State Opera of South Australia - Adelaide | 28 March 2024 |
You've been granted free access to this page.
Take a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL or SUBSCRIBE today to access the full content of theoperacritic.com.
Free access
Performance reviews
Key | Photo gallery | Production details | Video link |
Le nozze di FigaroState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Mozart’s delightful opera buffa gets a modern makeover |
22 Nov 23 / Arts Hub |
State Opera South Australia's Figaro pulsates with life and joie de vivre but lacks a genuinely subversive edge |
17 Nov 23 / Limelight |
An outstanding array of talent |
17 Nov 23 / Glam Adelaide |
MacbethState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
Stuart Maunder tackles Verdi |
13 Sep 23 / Australian Book Review |
Something not so evil this way comes! |
11 Sep 23 / Arts Hub |
Stuart Maunder’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth has been worth the wait |
9 Sep 23 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
A dynamic and challenging night in the theatre |
8 Sep 23 / Glam Adelaide |
HMS PinaforeState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Set sail for more Gilbert and Sullivan fun on the high seas |
16 May 23 / Arts Hub |
The stalwart cast is terrific |
15 May 23 / Limelight |
HMS Pinafore is a naughty, nautical, nicety that is sure to please any theatre goer |
15 May 23 / Stage Whispers |
more reviews [+]
Superbly staged and funny as a Blackadder episode, HMS Pinafore is a show that you won’t want to miss |
15 May 23 / In Daily |
This is a Pinafore to please all |
15 May 23 / Glam Adelaide |
The Pirates of PenzanceState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
A truly marvellous production and demonstrates that Gilbert & Sullivan still lives and thrives in Adelaide |
15 May 23 / Stage Whispers |
A joyful romp from beginning to end |
15 May 23 / Glam Adelaide |
This production is a delight |
15 May 23 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
Much love and care has gone into the making of this Pirates of Penzance |
15 May 23 / Limelight |
Trial by JuryState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
This interactive staging of Gilbert & Sullivan’s first big hit puts the State Opera chorus front and centre |
14 May 23 / Limelight |
La TraviataState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Sarah Giles' production is very successful in bringing a fresh perspective to such a well-known work |
30 Aug 22 / Limelight |
A pleasing retelling of Verdi’s most beloved opera |
29 Aug 22 / Arts Hub |
Soprano Lauren Fagan is delightful as Violetta, giving a strong vocal performance |
27 Aug 22 / Glam Adelaide |
more reviews [+]
Lauren Fagan and Kang Wang excel in Adelaide's new Traviata |
27 Aug 22 / Bachtrack |
State Opera’s La Traviata is a beautiful, inspired production that brings a tear to the eye |
26 Aug 22 / In Daily |
VossState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Two outstanding adaptations of literary classics |
10 May 22 / Australian Book Review |
Richard Meale’s Voss revived in all its brilliance in Adelaide |
10 May 22 / Bachtrack |
A remarkable night of opera |
10 May 22 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
A night of outstanding performances |
9 May 22 / Glam Adelaide |
Finally, this long overdue – and much delayed – revival of Richard Meale's grand opera confirms that it is indeed a masterpiece |
9 May 22 / Limelight |
The Turn of the ScrewState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 |
Two outstanding adaptations of literary classics |
10 May 22 / Australian Book Review |
State Opera brings chilling tale Turn of the Screw to the stage |
9 May 22 / Glam Adelaide |
Henry James's classic text is reconfigured into a haunting chamber opera in this new State Opera SA production |
5 May 22 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
Stuart Maunder directs powerful performance in Adelaide |
4 May 22 / Bachtrack |
Maunder and team have cooked up a real beauty |
2 May 22 / In Daily |
Strong performances and a magnificent, menacing stage design |
2 May 22 / Limelight |
La bohèmeState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Bohème on the Beach was an egalitarian affair, and a lot of fun to boot |
28 Mar 22 / In Daily |
Il barbiere di SivigliaState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
A crisp, colourful interpretation of Rossini’s classic opera buffa |
18 Nov 21 / Arts Hub |
This delightful, technicolour-bright production is wonderful, light-hearted entertainment |
16 Nov 21 / Limelight |
A lively Barber of Seville in State Opera of South Australia's new home |
16 Nov 21 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Frivolity seems so out of place in these COVID times, but a dose of light-hearted merriment from Rossini is actually the perfect antidote |
15 Nov 21 / In Daily |
Sweeney ToddState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
This production of Stephen Sondheim's masterwork is something truly special |
14 May 21 / Limelight |
Revenge, murder and cannibalism: Adelaide Sweeney Todd has legs |
11 May 21 / Bachtrack |
The whole production is so well done that you want to keep coming back for more |
10 May 21 / In Daily |
CarouselState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
This fine, semi-staged production shows why Carousel was such a groundbreaking show |
29 Mar 21 / Limelight |
Summer of the Seventeenth DollState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
In this new production the opera has finally found its place and worth |
