Opera Australia has unveiled an extraordinary line-up for its 2026 season, marking the company’s monumental 70th anniversary.
The season promises to celebrate the ingenuity, talent, and legacy of Australia’s national opera company while introducing bold new productions to engage contemporary audiences. From tributes to operatic legends to innovative new works blending rich traditions with diverse stories, Opera Australia (OA) showcases a commitment to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Honour and Innovation at the Heart of the Season
The 2026 season is testament to OA’s history of excellence, presenting visionary works by renowned directors alongside fresh creations from rising talents. Acting CEO Simon Militano encapsulated the essence of this landmark year: “We’re proud to present a season of extraordinary productions that revive operatic masterpieces and crowd favourites while investing in new works that reflect the diversity of Australian communities. This season honours the creators, performers, and audiences who have shaped Opera Australia over the past seven decades.”
Opera Australia’s Compelling Line-Up
Opera enthusiasts have much to look forward to in 2026, from cherished classics to daring premieres. Each production reflects Opera Australia’s ethos of blending tradition with bold, innovative storytelling.
A New Vision for Australian Opera
One of the most eagerly awaited highlights of the season is the world debut of Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife, a newly commissioned opera developed in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. This production, starring Nina Korbe and Marcus Corowa, will bring the powerful First Nations narrative to the stage with a moving score by George Palmer. Through this opera, the artistry of traditional grand opera merges with storytelling that authentically represents Australia’s cultural landscape.
Honouring a National Treasure
2026 also marks the centenary of Dame Joan Sutherland’s birth. Known affectionately as “La Stupenda,” Sutherland’s unparalleled contributions to the world of opera will be celebrated in La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration. One of Australia’s most gifted sopranos, Jessica Pratt, will perform in this homage at the Sydney Opera House’s theatre named after the iconic singer. Highlighting a legacy that lifted Opera Australia to global acclaim, this tribute cements Sutherland’s enduring influence on the art form.
Reimagined Classics
Iconic operas are reimagined through fresh perspectives in the 2026 season. Perennial favourite Turandot will receive a stunning new interpretation by international director and choreographer Ann Yee at the Sydney Opera House. Meanwhile, Constantine Costi will bring a bold new vision to La Bohème, set to captivate audiences at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne.
Moffatt Oxenbould’s magical production of Madama Butterfly will delight as the season’s opener in Sydney, while Elijah Moshinsky’s enchanting Hansel & Gretel adds a touch of charm to the summer lineup. Moshinsky’s work features prominently, with his celebrated production of Rigoletto taking to the Sydney stage during the winter season.
Milestones for Musicals
Opera Australia’s anniversary year also sees the return of two of the most iconic musicals in theatre history. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, The Phantom of the Opera will transform the stage at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour into a mesmerising spectacle. Additionally, in a double platinum celebration, My Fair Lady will mark its 70th anniversary with a grand opening at the Sydney Opera House in September 2026, delighting both opera and musical theatre fans.
World-Class Talent on Display
Continuing the tradition of working with influential directors, Neil Armfield’s raw and emotionally charged production Watershed will premiere in Melbourne, joined by the return of Graeme Murphy’s delightful The Merry Widow at the Sydney Opera House.
A Season of Celebration
Opera Australia’s mission to blend legacy with fresh perspectives takes centre stage in its milestone year. The company will host a gala concert at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, directed by Stuart Maunder and featuring a star-studded cast. The full forces of the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria, led by conductors Giampaolo Bisanti and Sam Weller, promise a spectacular evening of operatic highlights that will honour the company’s incredible history.
Bringing Opera to All Corners of Australia
As part of the 2026 program, OA will continue to prioritise regional outreach through its 30th National Tour. Michael Gow’s inspired production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni will bring the operatic experience to Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Local Regional Children’s Choruses will join the performers on stage, ensuring that opera continues to inspire young hearts throughout the country.
Additionally, the company’s Young Artist Program remains a critical part of supporting emerging talents. Six participants, including singers, a repetiteur, and a director, will play pivotal roles in mainstage productions, demonstrating OA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of opera makers.
Shaping the Future of Opera
Beyond the grandeur of its productions, the 2026 anniversary season reflects OA’s enduring commitment to evolving opera as an inclusive and engaging art form. By celebrating diverse voices, pushing creative boundaries, and continuing to invest in community engagement, Opera Australia is securing its legacy not only as a cultural institution but also as a dynamic force for storytelling in the modern age.
With a season that honours its past while forging creative new paths, Opera Australia demonstrates why it remains a keystone of Australian culture. Whether it’s the grandeur of The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour, the poignant storytelling of The Drover’s Wife, or the dazzling tributes to operatic legends, the season offers something for everyone. At its heart, Opera Australia’s milestone year is a celebration of music, community, and the stories that resonate across generations.
More information at the Opera Australia website