Category: OPERA

Free opera in Melbourne: Opera Australia bringing back Opera For All!

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Posted: 23/12/2023

In what promises to be nothing short of spectacular, the concert is set to feature some of the most beloved arias in opera. These pieces will be brought to life by four of Opera Australia’s premier performers, supported by musicians from Orchestra Victoria and under the expert guidance of esteemed opera conductor, Brian Castles-Onion. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, has expressed delight in BMW’s continued commitment to the Australian cultural landscape through their Opera for All concerts, stating this partnership helps bring more opera to more people. Equally thrilled is Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, who believes this event will bring joy to the community whilst supporting the arts and culture sector. Fed Square, renowned for its capacity to hold 8,000 people and its reputation as a hub for world-class art and culture, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this event. Mark your calendars for one of the biggest free outdoor opera events in Australia in 2024: the “BMW Opera for All.” An invitation is extended to all for an evening steeped in rich cultural experience and unforgettable opera performances. The anticipation builds as the date draws near. Head to opera.org.au for more

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, MELBOURNE, OPERA

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Watch Aida opera free by Opera Australia this December

Aida opera

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Updated: 05/01/2024

In an unprecedented move designed to bring world-class opera performances to a global audience, Opera Australia (OA) has announced that it will livestream its critically acclaimed production of Aida on 11 December 2023. This groundbreaking production, available worldwide, will be streamed in real time from Brisbane, offering a unique opportunity for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience the magic of Verdi’s famous Aida, right from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative initiative by Opera Australia aims to provide increased access to world-class opera performances, in line with CEO Fiona Allan’s statement that “This is an exciting way for us to share opera of such scale and complexity with audiences beyond the city in which we are currently performing.” The livestream is set to broadcast at 7:00pm AEST, with the performance remaining available on-demand for two weeks following the initial broadcast. In a testament to the production’s quality and innovation, the broadcast will be hosted by Revival Director Shaun Rennie and Australian soprano Jane Ede, featuring special guests during the pre-show and intermission, offering greater insights into Verdi’s Aida and the world of opera.The production, which has been praised as a “captivating cinematic experience that fuses live performance and video” by Time Out, is directed by Davide Livermore and features the Australian-Armenian soprano Natalie Aroyan, OA favourite Diego Torre, and international guests soprano Elena Gabouri and bass Alexander Vinogradov. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the spectacle of Aida, as it brings together breathtaking choreography, striking costumes and stunning visual… Read More

Category: CITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, OPERA, SYDNEY

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Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season

Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australias 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House

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Updated: 30/10/2023

Opera Australia, the nation’s flagship opera company, has revealed a truly captivating programme for its 2024 season. The line-up is a sublime blend of timeless classics and avant-garde performances, poised to offer an opera experience like never before. The season opens grandly with the timeless spectacle of La Traviata, transported into a breathtaking realm with cutting-edge digital staging. This seamless fusion of traditional opera with modern innovation is a testament to Opera Australia’s commitment to bringing opera into the 21st century. The company continues to charm the audience with Puccini’s poignant ‘La Bohème,’ a beloved classic that has been captivating audiences worldwide for more than a century. Mozart’s evergreen masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ also makes a glorious return, immersing audiences in a fantastical world filled with enchanting music and whimsical charm. In a bold move, Opera Australia introduces a groundbreaking contemporary piece to the stage. This daring inclusion showcases the company’s continual endeavour to push the boundaries of opera, creating a diverse portfolio that caters to all tastes. Opera Australia’s 2024 season promises a thrilling journey, filled with exquisite performances and daring new productions. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Opera Australia. More info at the Discover 2024 page Image: Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australia’s 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera HousePhoto Credit: Georges Antoni

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, OPERA, SYDNEY

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Get a taste of Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle without committing to the whole thing

ring cycle 00 650x500 1

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Posted: 25/09/2023

In an exciting turn of events, Opera Australia has started selling individual tickets for each opera in the Brisbane Ring Cycle. This gives audiences a chance to experience the magic of Wagner’s epic masterpiece without the necessity of committing to the full 15-hour performance. You can now purchase tickets for each of the individual operas that collectively make up Der Ring des Nibelungen or the Ring Cycle. This new production is exclusive to Brisbane and will premiere at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on Friday, December 1, 2023. Previously, tickets were only available as complete packages of all four operas. This new ticketing approach allows you to attend one or more performances, rather than requiring a week-long commitment for the entire Cycle. Each of the four operas – Gods, Giants, Dragons, and Dwarves – are extraordinary works in their own right, filled with fantastical tales and mystical forces. They each stand as pinnacles of the artform, but when combined, they create one of the greatest artistic masterpieces of all time. The Ring Cycle is presented in partnership with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, and in collaboration with Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Dancenorth. This event features the best of Queensland’s brilliant musical and performing talent. Die-hard Ring fans from around the world are set to converge on Brisbane to experience this brand-new, fully digital production. The availability of single tickets will now offer new audiences easier access to this cutting-edge version of one of the most significant… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, OPERA

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A night of music and dance: West Side Story returns to Sydney Harbour in 2024!

