| Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne | 19 April 2024 |
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CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Despite solid performances, the production doesn't entirely live up to the industrial setting |
 27 Nov 22 / Limelight |
Motorbikes racing in the aisles, blaring rock music. Yes, this is opera |
| 26 Nov 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
associated articles [+]
How do you solve a problem like the opera?
With motorbikes and rock’n’roll, it seems. Opera Australia's ‘Carmen on Cockatoo Island’ is rewriting the opera playbook. Director Liesel Badorrek and star Sian Sharp spilled the diesel on breaking the rules.
With motorbikes and rock’n’roll, it seems. Opera Australia's ‘Carmen on Cockatoo Island’ is rewriting the opera playbook. Director Liesel Badorrek and star Sian Sharp spilled the diesel on breaking the rules.
Love it or hate it, Carmen on Cockatoo Island is going to rock
Traditionalists will be relieved that Opera Australia's new production of Carmen on Cockatoo Island is being achieved without tampering with Bizet’s familiar music or the libretto.
Traditionalists will be relieved that Opera Australia's new production of Carmen on Cockatoo Island is being achieved without tampering with Bizet’s familiar music or the libretto.
AttilaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
David Livemore’s production makes strong case for early Verdi work |
| 11 Nov 22 / OperaWire |
Brutal truth: After 175 years this opera is terrifyingly relevant |
| 31 Oct 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Opera Australia has earned its stripes as one of the world’s leading presenters of Italian opera |
| 31 Oct 22 / Limelight |
The Phantom of the OperaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
The Phantom of the Opera is magical and majestic in Melbourne |
| 8 Nov 22 / Broadway World |
Phantom really is an alluring and enduring beast |
| 8 Nov 22 / Australian Stage |
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A polished production of Verdi's masterwork |
| 2 Nov 22 / Arts Hub |
Elijah Moshinsky's chocolate box Traviata is back Opera Australia |
| 26 Oct 22 / Bachtrack |
The real stars of the opening “Brindisi” were the members of the outstanding Australian Opera chorus |
| 23 Oct 22 / J-Wire |
more reviews [+]
Stacey Alleaume makes her mark as top-notch Violetta |
| 23 Jul 22 / OperaWire |
New opera star Stacey Alleaume lights up stage in La Traviata |
| 10 Jul 22 / The Daily Telegraph |
Heading to the opera? This classic production is the one you can’t miss |
| 6 Jul 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
The Phantom of the OperaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Opera Australia pulled out all punches to deliver a knockout production |
| 15 Sep 22 / J-Wire |
Phantom of the Opera grows in a new light at Sydney Opera House |
| 8 Sep 22 / The AU Review |
A majestic and wondrous production |
| 2 Sep 22 / CityHub Sydney |
more reviews [+]
This iteration of the classic music theatre has some thoughtful changes |
| 29 Aug 22 / Arts Hub |
A grittier revamp of the timeless phenomenon is still a one-in-a-million treat |
| 28 Aug 22 / The Guardian |
This new version of the iconic musical has plenty of thrills |
| 28 Aug 22 / Limelight |
A ravishing Phantom stalks Sydney Opera House |
| 27 Aug 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Il TrovatoreOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
A tawdry production of Verdi’s opera |
| 20 Jul 22 / Australian Book Review |
A bold, uncompromising and relevant re-imagining of the text |
| 18 Jul 22 / Arts Hub |
This new production of Verdi’s 1853 opera Il Trovatore directed by Davide Livermore had all the bells and whistles |
| 18 Jul 22 / J-Wire |
more reviews [+]
Il Trovatore provides vividness, mystery, colour and pressing relevance |
| 16 Jul 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
A powerful new production of Verdi’s drama of revenge is crowned by stirring music-making |
| 16 Jul 22 / Limelight |
Madama ButterflyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Sae Kyung Rim shines in a unique production |
| 17 Jul 22 / OperaWire |
A contemporary take on Puccini's classic opera |
| 5 Jul 22 / Arts Hub |
It’s the second act of this production that really stands out |
| 3 Jul 22 / CityHub Sydney |
more reviews [+]
Bravo Opera Australia, which once more has given us an unforgettable evening |
| 3 Jul 22 / J-Wire |
Sex, brutality and beauty collide in this triumphant Butterfly |
| 30 Jun 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Waiting for the robins to nest again: an underwhelming Madama Butterfly in Sydney |
