Category: OPERA

New opera by Opera Australia to see on Cockatoo Island Sydney

Camen Opera

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Posted: 09/09/2022

Opera Australia is putting on another open air event outside of the world of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, this time on Cockatoo Island. Launching in November 2022 with a gritty new production of Bizet’s much-loved Carmen, giving visitors a thrilling opportunity to experience world-class opera under the stars with stunning harbour views. Celebrated director Liesel Badorrek and set and costume designer Mark Thompson have created an edgy and immersive production of Carmen, featuring motorbike stunts and nightly fireworks that are sure to give audiences a thrill. This unique Sydney summer experience is an all-inclusive night out, with customised dining offerings and pop-up bars onsite at one of the most spectacular locations in the city. See the production from 25 November – 18 December 2022. Tickets from $79 at Eastern Apron and Bolt Wharf, Cockatoo Island

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

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Opera Australia’s 2023 program – and the end of an era

Madame Butterfly Sydney Opera Australia geisha

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Posted: 02/09/2022

Next year in 2023, Opera Australia will hit another one of its many milestones, though with a bitter-sweet undertone. Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini, the man behind the sumptuous programming and incredible progress of the company will see out his final season before moving onto other things. Though his last season will definitely not leave us wanting! In a clear indication of Opera Australia’s standing on the global stage, some of the biggest names in opera will be performing for the Company in 2023. The world’s leading tenor, Jonas Kaufmann, in demand sopranos Ermonela Jaho, Lise Lindstrom, Jessica Pratt and Amber Wagner, along with globally renowned Wagner interpreter Stefan Vinke, legendary bass Ferruccio Furlanetto and audience favourite Michael Fabiano, to name just a few, will all make very welcome returns to Australia in 2023.  The season for 2023 will – as per usual – include a phenomenal line-up of productions with world-class singers from every corner of the globe. Think Chen Shi-Zheng’s amazing production of the world’s first digital Ring Cycle in Brisbane, with the cast from the original 2020 season largely intact; OA’s co-production of The Tales of Hoffmann will finally make it to the stage after being postponed in 2021 and everyone’s favourite, Alex Ollè’s Madama Butterfly. Karah Son will reprise the starring role of Cio Cio San that she performed to much acclaim for OA in the Joan Sutherland Theatre in 2019. Ultimately, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of celebration of Australian talent with many homegrown performers singing alongside their international counterparts, many in break-out roles. Among those… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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Homegrown talent to see at Sydney Opera House this spring in La Traviata by Opera Australia

Stacey Alleaume opera singer

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Posted: 24/06/2022

If there’s one soprano you need to see in your life, either while living in or visiting Sydney, it’s Melbourne’s own Stacey Alleaume. She’s a rocket of a singer that is more often than not, found up front-and-centre in many of Opera Australia’s annual productions. And it’s easy to see why… Stacey was proclaimed a star when she sang Violetta in the 2021 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata and last month received more glowing reviews for her main-stage debut as Violetta at Arts Centre Melbourne. Along with Stacey, soprano Irina Lungu will open the second stage of the Sydney season on 22 October, singing her signature role of Violetta in Australia for the first time, having sung the role across Europe, the UK and Tokyo, including receiving rave reviews in 2019 at the Vienna State Opera. Along with a range of other singers, the spread of what’s on from Opera Australia is – as per usual – internationally acclaimed, and will shine the light on the best of Australia’s arts and music scene from the lens of Opera Australia. Here’s a full run-down of the Opera Australia winter season for 2022. For more and to book tickets to La Traviata, head to the Opera Australia website. What is La Traviata about? Opera Australia explains it as a tragic love story that inspired pop culture classics Moulin Rouge and Pretty Woman, Verdi’s famous score includes the show-stopping aria ‘Sempre libera’ and the instantly recognisable drinking song, ‘Brindisi’. Combined with lavish sets and costumes,… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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A new kind of Madame Butterfly flies into Sydney Opera House

Madame Butterfly Sydney Opera Australia geisha

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Posted: 21/06/2022

The Madam is back – and this time with a whole new experience for the most seasoned of opera-goers amongst us. For the longest time, the production from the inner sanctum of creativity that was the mind of now retired artistic director Moffat Oxenbould that saw the Madam take to a traditionally Japanese-inspired set, perforated throughout with animated, faceless avatars captured hearts and minds in each and every production between Sydney and Melbourne. MORE: Here’s what we thought of Phantom of the Opera by Opera Australia But now, the Madam will be treated to a shake-up of the 21st century variety. A few years back, Opera Australia invested in some ten-metre tall digital screens that are as interactive as they are mobile, suspended from the ceiling of the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage and able to be positioned in any way the new creative direction dictates. These will be used to full effect in this 2022-and-on production of Madame Butterfly, allowing for a complete re-imagining of Puccini’s masterpiece as a complete dystopian masterpiece. MORE: About The Marriage of Figaro by Opera Australia Surprisingly stark but beautiful, the creative dream team of director/choreographers Graeme Murphy andJanet Vernon, designer Michael Scott-Mitchell, costume designer Jennifer Irwin and video designer SeanNieuwenhuis crafted a Butterfly unlike any other production seen in Australia. It’ll be captivating, dynamic, symbolistic and come complete with a backdrop and towering robotic servants with which the singers interact. Striking costume designs draw on a range of eras, from burlesque to cartoons and sci fi. Is Madame Butterfly… Read More

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

Phantom opera sydney harbour: Dazzling new Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour

Phantom opera sydney harbour

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Updated: 19/11/2022

It’s Phantom of the Opera, but not as you know it. Commencing Friday 25 March until 24 April 2022, the longest-running show in musical history can be experienced under the stars on Sydney Harbour, with iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge creating a stunning backdrop for this popular production.  Not only is this a new version of Phantom, but it’s also the first fully-staged outdoor production of this popular opera, with fireworks every night. The themed pop-up bars and restaurants will make this an unforgettable evening for all.  About Phantom of the Opera on the harbour Having played for 35 years on the West End of London, and 34 on Broadway in New York, this inspired interpretation of Gaston Leroux’s novel remains one of the world’s favourite musicals. The story of a mysterious masked man who lives beneath the Paris Opera House, and the beautiful young singer who becomes his obsession and muse, seduces generation after generation and continues to enchant long-time devotees. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score — immortalised in one of the highest-selling cast albums of all time — is studded with melodies famous the world over: from the haunting beauty of ‘The Music of the Night’ and ‘All I Ask of You’, to the splendour of ‘Masquerade’, and the crashing chords of the title song. Two of Australia’s most in-demand theatrical talents, director Simon Phillips and designer Gabriela Tylesova, bring a whole new level of spectacle to the show’s defining moments — the mirror, the journey to the Phantom’s lair, the… Read More

Category: OPERA, SYDNEY

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Otello opera in Sydney – on stage this February

Otello Opera Australia

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Updated: 16/11/2022

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.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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

Marriage of Figaro Sydney Opera

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Posted: 23/01/2022

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

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

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

Jonas Kaufmann

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Updated: 03/01/2022

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.

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

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Sydney Opera: this January Turandot returns to Joan Sutherland

Yonghoon Lee Calaf Turnadot Opera 1

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Updated: 16/11/2022

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

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

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The best of Australian opera in Melbourne and Sydney in 2022

The Bohemians welcome Mimi in La Boheme

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Updated: 02/09/2022

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

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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