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH dance

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Posted: 18/09/2023

Hold onto your seats, Sydney! Opera Australia (OA) has just announced that the sensational musical West Side Story will be making a triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024. And that’s not all – OA is thrilled to renew its partnerships with Dr Haruhisa Handa’s International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW, ensuring a spectacular season for all to enjoy. If you missed out on the electrifying production of West Side Story when it first hit the stage in 2019, now is your chance to experience this larger-than-life extravaganza. The show received thunderous applause and became the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production to date, drawing record-breaking crowds and selling over 65,000 tickets. Prepare to be captivated by the monumental stage, vibrant costumes, and an exceptional cast of singers and dancers as they once again grace the iconic Mrs Macquaries Point. With unmatched views of Sydney’s famous skyline and a breathtaking nightly fireworks display, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers an unrivaled theatrical experience that will leave you in awe. Directed by the brilliant Francesca Zambello, West Side Story transports the energy and grit of New York City right to Sydney Harbour. The iconic songs and mesmerizing dance numbers will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing the magic of this musical masterpiece to life. And let’s not forget Jerome Robbins’ famed choreography, which will once again set the over-water stage ablaze. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her excitement about the continued… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, MUSIC, OPERA, SYDNEY

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World’s greatest tenor Jonas Kaufmann returns to Sydney

Jonas Kaufmann

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Updated: 16/07/2023

Renowned as the “world’s greatest living tenor,” Jonas Kaufmann, is set to dazzle audiences with an ensemble of globally acclaimed opera singers in two exclusive performances of Ponchielli’s La Gioconda. These performances, scheduled for August 9 and 12, are part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the iconic Sydney Opera House. In what is a significant achievement for Opera Australia, the celebrated German tenor will be making his role debut as Enzo Grimaldo. This marks his first performance in Sydney since 2019. Accompanying Kaufmann in this grand spectacle is the Spanish soprano sensation, Saioa Hernández, who will be making her debut at the Sydney Opera House. She’ll be performing in the eponymous role of Gioconda. Hernández, winner of the Best Soprano of the Year at the 2021 Oscar della Lirica competition by the Spanish Opera National Association, has been lauded as ‘the diva of our century’ by the legendary Montserrat Caballé. Adding to the pool of talent is Australia’s very own Deborah Humble, the successful mezzo-soprano, who will be pausing her international assignments to perform with Opera Australia after a decade. Joining them will be the esteemed French baritone Ludovic Tézier, who will be reuniting with Kaufmann to play the role of Barnaba, the vengeful; Agnieszka Rehlis, the Polish mezzo-soprano currently making her Australian debut in Aida, will play Laura Badoero; and bass Vitalij Kowaljow from Ukraine will play Alvise Badoero, returning after his lauded performance in OA’s 2021 production of Ernani. Guiding the Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus will be the eminent conductor Pinchas… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, OPERA

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Opera Australia hits the road with razor sharp production of The Barber of Seville

Barber of Seville feature

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Posted: 28/06/2023

Opera Australia is taking one of the most beloved operas of all time, The Barber of Seville, on tour once again for the 27th annual National Tour. This year’s production, directed by award-winning director Priscilla Jackman, boasts a fresh new take on the classic masterpiece, featuring updated characters and set in the Victorian town of Seville and the nearby Yarra Valley wine region. The cast is composed of some of Opera Australia’s finest musicians and singers, including the talented sopranos Esther Song and Cathy-Di Zhang who will share the role of Rosina, and tenor Shanul Sharma, who recently dazzled audiences as Gandhi in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. Christian Haotian Qi and Andrew Williams will share the iconic role of Figaro, The Barber of Seville. The two-month tour will travel over 14,000 kilometres across five states and territories, visiting 15 metropolitan and regional theatres in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Victoria. For the first time, the tour will visit the towns of Goulburn (NSW) and Cleveland (QLD), while making a welcome return to Cairns, Katherine, Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, and Albany. Opera Australia continues its commitment to take opera out of major cities and into regional areas, with Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, stating that this is an essential part of the company’s annual program. The Regional Children’s Chorus program, under the direction of Children’s Chorus Master Jonathon Bam, is one of the many outreach programs that Opera Australia engages in with local communities at each location the tour… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, OPERA

