for N.Z. baritone

Barry Mora, the New Zealand baritone now based in Germany, has made his debut with the Frankfurt Opera in a new production of Schreker’s “Die Gezeicheten.” He sang the role Of Tamare, and was the sole guest performer in the production. Mr Mora spent several weeks rehearsing the role. He appeared in five performances of the opera in Frankfurt, and will sing again in two performances in July, at the Berlin Festival. After his arrival in Germany in 1976, Mr Mora’s great potential was quickly recognised, and he has achieved wide recognition and praise. He is principal baritone with the Theatre Im Revier in Gelsenkirchen, where he is engaged in the third year of a fouryear contract. Mr Mora made his premier performance in Germany in October, 1976, and 'after playing “beginner’s” roles for a short time was quickly given more important roles. In his first season he sang in 12 peformances as Renato in Verdi’s “A Masked Ball.” During his second season he was appointed

principal Italian baritone. ' After his performances with the Frankfurt Opera Mr Mora returned to work at Gelsenkirchen, where he will perform in new productions of “La Favorite,” as Alfonso, and in the title role of Monteverdi’s “Return of Ulysses.” This - month he gave concert performances at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

The 37-year-old Palmerston North baritone began his vocal studies in 1963, and quickly grew to prominence as one of New Zealand’s leading resident singers. He appeared in opera, oratorio, and concerts, as well as doing recording work. In 1974 Mr Mora was awarded a bursary by the Queen Elizabeth IT Arts Council to further his studies overseas. In the same year he became the first recipient of the Inia Te Wiata Scholarship, awarded by the New Zealand Opera Company. Mr Mora first travelled to Melbourne, where he studied before going to England later in the year. He studied with Otakar Kraus, and under another New Zealander, John Matheson, who has also performed a great deal in Germany.

"* Several opera houses in Germany, England, and Scotland have made offers to Mr Mora for contracts after his present one at Gelsenkirchen ends, but he has made no decision. Another New Zealander who has achieved distinction in German opera is the lyric tenor, Richard Greager. On January 18 Mr Grea-

ger made his debut with the Cologne City Opera as Tamino in Mozart’s “Magic Flute.” Last month he appeared in a gala performance of Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” where he sang alongside the famous Italian, Piero Cappuccilli. These performances were

followed by Mr Greager’s American debut, performing with Sherrill Milnes in a production of “Don Giovanni” in Seattle. Mr Greager, born in Christchurch, achieved his first major singing successes in 1971 and 1972, when he won all three major Australian competitions, including the Sydney “Sun” Aria — the only person to achieve this distinction.

He sang with the Royal Opera in Convent Garden in 1972-73, and with the Scottish Opera Company from 1973 to 1977. In 1977 he joined the State Opera in Hanover, and he is under contract there until 1981.