Shakespeare and Opera in the Twenty-first Century

Research into the study of contemporary operatic adaptation of Shakespeare reveals a renewed and growing interest by composers and librettists in Shakespeare as a source for many new operatic works. Dr Michael Halliwell , Associate Professor of Vocal Studies and Opera at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has over many years researched a major project into the study of the contemporary operatic adaptation of Shakespeare. Over three hundred operas have been inspired by Shakespeare's works and new operas continue to be created with the plays lending themselves easily to the art form. Dr Halliwell's most recent research has focused on three operas in particular - Brett Dean's Hamlet (2017), Thomas Adés  The Tempest (2004) and Ryan Wigglesworth's The Winter's Tale (2017). "I have always been interested in Shakespeare as an operatic source and my interest in the subject gained increased focus with the premiere of Brett Dean's Hamlet in Britain (Glyndebourne) in 2017." Said Dr Halliwell. "I'm also interested in the creative use of new media in the composition of works based on these 400 year-old sources, and how Shakespeare continues to have great relevance for the world of opera, exerting a fascination for contemporary composers. Virtually every year a new opera based on the Bard appears." Hamlet , with its tortuously dark plot and twisted characters, has been adapted more than thirty times with internationally acclaimed Australian composer, Brett Dean awarded the International Opera Awards 'Best Premiere' in 2018 for his production.