| Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne | 17 May 2024 |
click here for a gallery of photos from recent productions
click here for more photos for
Click below forproduction trailers
Idomeneo
Die Zauberflöte
La Traviata
Das Rheingold
Les Contes d'Hoffmann
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
|
AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
A new tech era for Opera Australia delivers artistically, while operatically tradition held strong with phenomenal singing |
 20 Jul 18 / Arts Hub |
An exciting, high-tech production that both thrills and overwhelms at times |
| 20 Jul 18 / Limelight |
Opera Australia takes a huge risk bringing 19th century opera into the 21st century |
| 19 Jul 18 / The CEO Magazine |
more reviews [+]
A triumph of questionable taste, but it’s a triumph nonetheless |
| 19 Jul 18 / Time Out |
RigolettoOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
La Opera de Sydney actualiza el cinematográfico Rigoletto de Elijah Moshinsky |
| 22 Aug 18 / Opera World (Spanish) |
Dalibor Jenis era il veterano della compagnia |
| 8 Aug 18 / Operaclick (Italian) |
In the #metoo era Verdi’s classic opera Rigoletto resonates more strongly than ever |
| 17 Jul 18 / Alt Media |
more reviews [+]
Dalibor Jenis' hunchbacked jester isn't one to miss |
| 13 Jul 18 / Limelight |
Jenis’s Rigoletto packs a punch with a hunch |
| 11 Jul 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
The perfect toe-dipping show for the opera-curious |
| 11 Jul 18 / Daily Review |
Rigoletto's big opulent sets are matched by big voices and big entertainment |
| 10 Jul 18 / Arts Hub |
Create music theatre of classic dramatic power |
| 9 Jul 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Verdi’s Rigoletto is back, again |
| 9 Jul 18 / The AU Review |
Tragedy and melody in triumph |
| 8 Jul 18 / J-Wire |
associated articles [+]
Irina Lungu: I would really prefer to sing Rigoletto
Soon to make her Australian debut in the role of Gilda, the Russian soprano talks about overcoming her scepticism about what is now a calling card role.
Soon to make her Australian debut in the role of Gilda, the Russian soprano talks about overcoming her scepticism about what is now a calling card role.
Il Turco in ItaliaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
A gooey soufflé of music theatre that will leave seasoned opera-goers with a pleasant aftertaste |
| 14 Aug 18 / Daily Review |
Loads of fun |
| 14 Aug 18 / Arts Hub |
A giggle a minute |
| 14 Aug 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Perfect timing makes saucy tale a delight |
| 14 Aug 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
A wonderful night at the opera |
| 13 Aug 18 / J-Wire |
Opera Australia serve up Turkish with heaps of ham |
| 13 Aug 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
Simon Phillips' entertaining production of The Turk in Italy gives Rossini's comedy plenty of sparkle |
| 13 Aug 18 / Limelight |
Lucia di LammermoorOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
This was, as it should be, Lucia’s night |
| 8 Aug 18 / Australian Book Review |
Jessica Pratt presents as a masterclass in bel canto singing |
| 11 Jul 18 / Daily Review |
Jessica Pratt steals show as a stunning Lucia |
| 3 Jul 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Singers shine in Lucia di Lammermoor |
| 3 Jul 18 / J-Wire |
Mad scenes in Sydney for Jessica Pratt’s Lucia |
| 3 Jul 18 / Bachtrack |
A minimal set only serves to punch this opera into high voltage |
| 3 Jul 18 / Arts Hub |
Tour-de-force soprano cuts through severity |
| 1 Jul 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
A superlative night at the opera, with thrilling singing and red-hot drama |
| 29 Jun 18 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Soprano's anonymous
Jessica Pratt at home in the madness of signature role.
Jessica Pratt at home in the madness of signature role.
