Richard Bonynge Interviewed on TV by John Cargher in 1986.

[tombwomb]

this is unfair. there is quality in this company. of course we will always miss those voices that did dominate. richards art and ear are wonderful. it is now however a different climate and opera needs rethinking. the tosca was problematic... but,it was of interest.at the price perhaps not?! but the singing was very good. art is not set in stone.. it develops... perhaps the company cant cast as richard could, but there are good people working hard . certainly sutherland and bonynge did fost

[martythetickler]

Holy shit, that's John Cargher...... Anyone who listened to Singers of Renown on Radio National will know him and love him.

[amigomatt]

Just finished a weekend of recording with Maestro Bonynge - what a lovely man and great conductor. He showed such patience and stamina, standing and conducting us under recording conditions for hours at a time. At his age, I don't think I'll be able to do that!

[vocalissimo1]

@amigomatt That's great to hear. It amazes me that so many people seem to want to hate Bonynge. His contribution to opera and ballet has been enormous.  Even if you were to take into account only what he had achieved up to 1986, when this interview was recorded, it would be impressive enough. But just think of what he has done since then! By the way, what were you recording?

[vocalissimo1]

@amigomatt I have just posted another brief Bonynge interview from 1982: Search "Richard Bonynge interview by Brian Adams".

[emma41093]

What's with Mrs Bonynge Sutherland!! This is very disparaging for Richard. Especially considering she referred to herself as Mrs Bonynge!!!!

[emma41093]

Again, thank you! I don't want to know how long it took you to upload/publish this!

[emma41093]

"Used him as a coach and finally married him" - that sounded a bit harsh!

[vocalissimo1]

@emma41093 Yes, John Cargher was always rather blunt and direct in his comments, though he was very well-informed in relation to the arts, especially opera. He could have phrased this much more gently, I think.

[emma41093]

@vocalissimo1 I agree with your sentiments lol never mind.

[expatmartin]

@vocalissimo1 John Cargher I'm sorry to say was a self appointed expert of no musical or artistic qualifications whatsoever and also a most unpleasant and rude person who often showed no respect and recognition towards several outstanding Australian artists who enjoyed outstanding careers in major international houses. I think of Kenneth Neate in particular.

[vocalissimo1]

@expatmartin Yes, there's certainly some truth in what you say.

[jennimarkham]

@emma41093 ...especially as the opposite could easily be alleged...that Bonynge hitched his wagon to HER star, creating a diva and then feeding off her success from then on. After all, why compete with the great conductors of the world when he one can have a free ride as a (benign) svengali? :o)

[emma41093]

@jennimarkham Exactly. Luckily I'm seeing him conduct Don Pasquale in June so I'm VERY happy!!

[BenazirRokira1993]

@1:11 Should Adam really be on the opposite side of the gate to his parents? Escape! Haha :)

[emma41093]

@BenazirRokira1993 lots of people have commented about that in this photo - it worries me slightly to be honest!

[vocalissimo1]

There's definitely been a dip in quality. I hardly ever go now, as it is a lot of money for what usually amounts to a night of frustration. I saw Tosca last year and was appalled by the production. You could see why Cheryl Barker wanted nothing to do with it. The night I attended, the State Theatre in Melbourne was only about a third full. People stayed away in droves once they heard what the production was like.  Tosca should guarantee full houses every time, when it's done properly.

[mxwhisper]

Very true Richard. Opera in Australia was, in the doldrums and it was certainly the glory years when you took over. I don't know that they have ever recovered after your departure. I personally, do not particularly like the direction Opera Australia has taken, a lot of operas per season, but very few, that would truly stand out.