| 30 Jun 22 / Bachtrack |
MefistofeleOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Great Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto shines in this concert performance of a Faustian obscurity by Arrigo Boito |
| 26 May 22 / Limelight |
LohengrinOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
The singing was great – but what was it about? |
| 26 May 22 / The Conversation |
Richard Wagner’s music of hypnosis |
| 24 May 22 / Australian Book Review |
The show was pure panem et circenses – scenery porn more reliant upon empty spectacle than any emotional or human insight |
| 21 May 22 / Opera Gazet (English) |
more reviews [+]
A celebrated tenor performs one of his most iconic roles along with a well supported cast |
| 18 May 22 / Arts Hub |
Treasure in the rubble: Jonas Kaufman makes Australian stage debut |
| 17 May 22 / Bachtrack |
The stunning Jonas Kaufmann and his gifted colleagues rise above a problematic production |
| 16 May 22 / Limelight |
A thrilling knight to remember as Jonas Kaufmann sings Lohengrin |
| 15 May 22 / The Age |
associated articles [+]
The Kaufmann Effect
Jonas Kaufmann discusses playing Lohengrin, losing himself in a part, and how to sing pianissimo for sustained periods.
Jonas Kaufmann discusses playing Lohengrin, losing himself in a part, and how to sing pianissimo for sustained periods.
Jonas Kaufmann
He’s the hottest tenor in the world – but he’s worried about opera’s future.
He’s the hottest tenor in the world – but he’s worried about opera’s future.
Jonas Kaufmann to sing Lohengrin in Melbourne
Opera Australia has announced it has secured the world’s most in demand tenor, Jonas Kaufmann to perform his first ever fully staged opera in Australia when the Company presents Wagner’s Lohengrin in Melbourne in May.
Opera Australia has announced it has secured the world’s most in demand tenor, Jonas Kaufmann to perform his first ever fully staged opera in Australia when the Company presents Wagner’s Lohengrin in Melbourne in May.
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A revival of Elijah Moshinsky’s production |
| 10 May 22 / Australian Book Review |
Stacey Alleaume makes a triumphant hometown mainstage debut as Verdi’s doomed courtesan |
| 6 May 22 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Stacey Alleaume on Violetta and Verdi
As she prepares to revisit the role of Violetta, the star soprano has fallen in love again with Verdi’s music.
As she prepares to revisit the role of Violetta, the star soprano has fallen in love again with Verdi’s music.
The Phantom of the OperaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
An al fresco reinvention of a perennial favourite |
| 29 Mar 22 / Australian Book Review |
Delivering steroid-size spectacular wow and performances to match, this year's Handa Opera on the Harbour hits the highs |
| 29 Mar 22 / Arts Hub |
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous work comes to the open-air venue with a fresh approach by director Simon Phillips |
| 28 Mar 22 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
This spectacular new production is inventively staged, with some stellar performances that will take your breath away |
| 27 Mar 22 / Limelight |
‘Simply glorious’: Phantom is a magical escape from a troubled world |
| 26 Mar 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
An inventive and supersized Sydney Harbour spectacular |
| 26 Mar 22 / The Guardian |
Maria StuardaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
The undoubted star of the evening is Olga Peretyatko |
| 24 Mar 22 / Limelight |
La JuiveOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Natalie Aroyan and Diego Torre shine in carefully constructed production |
| 23 Mar 22 / OperaWire |
Halévy’s rare and controversial opera |
| 15 Mar 22 / Australian Book Review |
You will regret it if you do not get along |
| 12 Mar 22 / J-Wire |
more reviews [+]
La Juive makes a belated Australian debut |
| 12 Mar 22 / Bachtrack |
Chilling, lavish, excessive: this is opera on the grandest of scales |
| 11 Mar 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
There are few entry points for new audiences to this opera, which is unfortunately bleak for our times |
| 10 Mar 22 / Arts Hub |
This spectacular co-production of Halévy's 1835 opera couldn't have been grander |
| 10 Mar 22 / Limelight |
OtelloOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Despite fracturing his coccyx earlier in the day, Yonghoon Lee gave a bravura performance as Otello |
| 17 Mar 22 / Limelight |
Marco Vratogna and Yonghoon Lee shine in Verdi’s tragic masterpiece |
| 2 Mar 22 / OperaWire |
A welcome revival of Harry Kupfer’s production |
