Category: OPERA

Otello opera in Sydney – on stage this February

Otello Opera Australia

With two international stars on stage for the whole run of Otello by Opera Australia, there’s more than enough reason to head to the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. But, what’s it about? Distilled from Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Otello is an intense chamber-like opera that explores all the problems of the world, concentrated in the lives of the three main characters: Otello, Desdemona and Iago, three of Verdi’s most demanding roles, both vocally and dramatically. These roles will be incredibly performed by OA favourites Yonghoon Lee, Karah Son all conducted by Andrea Battistoni. Together, Lee – who’s known for his performance in the 2019 production of Turandot and Son who reprised the role of the Madama in Madam Butterfly in 2019 – will bring the house down, showcasing their incredible talent, professional poise and let’s not forget, Lee’s innate ability to make weak the knees with his renowned abilities. Have a watch of his performance in Tosca by OA in 2012. Whether you’re new to opera or as ingrained as the Sydney Opera House itself, Lee and Son are two favourites that make a visit to the Joan Sutherland Theatre that much more worth it. Otello will be on at the Sydney Opera House from 19 February to 19 March 2022. For information, times and tickets, head to the Opera Australia website.

Superstars in Sydney for Opera Australia’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

Marriage of Figaro Sydney Opera

It was in 2019 when Melbourne-born superstar soprano Stacey Alleaume took to the stage in Opera Australia’s The Marriage of Figaro as Susanna alongside Paolo Bordogna, tenor. It’s now in 2022 that the illustrious Australian opera company is bringing back the legendary tale – with Stacey in the role she performed all-too-well – that brought us its renowned overture from 27 January to 18 February 2022 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. With three vocal talents that comprise some of the world’s finest singers, the production this summer won’t be one to miss. A regular on the stage of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and opera houses around Europe, impressive Italian baritone Mario Cassi will debut as the Count, a role he has perfected in Liege and Dresden. Stellar Russian soprano Ekaterina Morozova will debut as the Countess, a role she performed at the Bolshoi in late 2021, and rising star Venetian bass-baritone Tommaso Barea debuts, as Figaro himself, opposite celebrated Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume as clever servant Susanna. Based on a play that was initially banned for its anti-aristocratic undertones, this sharp cat-and-mouse comedy that heroes the underclass will delight and entertain audiences as it has done since its 1786 debut in Vienna. The Marriage of Figaro is a lovable tale that has brought us such recognisable tunes as the one above and the beautiful, floaty Sull’Aria, sung by two characters Countess Almaviva who dictates to Susanna (Stacey Alleaume) the invitation to a tryst addressed to the countess’ husband in a plot to expose his… Read More

Jonas Kaufmann one if the world’s best tenors does Lohengrin at Melbourne Arts Centre

Jonas Kaufmann

When Jonas Kaufmann was last in Australia, he toured Parsifal in 2017 and Andrea Chenier in 2019 with Opera Australia. He left audiences’ mouths agape and sent them off with the tale in their hearts and now, he’s back to give audiences a glimpse into the world of Wagner’s Lohengrin, in a partnership between Opera Australia and Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. Rarely performing outside Europe these days, this is the first time the German tenor will perform in a fully staged opera anywhere in the entire South East Asia region, let alone Australia. It‘s a tremendous thrill that one of the greatest tenors alive is coming to Melbourne to perform in his first opera in Australia, and singing, arguably, one of his finest roles. He will be joined by a cast of powerhouse singers: Emily Magee, Elena Gabouri, Marco Vratogna, Daniel Sumegi and Warwick Fyfe. Opera Australia’s Head of Music Tahu Mathesonwill conduct Wagner’s romantic opera, featuring a huge chorus. Needless to say, it’s a performance not to be missed. Get tickets and find out more information at the Opera Australia website.

