The Lover

About

The production of "The Lover" features a distinct, two-part contemporary theatrical staging designed by Trent Suidgeest. The first act is presented in a relaxed, modern salon or soiree mode, exploring three dimensions of love: melancholy, desperate love, and hopeful love. The set design for this haunting first half incorporates lush, modern appointments including a sofa, wine, and silver helium heart-shaped balloons, with musicians entering in a staggered, well-dressed modern fashion. During this act, baroque harps, violins, lutes, and theorbos share the spotlight. The second half of the concert transitions away from the salon setting to deliver a breathtaking climax of virtuosity. In this act, Guest Director Théotime Langlois de Swarte leads the full Australian Brandenburg Orchestra strings as soloist. The lighting design by Suidgeest is noted as innovative and stunningly lit, bridging the historical focus on early eighteenth-century London music with a highly unique, crossover visual presentation.