Tag: opera australia

Opera Australia & Pinchgut Opera do ‘Theodora in Concert’

Theodora okpera people books

This February, the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House will be filled with the rich sounds of Handel’s ‘Theodora’, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between two of Australia’s leading opera companies – Opera Australia and Pinchgut Opera. For the first time in their illustrious histories, these two giants of the opera scene have joined forces to present ‘Theodora in Concert’, marking the first Handel opera programmed by OA in the past decade. This thrilling collaboration gives audiences a rare chance to experience Handel’s captivating score, performed in English by some of Australia’s most renowned early music specialists. Pinchgut Opera, renowned for their renditions of seldom-performed 17th and 18th-century masterpieces, will be making their Sydney Opera House stage debut with this production. The artistic prowess of Erin Helyard, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera, along with acclaimed opera director Lindy Hume, promise a performance of exceptional quality. Australian soprano Samantha Clarke, fresh off a widely celebrated debut performance as Violetta in OA’s La Traviata, will be stepping into the titular role of Theodora. Clarke’s recent performance was lauded by the Sydney Morning Herald for her “fluid grace” and “thrilling force at climactic moments.” Adding to the star-studded lineup is American countertenor Christopher Lowrey, who will be making his OA debut as Didymus, a role he has performed to global acclaim. Joining him will be Helen Sherman, a Helpmann Award nominee, who will make her OA debut as Irene. Regular OA performers and audience favourites, Michael Petruccelli and David Greco, will play Septimius and… Read More

West Side Story on Sydney Harbour

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH fireworks

Get ready for an electrifying, larger-than-life experience as Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour brings back the iconic musical, West Side Story, to its spectacular stage in 2024. This highly anticipated production will showcase the greatest score ever written and promises to be a musical masterpiece like no other. Opera Australia (OA) has recently announced the two talented Australian performers who will take on the lead roles of Tony and Maria in this limited 4-week season. Making her professional theatrical debut as Maria is the award-winning First Nations soprano, Nina Korbe. Joining her as Tony is the Canberra-born tenor, Billy Bourchier, fresh from his acclaimed performances in OA’s Miss Saigon. Jo Davies, Opera Australia’s Artistic Director, expressed her excitement about the casting, stating, “We are so excited to have these two fabulous Australian talents lead this production, audiences are going to be thrilled by their talent and energy on stage.” The full cast, which will be announced soon, promises to be a diverse range of extraordinary talents from both the opera and musical theatre worlds. The production of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour premiered in 2019 to outstanding acclaim and remains the most successful of all Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour productions. This year, audiences will once again be treated to nightly fireworks, a live orchestra, and a breathtaking performance on Australia’s largest outdoor stage, boasting sweeping city and harbor views. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has truly become a quintessential cultural experience in Sydney. Nina Korbe, a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, and Wakka Wakka… Read More

New Magic Flute at Sydney Opera House

Opera Magic Flute

Get ready to be enthralled as Opera Australia unveils an exciting new production of Mozart’s classic, The Magic Flute, at the iconic Joan Sutherland Theatre in Sydney Opera House. Mark your calendars for this legendary performance, running from 1st February to 16th March 2024. Award-winning director Kate Gaul makes her directorial debut with Opera Australia, conjuring a fantastical world that promises a delightful and enchanting adventure suitable for all ages. The production will feature Australia’s leading opera and musical theatre artists. It’s an exciting opportunity to witness the talent of Australia’s best, including the OA soprano Stacey Alleaume and musical theatre star Ben Mingay, who will be making their OA debut. An absolute highlight is Australian-Mauritian soprano Stacey Alleaume, who will captivate audiences with her mainstage role debut as Pamina. Mingay, in his OA debut as Papageno, complements Alleaume’s spellbinding performance. For the first time, these two accomplished singing talents will perform together, making it a spectacle not to be missed! After more than two decades performing in leading opera houses across Europe and North America, Australian tenor Michael Smallwood returns home to make his debut at the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Smallwood will reprise his role as Tamino, which he performed to great acclaim for Aalto Theater Essen in 2023. The all-star Australian cast will also feature OA favourites Giuseppina Grech, David Parkin, Jane Ede, Ruth Strutt, Jennifer Black, Kanen Breen, Gregory Brown, and Nathan Lay. We’re equally excited to welcome back Indyana Schneider, making her principal role debut for the Company as Second Lady…. Read More

Watch Aida opera free by Opera Australia this December

Aida opera

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

Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season

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

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

World’s greatest tenor Jonas Kaufmann returns to Sydney

Jonas Kaufmann

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

What to expect from the new season by Opera Australia

Opera Australia promo

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

Opera Australia puts on Miss Saigon in Melbourne

Miss Saigon soldiers

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

What to look forward to in Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour this season

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There are so many reasons you need to meet the Madama herself. For first-timers, she’s approachable; for singers, she’s versatile and for veterans of Opera Australia’s productions, she’s an emotional rollercoaster that tells a story that never gets old. This year as part of Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on the Harbour, made up of it’s gigantic flotilla stage literally on the water with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as back drop, the Madama takes to the stage again. Having recently opened in Sydney for the season, Karah Son and Diego Torre, two of Opera Australia’s favourites, took to the stage to reprise their roles as Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton respectively. They’re also joined by award-winning Korean Australian soprano Eva Kong. They are also joined on stage by an all-star Australian cast and the Opera Australia Orchestra under the watchful eye of Maestro Brian Castles-Onion who has conducted every opera production since the inaugural season in 2012.  The set is an icon in itself, too, featuring a nature-come-urban feel you need to see in person. Highlights to look out for: Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly is on until the 23rd of April 2023 get tickets at the Opera Australia website.

Why you shouldn’t miss La Boheme according to its stars

The cafe in La Boheme by Opera Australia

In celebration of the Sydney Opera House‘s 50th birthday this year, Opera Australia, its resident opera and performing arts company, is putting on one heck of a line-up. With the renowned and favourite La Boheme currently on stage until THIS weekend, 11 March, your chance to see it for the season is almost up! It’s a moving story of love gained, shaken and then lost forever, written by famed Italian composer – who wrote quite accessible operas for those who are new to the whole experience – Giacomo Puccini. It’s even got those two renowned arias placed strategically back-to-back in the first act of the performance, that do their job in honing you in and driving you (or maybe just me?) to tears every time. They are: Che gelida manina and Si mi chiamano Mimi. They highlight the very moment Rodolfo and Mimi fall in love and do the best job at positioning Mimi as a delicate flower of a woman, who Rodolfo can’t but help being totally taken with immediately. Have a listen here: You can check out our other thoughts and reviews on the La Boheme production here. To find out why La Boheme is so good and such a must-see, we spoke to the latest lead singers, Atalla Ayan and Rebecca Gulinello who play Rodolfo and Mimi, the main lovers’ storyline, through the production. “Singing La Boheme taught me something beautiful about life: The passion and the joy of living every moment, every second as the last one of your existence. Living for the… Read More