Sydney Opera: this January Turandot returns to Joan Sutherland

Yonghoon Lee Calaf Turnadot Opera 1

The last time Turandot was such a spectacle, it was the title performance of Handa’s Opera on Sydney Harbour and made for a light, sound and experiential spectacular that had to be experienced. Fast forward to 2022 and it’s taking over the Joan Sutherland Theatre in the Sydney Opera House, offering audiences members the moment, again, to hold their breath as Yonghoon Lee – an OA favourite – hits that famous Vincero note (I will will) at the end of Nessun Dorma (No one will sleep). It’s an especially exciting way to kick of the new year of music after almost two years of music deprivation around the world thanks to the pandemic. We’re aching for the angelic voices of Yonghoon Lee (Calaf), Karah Son and Mariana Hong (Liu) and a spread of other renowned Opera Australia talent. Not to mention, as OA Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini is pleased to announce that rising star Australian sopranoAnna-Louise Cole will share the title role. “Anna-Louise has been a member of our Young ArtistProgram and is ready to tackle these big roles. It is really exciting that she will make her role debutas Turandot so audiences in Sydney can hear what her voice can really do. What’s Turandot about? A fantasy opera of poetry and myth, Turandot transports audiences to an exotic world where fearand love go hand in hand. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as suitors answer riddles atthe risk of death in an attempt to win the hand of the ice princess… Read More

The best of Australian opera in Melbourne and Sydney in 2022

The Bohemians welcome Mimi in La Boheme

It’s been SO long since we’ve been inside the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House or the Melbourne Arts Centre to see our favourite operas by one of the world’s leading production companies, Opera Australia – let alone anything else – that this news is big. In case you can’t make the opera festivities in the middle of Sydney Harbour for New Years this year, then worry not, the official launch of the 2022 opera season by Opera Australia has launched and it’s incredible. Here’s what to expect from Australia’s own opera company powerhouse, Opera Australia. Opera in Melbourne 2022 Local Melburnian and superstar soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre debut as Violetta in Elijah Moshinsky’s celebrated production of La Traviata, a highlight of the Company’s 2022 Melbourne season. And if that’s not exciting enough, the Australian premiere of Olivier Py’s production of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin there’ll also be a one-night only concert by arguably the greatest bass alive today, Ferruccio Furlanetto, along with a highly anticipated blockbuster musical. Our favourite Diego Torre will join the line-up, too! Here are just two stand out events for Autumn 2022 in Melbourne to look forward to. For more, head to the Opera Australia website. VERDI: La Traviata | Conductor Renato Palumbo | Director Elijah MoshinskyFollowing her success at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, shining star soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre role debut as Violetta. Renato Palumbo makes a welcome return to Australia to conduct Ho-Yoon Chung as Alfredo, José Carbó as Giorgio… Read More

Opera Australia is hosting a New Years Opera Gala on Cockatoo Island

Opera Australia New Years Eve 1

Can’t believe we’re here again, already in 2021, but we are and now is the time to plan what you’re doing for New Years Eve 2021. Naturally, if you’re in Sydney, you’ll be by the harbour, watching the epic fireworks every year, so why not do it in operatic style? Opera Australia has added another outdoor spectacular to its program, recently announcing the inaugural New Year’s Eve Opera Gala on Cockatoo Island. The event will present some of the country’s finest performers for a two-hour concert of opera classics under the stars, hosted by the irreverent Jonathan Biggins. Tahu Matheson will conduct a full orchestra and an all-star cast of singers including Stacey Alleaume, Natalie Aroyan, Chanyang Choi, Diego Torre and Luke Gabbedy. Tickets include pre-booked ferry transfers and a ticket to the performance with the option of adding a 3-course pre-performance dinner, interval drinks and the post-show midnight party to their booking. Alternatively more casual food and beverage options will also be available. But if something a little more classic is in your sights, then Opera Australia’s annual NYE festivities at the Sydney Opera House will include a lavish production of Puccini’s La Bohème in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Italian maestro Lorenzo Passerini conducts the Opera Australia Orchestra and a cast of exceptional singers as they perform the much-loved bohemian tale of four friends navigating their way through their shared experiences of ecstasy, jealousy and loss. With interval timed to coincide with the 9pm fireworks and the opera finishing in time for the midnight… Read More

