For seventy years, Opera Australia has been the beating heart of the nation’s cultural landscape. To mark this incredible milestone, the company has announced a spectacular one-night-only concert.
On Sunday 17 May, the Regent Theatre will host the 70th Anniversary Gala, a night dedicated to looking back at a rich history while celebrating the voices of today.
This isn’t just another concert; it is a tribute to the people who built the company. As CEO Alex Budd noted, “A 70th anniversary gala is defined by its artists, and this cast reflects the depth of talent that has sustained Opera Australia for seven decades.”
Whether you are a lifelong opera lover or simply appreciate grand musical moments, this event promises to be a highlight of the 2026 cultural calendar.
A cast of operatic stars
The lineup for the evening reads like a who’s who of Australian opera. The gala will feature some of the company’s most celebrated singers, bringing to life a programme of thrilling highlights from the past seventy years.
The outstanding cast includes:
- Emma Matthews
- Stacey Alleaume
- Olivia Cranwell
- Jane Ede
- Sian Sharp
- Diego Torre
- Filipe Manu
- Iain Henderson
- Andrii Kymach
- Luke Gabbedy
- David Parkin
Looking to the future, the concert will also showcase the next generation of talent. Two of Opera Australia’s current Young Artists, soprano Shikara Ringdahl and baritone Leon Vitogiannis, will take to the stage alongside their established colleagues.
The full force of the chorus and orchestra
No celebration of Opera Australia would be complete without its backbone: the internationally renowned Opera Australia Chorus. For this special evening, the chorus will be 58-strong, promising a sound that will fill every corner of the Regent Theatre. Known as one of the best opera choruses in the world, the sheer magnitude of their collective voices is something that must be experienced live.
The musical direction is in equally capable hands. The gala will be directed by Stuart Maunder AM, the Artistic Director of Victorian Opera. The acclaimed Italian conductor Giampaolo Bisanti will take the baton, leading Orchestra Victoria through a journey of operatic greats.
The programme will traverse the works of Rossini, Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and more. Australian conductor Sam Weller will also make a featured appearance, adding to the collaborative spirit of the night.
From humble beginnings to a cultural powerhouse
It is hard to believe that Opera Australia, now the country’s largest performing arts company, started with a band of everyday people.
The company was formed in 1956 to celebrate the Mozart bicentenary. It wasn’t founded by elites, but by a group of butchers, pharmacists, and newsagents who united over a shared passion. They launched a touring season of Mozart’s masterpieces—The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, The Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni.
From those humble touring days, the company they dreamt of has grown into a major force. It now brings together Australia’s finest singers, musicians, and creatives, along with international guests, to perform for audiences across the country.
This gala is a chance to honour that journey—from the butchers and pharmacists of 1956 to the world-class institution it is today.
Event Details:
- What: Opera Australia 70th Anniversary Gala
- When: Sunday 17 May
- Where: Regent Theatre, Melbourne
Meta Title: Opera Australia 70th Anniversary Gala: A Historic Celebration
Meta Description: Opera Australia celebrates 70 years with a star-studded gala at the Regent Theatre on 17 May. Discover the full cast and programme details here.