John Brunato and daughter Kitty. Photo: Supplied.
Former opera singer John Brunato will return to the stage for the first time in 18 years to perform in an Italian opera at the Piccolo Family Farm. He will make a special guest appearance in the comedy Gianna Schicchi, presented by Adelaide-based touring opera company Co-Opera, on 24 and 25 August.
Mr Brunato, who grew up in Griffith, was a baritone opera singer who’d had performing roles with Western Australian, Victorian and New Zealand opera companies. But in 2004, heavy weights collapsed on him while he was lifting in a gym, crushing his arm and ribs.
“It was a devastating accident … it damaged my vocal mechanisms and my ability to sing,” he said.
Mr Brunato said he was like an elite athlete who could no longer compete, so all of a sudden he had to figure out what else to do with his life.
“It was horrific … I decided to go back to Griffith, where I got a job with Peter and Rosa [the Piccolo family] working as a barista,” he said. “I then ended up working in hospitality and then construction.”
After nearly two decades out of the opera business, Mr Brunato was convinced by Co-Opera artistic director Stephanie Acramanhim to return to his roots and give singing another go.
“A lot of our work is with emerging artists, giving them the chance to perform … we also try to bring people back into the fold. The stars have aligned for John, he’s back signing and doing a fantastic job,” she said.
Co-Opera aims to bring opera to regional areas. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Acraman, who is also the director of Gianna Schicchi, said her play is ideal for the first-time opera goer.
“We try and make opera accessible for everyone and to bring opera to regional towns that don’t get to see it much,” she said.
“Gianna Schicchi is set in 1952, it’s about an old Italian gentleman who passes away and leaves all his money to the church … the family then scheme to get the will re-written, with the help of Gianni Schicchi [played by Nicholas Cannon], who is like a used car salesman.”
John Brunato plays the character “Betto”, an opportunistic in-law who tries to get a piece of a pie he doesn’t really deserve.
“I’d really forgotten how athletic singing is … I’m having to retrain my body for the stress of singing,” Mr Brunato said.
“I’m also looking forward to returning to Griffith and catching up with a few relatives.”
Gianni Schicchi will be performed in Piccolo Family Farm’s cellar door, one of many events to make up part of Visit Griffith’s A Taste of Italy: Griffith festival, which runs from 22 August to 28 August.
The ticket package includes a fully catered dinner using local produce by Limone Dining. The Thursday 25 August performance is sold out, but limited tickets are still available for the 24 August show, which commences at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online at the Piccolo Family Farm website.
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