What to expect from the new season by Opera Australia

Opera Australia promo

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Posted: 19/06/2023

Mark your calendars for Opera Australia’s much-awaited 2024 Sydney Summer Season, brought to you by the talented guest Creative Director Lindy Hume. Get ready to experience five Sydney Opera House premieres that will leave you awestruck! This season will showcase the virtuosity of Australian talent both on and off the stage, featuring a premier selection of international guest artists. Opera Australia celebrates the potency of opera in contemporary storytelling through this carefully curated selection of operas. Inspired by the European Enlightenment Era, this season features four operas written in the 18th century. Lindy Hume, the mastermind behind this program, says the season is filled with extraordinary music, deep contemplation, and brimming with optimism for the future. With an emphasis on collaboration, this season includes milestone partnerships with Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, Circa, and Opera Queensland, plus a welcome return to the Sydney Festival program. This celebratory season captures how versatile and dynamic the artform can be. Opera Australia’s CEO, Fiona Allan, explained that Lindy Hume was the perfect choice to create an interim Sydney Summer program for OA. Her season is tremendously refreshing, filled with exciting works showcasing a great breadth of artistic talent from all across Australia and around the world. Audiences will be presented with some of Australia’s brightest local and returning talent, including directors Sarah Giles and Yaron Lifschitz, conductor Jessica Cottis, and singers Samantha Clarke, Caitlin Hulcup, Michael Smallwood, Helen Sherman, and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes. Join us for the debut of Kate Gaul’s fantastical and eclectic new production of… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, OPERA, SYDNEY

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Verdi’s Rigoletto is back at Sydney Opera House

Rigoletto clown man

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Posted: 14/06/2023

Opera Australia is proud to present Verdi’s beloved opera, Rigoletto, at the Joan Sutherland Theatre from June 13-26, 2023. Regarded by the composer himself as his finest work, Rigoletto features captivating melodies, a gripping plot, and complex characters that explore themes that remain relevant today. The story follows a tale of love and revenge, examining the corrupt nature of power and wealth within society. Verdi’s score includes some of the most renowned operatic tunes, such as “La donna è mobile” and “Bella figlia dell’ amore”, which have achieved worldwide recognition, appearing in popular culture from pasta adverts to blockbuster movies. Leading the cast is rising Italian baritone, Ernesto Petti, making his Australian and role debut as the vengeful Rigoletto, alongside Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume, who will sing the role of Gilda. Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will reprise his role as the Duke of Mantua, while Roberto Scandiuzzi, one of the world’s most prominent basses, will portray the ruthless Sparafucile, as well as performing in Aida this winter. Renowned Italian maestro Renato Palumbo will conduct the Opera Australia Orchestra, and Elijah Moshinsky’s glamorous production is inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, featuring a revolving two-storey dollhouse set, 1950s-inspired costumes, and a charming Fiat 500. Rigoletto is one of Opera Australia’s most popular and enduring productions, featuring magnificent sets, exciting performances, and Verdi’s sensational score that continues to captivate audiences.

Category: CITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, OPERA, SYDNEY

Opera Australia puts on Miss Saigon in Melbourne

Miss Saigon soldiers

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Posted: 17/05/2023

Opera Australia has announced that the acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Miss Saigon will be playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from October 29th for a limited season. The Australian cast will be led by Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Abigail Adriano as Kim, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Nick Afoa as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi. Tickets for the Melbourne season go on sale Tuesday 6 June, with priority booking available to those who sign up to the waitlist at miss-saigon.com.au. Miss Saigon is a story of love and loss set in war-torn Vietnam, following the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but their love is ripped apart by the fall of Saigon. Created by the same minds behind Les Misérables, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, Miss Saigon has been seen by 38 million people worldwide, performed in 15 different languages, in over 32 countries and 350 cities, and has won 70 major theatre awards including two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. The musical features an unforgettable score including classic hits like ‘The Heat is On in Saigon,’ ‘The Movie in My Mind,’ ‘Last Night of the World,’ and ‘American Dream.’ The new production of Miss Saigon, which opened in London in May 2014, was directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design… Read More

Category: CITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, OPERA

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