Sydney’s ultimate date night: dinner and the opera on Sydney Harbour

Handa Opera Sydney Harbour HOSH set

Forget Valentine’s Day; this opportunity’s about to trump any idea you’ve ever had before. Opera Australia’s putting on a European gastronomic spread ahead of its annual Handa Opera on the Harbour, renowned as one of the world’s most premier and premium outdoor musical events. The premium harbourside setting will be transformed into a pop-up opera house, complete with bars, restaurants and tiered seating that make the most of the spectacular Sydney skyline views. You’ll get the chance to choose from five different restaurant and bar areas that’ll serve a European-inspired menu that will highlight the flavours of France and Italy in celebration of the triumphant return of Opera Australia’s production of Opera Australia’s La Traviata. For those who bank with HSBC Australia, the Platinum Club will be on-hand as the pop-up dining experience to visit, comprising a sumptuous undercover restaurant and bar with premium Sydney Harbour views. The Club offers exclusive two or three-course sit-down fine dining with table-service, matching wine and a set menu from The Fresh Collective’s award-winning chefs. Opera Australia has partnered with Handpicked Wines as the official wine partner and will have on-hand, a range of award- winning wine selections from Australia’s leading fine wine regions. Reservations for the HSBC Platinum Club are essential. For a more laid-back option, guests can dine with some of the best views on site as a backdrop on the Northern Terrace. Enjoy bistro-style dining from Frenchies Bistro and Brewery with a choice of French-inspired hot, cold and dessert selections. The Southern Terrace will transform into… Read More

Life drawing art classes at the Sydney Opera House

Opera-Australia-Tosca-life-drawing

Forget hundreds-year old operatic productions on the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage in the Sydney Opera House: this month it’s all about art. A one-time-only event on 12 March, the most beautiful set in Australian musical production, the first act scenery for John Bell’s acclaimed production of Tosca, will open to the public for the first time ever for a one-off life drawing class. Teaming up with Darlinghurst Life Drawing, Opera Australia is offering budding artists the opportunity to attend a two-hour drawing class, located right on the set of Tosca in the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell, Act l of Tosca is a spectacular reproduction of Rome’s stunning Sant’Andrea della Valle church. So warm up those fingers, get those creative juices flowing and prepare for one of life’s once-off experiences like never before. For more info and to book, go to the Opera Australia website. Time: 7:00-9:00pm Cost: $125 + booking fee

Cheap opera tickets by Opera Australia: for those who want to try it

Teodor Ilincai Tosca Opera Australia THE F 4

If there’s one thing in life you need to do, it’s to see the opera. And if there’s one company anywhere in the world you need to see it by, it’s Opera Australia. We’ve written about their world class productions so many, many, many, many times which is testament to just how insanely impressive and disciple-making they are. And now, you can access world class productions for a casual 20. In a bid to encourage more people to experience grand opera, Opera Australia is offering $20 tickets to 2,000 first time opera-goers to see its upcoming production of Puccini’s Tosca, which runs from February 22 to March 13, 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program, Opera Australia is able to offer tickets for less than the price of a movie ticket to people who are yet to experience the magic of live opera. For more and to sign up, get along to the Opera Australia website, link above.

Hear the greatest opera arias in 90 mins at Sydney Opera House

Merry Widow Opera

Described as the ‘best of opera without the boring bits’, Opera Australia is putting on a 90-minute show that’s jam-packed with tunes that most people will be familiar with and not realise! The opera masterpieces are famous around the world, not just the soundtrack from a commercial and come from a completely different time by some of the greatest musical minds in history. Performed by an all star operatic cast, they’ll perform tunes that the audience will no doubt recognise from car and pasta adverts, along with films such as Pretty Woman and Star Trek. On now until 3 March 2021, the performances go for 90 minutes for $69 for adults (fees may apply). Concession prices available. Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au