| 1 Mar 22 / Australian Book Review |
more reviews [+]
Three international soloists triumph in Opera Australia’s Otello |
| 22 Feb 22 / Bachtrack |
Opera Australia's Otello is a must-see particularly to witness Yonghoon Lee’s history-making role debut |
| 21 Feb 22 / Limelight |
‘Close to perfection’: Karah Son’s stunning Desdemona in Otello |
| 21 Feb 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
TurandotOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Australian soprano Anna-Louise Cole has just made her role debut as Turandot for OA – and what an impressive performance it was |
| 15 Feb 22 / Limelight |
The curtain calls were loud and enthusiastic |
| 21 Jan 22 / OperaWire |
Iconic Turandot production returns with steely high notes to Opera Australia |
| 19 Jan 22 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
This fine OA production of Puccini's opera is a cracking night out, and a perfect antidote to these dark, pestilence-filled days |
| 14 Jan 22 / Limelight |
Turandot revivals are always welcome. This one is particularly good |
| 13 Jan 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Le nozze di FigaroOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Sunlight on stage |
| 1 Feb 22 / Bachtrack |
Opera Australia pulls off its finest Mozart production in decades |
| 31 Jan 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Opera Australia marks Mozart’s 266th birthday with Figaro, and it would be hard to imagine a better celebration of the composer’s genius |
| 29 Jan 22 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Andrea Molino: opera, dramaturgy and memorising scores
The Italian conductor, who is about to take to the podium for Opera Australia's The Marriage of Figaro, explains why he often memorises opera scores.
The Italian conductor, who is about to take to the podium for Opera Australia's The Marriage of Figaro, explains why he often memorises opera scores.
La bohèmeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Curtain call and technical hitches for La Boheme’s Opera House return |
| 5 Jan 22 / Sydney Morning Herald |
AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Leah Crocetto leads a superb revival of Davide Livermore’s staging |
| 2 Jul 21 / OperaWire |
New technology revitalises a classic Verdi tragedy |
| 30 Jun 21 / Arts Hub |
It’s opera - but not as you know it |
| 24 Jun 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Compelling to hear, amazing to see |
| 20 May 21 / Bachtrack |
The company’s new Aida is a curious, sometimes seductive, at times distracting concoction of LED imagery |
| 17 May 21 / Australian Arts Review |
Spectacle and triumph |
| 8 May 21 / ConcertoNet (English) |
more reviews [+]
All you need is love: Aida’s romantic heart eclipses tech innovations |
| 8 May 21 / The Age |
Digital opera finally comes to Melbourne with this feast for eyes and ears |
| 7 May 21 / Limelight |
ErnaniOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
The overall effect is total exhilaration |
| 17 May 21 / Australian Arts Review |
Spectacular voices and a clever production overcome this early Verdi opera’s preposterous plot |
| 15 May 21 / Arts Hub |
A visual feast |
| 15 May 21 / ConcertoNet (English) |
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
A successful rendition of Verdi’s masterwork that kept the focus onstage instead of its harbor setting |
| 12 Apr 21 / OperaWire |
‘Bling’ in spades; an exhausting and non-stop binge of hyperactive excess, but loads of fun nonetheless |
| 1 Apr 21 / Arts Hub |
Harbourfront spectacular: La traviata's dazzling return to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour |
| 31 Mar 21 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
The night belonged to Stacey Alleaume in a brilliant debut in the role of Violetta |
| 31 Mar 21 / Stage Noise |
Violetta dies, but La Traviata will live forever |
| 30 Mar 21 / J-Wire |
New star soprano Stacey Alleaume joins top ranks after a triumphant La Traviata |
| 29 Mar 21 / The Daily Telegraph |
Stacey Alleaume gives as thrilling a role debut as could possibly be imagined |
| 28 Mar 21 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
Triumphant performance by Stacey Alleaume as La Traviata graces the Harbour |
| 27 Mar 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Stacey Alleaume gives a glorious performance as Violetta |
| 27 Mar 21 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour to make welcome return in 2021
Opera Australia today confirmed its spectacular outdoor event, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will return in March 2021 with Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata.
