Better-known as the librettist for Verdi’s final masterpieces Otello and Falstaff, Arrigo Boito was also an accomplished composer. (Read our feature from page 34). Mefistofele, sadly his only completed work, is a more faithful take on Goethe’s Faust than Gounod’s opera and is full of grand music, stirring arias, overwhelming choral outbursts and innovative ideas. Not for nothing did the mighty Russian bass Chaliapin choose to make his European debut in the showstopping title role. For these concert performances, Opera Australia has Ferruccio Furlanetto filling the devil’s shoes with Diego Torre as Faust, Leah Crocetto as the ill-fated Margherita and Natalie Aroyan singing the cameo role of Helen of Troy. Andrea Battistoni conducts.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Come dance with the devil in this garden of demonic delights.

Mefistofele has made a bargain with God that he does not intend to lose: he can win Faust’s soul for himself. Disillusioned with his own life, Faust makes his famous pact, and embarks on a journey through life’s wildest pleasures with the devil himself. But it’s not just Faust’s soul that hangs in the balance … and this bargain has some unexpected losers.

Renowned for his work as a librettist for Verdi, Boito left only one complete opera: Mefistofele. It is a distinctive, lush work, full of stunning choral pieces, magnificent orchestration and one of the great bass-baritone roles.

Ferruccio Furlanetto incarnates the devil, Mefistofele. Leah Crocetto soars as the beautiful Margherita and Diego Torre gives us Faust at his most disillusioned. Natalie Aroyan sings the role of Elena.

Hear the Orchestra Victoria in all its glory celebrating both the sacred and profane, and the magnificent sound of the Opera Australia Chorus on stage in this rare concert performance of Boito’s work.

Sensational young maestro Andrea Battistoni conducts.