18 Nov 20 / Limelight |
Verdi in the suburbs |
16 Nov 20 / The Advertiser |
Madama ButterflyState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
A beautiful, relevant Madama Butterfly arrives in Adelaide |
19 Nov 19 / Bachtrack |
Mariana Hong is a seasoned Butterfly |
19 Nov 19 / Australian Book Review |
Tearing at the heartstrings, this stunning, sensitive production is the perfect ticket for opera novice and specialist alike |
16 Nov 19 / Limelight |
The MikadoState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
This Adelaide production of the 1885 show is vibrant and charming |
14 Nov 19 / In Daily |
Stuart Maunder’s 'The Mikado' gives us G&S how it ought to be |
12 Nov 19 / scenestr. |
"Hello Kitty on steroids" |
11 Nov 19 / Limelight |
The Cunning Little VixenState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Featuring an excellent cast, Stuart Maunder's Vixen is a highly imaginative romp |
24 May 19 / Limelight |
A rapturous affirmation of life, love, and opera, with surprisingly contemporary themes |
21 May 19 / Arts Hub |
A picturesque production which showcases a delightful score and SA talent |
20 May 19 / In Daily |
CarmenState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
A back-to-basics Carmen successfully staged outdoors |
29 Mar 19 / Limelight |
A touch of Seville in Adelaide’s Victoria Square from State Opera South Australia |
26 Mar 19 / Arts Hub |
An exciting open air Carmen in Adelaide |
26 Mar 19 / Bachtrack |
King ArthurState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Thrilling King Arthur from the Gabrieli Consort in Adelaide |
20 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
Die Lustige WitweState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Graeme Murphy's sparkling production of The Merry Widow is sure to please Adelaide audiences |
6 Dec 18 / Limelight |
The merriest of widows promises a night of pure pleasure |
3 Dec 18 / Arts Hub |
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Act III)State Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
An uneven presentation of this comedy from Wagner |
10 Aug 18 / Limelight |
A Meistersinger Act 3 to celebrate a State Opera Wagner anniversary |
7 Aug 18 / Bachtrack |
So when will we see the complete opera? |
6 Aug 18 / The Adelaide Review |
Les pêcheurs de perlesState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
The State Opera’s Pearl Fishers graces Adelaide's stage |
21 May 18 / Bachtrack |
State Opera have a winning production in The Pearl Fishers |
15 May 18 / Broadway World |
Die FledermausState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Die Fledermaus is full of colourful costumes; zany characters; classy lighting, songs and choreography |
25 Oct 17 / In Daily |
Don PasqualeState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Director, Cath Dadd, has put together an hilarious production with a cast to die for, |
11 Oct 17 / Broadway World |
A carefree, comic Don Pasquale in Adelaide |
7 Oct 17 / Bachtrack |
La Vida BreveState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
What a contrast! Tragedy and comedy in a double bill in Adelaide |
2 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
An utterly captivating and delightful experience that deserved a longer season |
1 Sep 17 / Limelight |
An unexpectedly intimate experience |
1 Sep 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
An enriching night’s entertainment that balances tragedy and comedy, sensitivity and irony |
31 Aug 17 / In Daily |
Gianni SchicchiState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
What a contrast! Tragedy and comedy in a double bill in Adelaide |
2 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
An utterly captivating and delightful experience that deserved a longer season |
1 Sep 17 / Limelight |
An unexpectedly intimate experience |
1 Sep 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
An enriching night’s entertainment that balances tragedy and comedy, sensitivity and irony |
31 Aug 17 / In Daily |
PagliacciState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Quality performances of Cav and Pag open State Opera of South Australia’s season |
22 Apr 17 / Bachtrack |
Cavalleria RusticanaState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Quality performances of Cav and Pag open State Opera of South Australia’s season |
22 Apr 17 / Bachtrack |
SaulAdelaide FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 |
Kosky’s baroque extravaganza could power SA’s electricity grid for a month |
10 Mar 17 / Limelight |
Glyndebourne's Saul wins over Adelaide |
7 Mar 17 / Bachtrack |
The opening twenty minutes of this production are worth the price of admission on their own |
6 Mar 17 / Australian Book Review |
more reviews [+]
Another euphoric reception of the Glyndebourne Festival’s Saul |
6 Mar 17 / Australian Stage |
A masterpiece of operatic staging |
6 Mar 17 / The Conversation |
Barrie Kosky's truly outstanding production |
6 Mar 17 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Barrie Kosky slays giant expectations in triumphant return to Adelaide |
4 Mar 17 / The Guardian |
associated articles [+]
Adelaide Festival opera Saul sweeps national Helpmann Awards
Just as David slew Goliath, the Adelaide Festival’s centrepiece opera Saul toppled almost all its competition at Monday night’s national Helpmann Awards, sweeping six prizes from seven nominations.
Just as David slew Goliath, the Adelaide Festival’s centrepiece opera Saul toppled almost all its competition at Monday night’s national Helpmann Awards, sweeping six prizes from seven nominations.