Opera Australia today confirmed its spectacular outdoor event, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will return in March 2021 with Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata.
Duke Bluebeard's CastleOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Bartók’s opera as a #MeToo thriller |
| 17 Mar 21 / Australian Book Review |
This is a power-packed psychological opera squeezed into just 60-minutes |
| 4 Mar 21 / Arts Hub |
A triumph in miniature: Bluebeard's Castle at Opera Australia |
| 3 Mar 21 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Sumegi’s vocal mastery a triumph |
| 3 Mar 21 / J-Wire |
Bluebeard’s murderous mind games will grip you |
| 3 Mar 21 / The Daily Telegraph |
Interpretation of Bartok is simply chilling |
| 2 Mar 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Béla Bartók’s only opera, first performed in 1918, sounds glorious and is astutely staged for 21st-century audiences |
| 2 Mar 21 / Limelight |
ToscaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Fascist Tosca revived by Opera Australia |
| 5 Mar 21 / Bachtrack |
A fab season of married at first sight |
| 1 Mar 21 / O|A Reviews |
Passion and terror amid the glories of Rome |
| 24 Feb 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
more reviews [+]
Carmen Giannattasio makes an impressive Opera Australia debut in John Bell’s dramatic production |
| 23 Feb 21 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Opera Australia offers $20 Tosca tickets for first-timers
The company has set aside 2,000 tickets to John Bell’s monumental Tosca for people who have not previously purchased tickets for an Opera Australia performance.
The company has set aside 2,000 tickets to John Bell’s monumental Tosca for people who have not previously purchased tickets for an Opera Australia performance.
Die Lustige WitweOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A fantastic production |
| 3 Mar 21 / J-Wire |
An absolutely wonderful evening |
| 8 Jan 21 / J-Wire |
Opera Australia begins again with a rousing production of The Merry Widow |
| 8 Jan 21 / Sydney Arts Guide |
more reviews [+]
Making an entrance: Opera Australia returns with glitzy Art Deco Merry Widow |
| 8 Jan 21 / Bachtrack |
Opera Australia's Merry Widow a non-serious operetta highly worthy of support |
| 7 Jan 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Julie Lea Goodwin is gorgeous as the merry widow Hanna Glavari, and perfectly supported by Alexander Lewis as Danilo Danilovich |
| 6 Jan 21 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Merry day at the opera as organisers seek out first timers
Opera Australia invited first-time opera goers to watch dress rehearsals of Lehar's operetta The Merry Widow at the Sydney Opera House, as the company seeks to challenge Sydneysiders' preconceptions of the artform.
Opera Australia invited first-time opera goers to watch dress rehearsals of Lehar's operetta The Merry Widow at the Sydney Opera House, as the company seeks to challenge Sydneysiders' preconceptions of the artform.
ErnaniOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
All work of the design team was absolutely superb getting more and more fantastic throughout the evening |
| 5 Feb 21 / Sydney Arts Guide |
A sumptuous display of Verdi’s fifth opera |
| 5 Feb 21 / Australian Book Review |
Opera in maschera: Verdi's Ernani arrives in Sydney from La Scala |
| 5 Feb 21 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Two worlds collide in this triumphant production |
| 4 Feb 21 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Ernani is a feast for the ears but rather less so for the eyes |
| 3 Feb 21 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Verdi’s first global blockbuster takes to the Opera House stage
Milan’s La Scala has co-operated with Opera Austraia on a joint production that should equally enthral audiences seeing it performed on the vast stage of La Scala or the much smaller confines of Sydney Opera House or Melbourne’s Arts Centre.