Don QuichotteOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A welcome appearance of a French rarity conducted by a connoisseur |
| 11 May 18 / Arts Hub |
An opera story that's tilting at windmills |
| 7 May 18 / The Age |
Lilting at windmills |
| 4 May 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Don QuichotteOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Furlanetto captures the nobility of the character with his rich and expressive voice |
| 11 May 18 / Australian Book Review |
Stand-in Shane Lowrencev makes sure Don is good |
| 23 Mar 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
Enter the madman |
| 22 Mar 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
It feels like quite a privilege to hear Furlanetto sing the title role |
| 21 Mar 18 / Time Out |
Ferruccio Furlanetto's knight of passion |
| 21 Mar 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
It's well worth spending a few hours with Ferruccio Furlanetto's Don |
| 20 Mar 18 / Limelight |
ToscaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Opera Australia’s Tosca highlights the tyranny of evil Scarpia |
| 3 May 18 / Bachtrack |
A brilliant musical realisation of a deeply moving tragedy if in a very peculiar interpretation |
| 27 Apr 18 / Arts Hub |
Beauty and horror |
| 26 Apr 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
more reviews [+]
Latonia Moore resplendent in modernised Puccini |
| 25 Apr 18 / The Age |
Opera splendour in Tosca |
| 25 Apr 18 / Herald Sun |
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Visually rich and lovingly handled |
| 21 Apr 18 / The Saturday Paper |
Opera Australia opens it 2018 Melbourne Season with a perennial favourite |
| 20 Apr 18 / Arts Hub |
Opera Australia's beautiful La traviata returns to Melbourne |
| 20 Apr 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Glamour and decay |
| 19 Apr 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Reliable classic La Traviata shines a little less bright |
| 18 Apr 18 / The Age |
associated articles [+]
Five questions for soprano Corinne Winters
Ahead of her Violetta for Opera Australia, we give the American soprano the Five Questions treatment.
Ahead of her Violetta for Opera Australia, we give the American soprano the Five Questions treatment.
La bohèmeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
La Boheme’s Parisian setting adds a surreal edge to this year’s Handa Opera |
| 28 Mar 18 / Arts Hub |
Andy Morton finds a beautiful balance between the intimate and the epic in his harbour-side Bohème |
| 27 Mar 18 / Limelight |
Boho chic: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour returns |
| 27 Mar 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
This boheme isn’t the artistic achievement of past harbour works |
| 26 Mar 18 / Daily Review |
Paris uprising with harbour views |
| 26 Mar 18 / The Australian (via Google) |
Original twists bring sweetness of youth closer to our own |
| 25 Mar 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
La Boheme really is worth the hype for a great night out |
| 25 Mar 18 / Stage Noise |
Spectacular retelling of Puccini’s intimate tale |
| 25 Mar 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
Opera Australia neatly balances the spectacular with the intimate |
| 24 Mar 18 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
associated articles [+]
La Boheme on Sydney harbour
The massive Opera extravaganza La Boheme will have snow on Sydney harbour every night. Photos by Janie Barrett.
The massive Opera extravaganza La Boheme will have snow on Sydney harbour every night. Photos by Janie Barrett.
Dan Potra: Harbouring grand designs for La Bohème
The set and costume designer for this year's Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour talks weatherproofing costumes, reanimating opera's workhorse, and giving Puccini's heroines their due.
The set and costume designer for this year's Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour talks weatherproofing costumes, reanimating opera's workhorse, and giving Puccini's heroines their due.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour to return with La Boheme
Opera Australia today announced its seventh annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will be a new production of Puccini’s La Boheme, to be directed by Andy Morton.
Opera Australia today announced its seventh annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will be a new production of Puccini’s La Boheme, to be directed by Andy Morton.
CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Rinat Shaham is an old hand in the title role |
| 6 Mar 18 / Music OMH |
John Bell’s Carmen is a kaleidoscope of colour and the effect is delightfully charismatic |
| 14 Feb 18 / Australian Stage |
Carmen works her magic for Opera Australia |
| 14 Feb 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
There is no arguing that repeated standing ovations captured the audience’s response to Opera Australia’s Carmen |
| 13 Feb 18 / Arts Hub |
Rinat Shaham sings Carmen with a full-bodied voice, defiant power in the low notes |
| 13 Feb 18 / The Age |
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Nicole Car makes towering debut as Verdi’s heroine |
| 5 Mar 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
As Nicole Car collapsed to the floor on stage in the final scene, many in the auditorium rose to their feet |
| 5 Mar 18 / Daily Review |
Car is an innately musical and charismatic singer, with all the right instincts |
| 3 Mar 18 / Australian Book Review |
more reviews [+]
Nicole Car’s radiant debut as Violetta earns a rapturous standing ovation in a very special night |
| 2 Mar 18 / Limelight |
Nicole Car triumphs with debut |
| 2 Mar 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
The NoseOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Kosky’s magic and a sensational cast bring spectacular life to Shostakovich’ earliest opera |
| 1 Mar 18 / Sounds Like Sydney |
Does absurdity make for the best opera? If we are talking audience reaction to The Nose then hands down, yes! |
| 28 Feb 18 / Arts Hub |
Perhaps Sydney wasn’t ready for a Barrie Kosky Nose until now |
| 26 Feb 18 / Daily Review |
more reviews [+]
Kosky has clearly not lost his touch for galvanizing strong responses in Sydney audiences |
| 25 Feb 18 / Australian Stage |
What’s up (with) Kosky’s Nose? |
| 24 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
Barrie Kosky’s nose for the inventive and surreal makes for an outstanding production of The Nose |
| 24 Feb 18 / The Conversation |
Kosky's dazzling production of The Nose celebrates the grotesque and the absurd |
| 23 Feb 18 / Limelight |
Anarchic absurdity makes perfect nonsense |
| 23 Feb 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Shostakovich's outrageous opera will divide opinion |
| 23 Feb 18 / The Guardian |
It’s hellaciously good to look at |
| 22 Feb 18 / Stage Noise |
Die Lustige WitweOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
With Hollywood-style production numbers, glamorous Deco sets and divas worthy of the title, The Merry Widow is a winner |
| 10 Jan 18 / Arts Hub |
Graeme Murphy magic gives Merry Widow a makeover |
| 9 Jan 18 / The Daily Telegraph |
A song and dance extravaganza with serious star power |
| 7 Jan 18 / Sydney Morning Herald |
more reviews [+]
The widow herself is played engagingly by Danielle de Niese |
| 6 Jan 18 / Australian Stage |
associated articles [+]
The Merry Widow smashes Opera Australia box office records
Stunning sets and star power have made Murphy’s production the most popular production of the work in the company’s history.
Stunning sets and star power have made Murphy’s production the most popular production of the work in the company’s history.
Die Lustige WitweOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
An extravagant, near-impossibly lavish production |
| 21 Nov 17 / Time Out |
Opera Australia has a clear winner on its hands |
| 20 Nov 17 / Arts Hub |
Homecoming queen Danielle de Niese sings and dances her way through this lavish new production |
| 17 Nov 17 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
Love transcends all in reworking of a classic |
| 17 Nov 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
A star-turn in every sense |
| 16 Nov 17 / ConcertoNet (English) |
The Merry Widow finds new festivity |
| 16 Nov 17 / Herald Sun |
Madama ButterflyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Set on a different stage this classic production of an old gem sparkles anew |
| 31 Oct 17 / Alt Media |
A fond farewell to this stylish Opera Australia production after more than 150 performances |
| 30 Oct 17 / Arts Hub |
Sydney bids farewell to beloved Madama Butterfly |
| 28 Oct 17 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
This farewell to Moffatt Oxenbould's beautiful production takes time to soar emotionally |
| 27 Oct 17 / Limelight |
A masterpiece that any Opera Company around the world would be proud to stage |
| 25 Oct 17 / J-Wire |
Opera Australia's triumphant production's final flight |
| 25 Oct 17 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Messa da RequiemOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Verdi’s Requiem served up with fire aplenty and the wrath of god |
| 12 Aug 17 / The Daily Telegraph |
ParsifalOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
The time has come: Jonas Kaufmann conquers Sydney as Parsifal |
| 12 Aug 17 / Bachtrack |
Rarely has four and a half hours of opera been so engrossing from start to finish |
| 11 Aug 17 / Australian Book Review |
Jonas Kaufmann brings a positive glow to Opera Australia’s concert hall Parsifal |
| 11 Aug 17 / The Daily Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Parsifal powerful but could use more of the rite stuff |
| 11 Aug 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
Opera Australia's performance as close to ideal as possible |
| 10 Aug 17 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Kaufmann isn't the only thing that impresses in a superlative night of Wagner singing |
| 10 Aug 17 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Jonas Kaufmann: Wagner & Me
Two Wagner operas lie at the heart of the tenor's repertoire. We grilled him on all things Wagner ahead of his Aussie Parsifal.