ToscaState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
A strong, passionate Tosca from State Opera in Adelaide |
19 Nov 16 / Bachtrack |
Impressive individual performances in an otherwise safe production |
18 Nov 16 / Limelight |
The entire package is a 'must see' for any lover of opera |
16 Nov 16 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
State Opera’s Tosca is a triumph |
14 Nov 16 / In Daily |
associated articles [+]
Rosario La Spina on tenors, top notes and Tosca
The Queensland tenor talks all things Cavarodossi in the lead up to State Opera South Australia’s latest staging.
The Queensland tenor talks all things Cavarodossi in the lead up to State Opera South Australia’s latest staging.
Die FledermausState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
A sparkling Die Fledermaus entertains in Adelaide |
12 Oct 16 / Bachtrack |
Coudstreet!State Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
George Palmer, Gale Edwards and Timothy Sexton do justice to one of the greatest Australian stories ever written |
20 May 16 / Limelight |
Oopera version of Tim Winton's classic revels in Australianisms |
16 May 16 / The Guardian |
Cloudstreet is a major Australian success story |
15 May 16 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
An exciting new opera drama in the Australian idiom |
14 May 16 / Bachtrack |
This stunning production exceeds all expectations |
13 May 16 / In Daily |
Die ZauberflöteState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
Mozart among the Masons: The Magic Flute in Adelaide’s Masonic Hall |
23 Feb 16 / Bachtrack |
FaustState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 |
A marvel of colour and movement |
11 Sep 15 / Opera Britannia |
McVicar’s inspiring Faust triumphs in Adelaide |
29 Aug 15 / Bachtrack |
The damnation of Faust |
25 Aug 15 / Gay News Network |
more reviews [+]
Faust is a spectacular work, not seen here for 33 years |
25 Aug 15 / Broadway World |
Faust’s modern makeover |
25 Aug 15 / In Daily |
Teddy Tahu Rhodes has a devil of a time with State Opera SA’s Faust |
24 Aug 15 / The Advertiser |
Don GiovanniState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Don Giovanni achieves the sexual tension and displays of genuine emotion needed |
26 May 15 / Broadway World |
Seduced by State Opera’s Don Giovanni |
25 May 15 / In Daily |
OtelloState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
Does Otello need to be black? |
5 Nov 14 / Opera Britannia |
Verdi remastered: Otello on the high seas |
1 Nov 14 / Bachtrack |
Otello comes into the twenty first century |
30 Oct 14 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
Aircraft carrier sets scene for modern Otello |
30 Oct 14 / In Daily |
SatyagrahaState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
A thrilling Satyagraha as a Philip Glass opera-ballet in Adelaide |
26 Aug 14 / Bachtrack |
Making the Glass shine like new |
21 Aug 14 / The Australian (via Google) |
Einstein on the BeachState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Einstein on the Beach a mesmerising experience in four acts |
23 Aug 14 / Bachtrack |
Making the Glass shine like new |
21 Aug 14 / The Australian (via Google) |
AkhnatenState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
A world first for Philip Glass’ portrait operas |
21 Aug 14 / Bachtrack |
Philip Glass Trilogy off to a superb start |
7 Aug 14 / The Australian (via Google) |
La TraviataState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
Beautifully nuanced staging adds drama to Verdi’s masterpiece |
8 May 14 / The Australian (via Google) |
State Opera, New Zealand Opera and Opera Queensland dazzle with a new La Traviata |
8 May 14 / The Advertiser |
La Traviata is a heartrending tale of doomed love, duty, and honour |
6 May 14 / Broadway World |
La Forza del DestinoState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
A glass half-full |
17 Oct 13 / Opera Britannia |
The real diva in this performance was the capable State Opera Chorus |
15 Oct 13 / Australian Stage |
La Forza del Destino is a thrilling night of grand opera |
14 Oct 13 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
An exciting production |
14 Oct 13 / The Barefoot Review |
The stagecraft and operatic values are superb |
14 Oct 13 / In Daily |
SalomeState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
State Opera of South Australia does bloody justice to Salome |
26 Aug 13 / The Advertiser |
FidelioState Opera of South AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
It is unfortunate that the evening was not a great triumph |
23 Oct 12 / Opera Britannia |
No more reviews |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
News & Articles
State Opera of South Australia announces new Artistic Director |
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels has revealed the appointment of renowned Australian-Chinese conductor Dane Lam as the new Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia. |
15 Sep 2023 / Glam Adelaide |
Further productions for State Opera South Australia |
State Opera South Australia will perform The Turn of the Screw and The Barber of Seville in the remainder of its 2021 season. |
12 Jul 2021 / Limelight |
State Opera of South Australia showcases Australian works in 2019 |
Its newly announced season includes a new series intended to promote existing Australian opera. |
28 Sep 2018 / Limelight |
Stuart Maunder announced as State Opera SA Artistic Director |
Stuart Maunder has been appointed Artistic Director of State Opera of South Australia. Yarmila Alfonzetti has also been announced as Executive Director. |
9 Feb 2018 / Limelight |
State Opera of South Australia at a crossroads |
State Opera of SA (SOSA) is poised for a new future when it appoints two new people to lead the company following the shock resignation of Timothy Sexton back in May. |
15 Nov 2017 / The Adelaide Review |