Milan’s La Scala has co-operated with Opera Austraia on a joint production that should equally enthral audiences seeing it performed on the vast stage of La Scala or the much smaller confines of Sydney Opera House or Melbourne’s Arts Centre.
Opera Australia embraces rapid COVID-19 testing to get back on stage
For Ernani, premiering at the Sydney Opera House, audiences will be as safe as they can be anywhere in the world.
For Ernani, premiering at the Sydney Opera House, audiences will be as safe as they can be anywhere in the world.
AttilaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Far from static, this grand Verdi opera is full of revenge, massive sets and feuding |
| 18 Mar 20 / Arts Hub |
Everyone involved make a completely persuasive case for the work to be given an outing |
| 15 Mar 20 / Australian Book Review |
Davide Livermore's La Scala Attila travels to Sydney |
| 14 Mar 20 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Impressive singing, but the storytelling leaves something to be desired |
| 13 Mar 20 / Limelight |
FaustOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
All in all, it was a great night at the opera |
| 17 Feb 20 / Australian Stage |
McVicar’s devilish take on classic opera |
| 14 Feb 20 / J-Wire |
From cabaret to cathedral: McVicar's spectacular Faust in Sydney |
| 14 Feb 20 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Production succeeds by excess |
| 11 Feb 20 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Don GiovanniOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A magnificent revival of the chilling, thrilling David McVicar production |
| 7 Feb 20 / Sydney Arts Guide |
Opera Australia’s revival run of Sir David McVicar’s production is part revelatory – and part not |
| 29 Jan 20 / Arts Hub |
A darkly gothic Don Giovanni entertains in Sydney |
| 28 Jan 20 / Bachtrack |
Bran Nue DaeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Exceptional singing and music obscure the political heart of this classic Australian musical |
| 24 Jan 20 / The Conversation |
Great Australian musical with vibrant cast resonates at Sydney festival |
| 20 Jan 20 / The Guardian |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Bernstein
22 Mar to 21 Apr 2024
Lloyd Webber
21 May to 7 Jul 2024
Puccini
24 to 30 May 2024
Twist
14 to 16 Jun 2024
Puccini
25 Jun to 16 Aug 2024
Dean
20 Jul to 9 Aug 2024
Mazzoli
26 to 28 Jul 2024
Mozart
1 to 17 Aug 2024
Lloyd Webber
28 Aug to 2 Nov 2024
Symonds
26 Sep to 5 Oct 2024
Mills
16 to 19 Oct 2024
Mozart
9 to 16 Nov 2024
Various
13 to 15 Nov 2024
News & Articles
| ‘Wagner would love it’: Epic 15-hour opera goes super hi-tech |
Opera Australia’s new production of The Ring will be like no other before it. |
| 10 Nov 2023 / Sydney Morning Herald |
| Opera Australia signals change with its 2024 season |
Five contemporary operas, a bigger Melbourne presence, more women conductors and directors – Jo Davies' inaugural season suggests a change of direction for OA. |
| 24 Oct 2023 / Limelight |
| Behind the scenes: Opera Australia’s vast, digital Ring cycle |
“Go digital!” Opera Australia told Chen Shi-Zheng when he was briefed to direct Wagner’s Ring cycle, which premieres in Brisbane this December. |
| 19 Oct 2023 / Bachtrack |
| Jo Davies announces her first OA production for Melbourne |
OA will stage Opera North's production of Tosca, directed by Edward Dick, at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena in May 2024. |
| 19 Sep 2023 / Limelight |
| Opera Australia launches 2024 Sydney season with "mini festival" |
The first part of Opera Australia’s 2024 season has launched and Guest Artistic Director Lindy Hume's program is no business-as-usual proposition. |
| 6 Jun 2023 / Limelight |
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