Two Wagner operas lie at the heart of the tenor's repertoire. We grilled him on all things Wagner ahead of his Aussie Parsifal.
Jacqueline Dark is replaced as Jonas Kaufmann's Kundry
The Australian mezzo soprano has been dropped from OA's Parsifal for reasons that at present remain a mystery.
The Australian mezzo soprano has been dropped from OA's Parsifal for reasons that at present remain a mystery.
ThaïsOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Sparking leads wow audience in rare Sydney concert performance of Thaïs |
| 26 Jul 17 / Bachtrack |
Nicole Car and Etienne Dupuis prove a match made in Massenet heaven |
| 24 Jul 17 / Limelight |
Massenet's Thais a glorious vehicle for Nicole Car's vocal performance |
| 24 Jul 17 / Sydney Morning Herald |
more reviews [+]
Soprano Nicole Car shines in Massenet opera Thais |
| 24 Jul 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
Krol RogerOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Adventurous production rewarded with triumph |
| 22 May 17 / The Age |
My Fair LadyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Charles Edwards is dazzling as Henry Higgins |
| 19 May 17 / Daily Review |
Musical revival offers sporadically entertaining nostalgia |
| 17 May 17 / The Age |
PagliacciOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Insightful direction adds layers of dramatic depth to this splendid production of classic opera double bill |
| 11 May 17 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
Emotionally vivid and stirring |
| 11 May 17 / Herald Sun |
Superbly rendered penny dreadful opera |
| 11 May 17 / The Age |
Cavalleria RusticanaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Insightful direction adds layers of dramatic depth to this splendid production of classic opera double bill |
| 11 May 17 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
Emotionally vivid and stirring |
| 11 May 17 / Herald Sun |
Superbly rendered penny dreadful opera |
| 11 May 17 / The Age |
CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Emotionally sharp, gorgeously sung and spectacular to behold |
| 11 May 17 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
Melbourne Carmen a feast of style and substance |
| 9 May 17 / Bachtrack |
Opera Australia’s Carmen creates dramatic effect |
| 5 May 17 / Herald Sun |
associated articles [+]
Our man in Havana
Cuban twist to John Bell's Opera Australia revival of Carmen.
Cuban twist to John Bell's Opera Australia revival of Carmen.
Two Weddings, One BrideOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Light-hearted and full of charm |
| 8 May 17 / The AU Review |
An affectionate "jukebox operetta" featuring some sparkling music and performances |
| 5 May 17 / Limelight |
A show that doesn’t take itself too seriously |
| 2 May 17 / Australian Stage |
more reviews [+]
Two Weddings, One Bride will be a worthwhile diversion for those who enjoy the simple charms of operetta |
| 1 May 17 / Daily Review |
Opera Australia’s Two Weddings, One Bride is frivolous, flirty and enormous fun |
| 1 May 17 / The Daily Telegraph |
Two Weddings, One Bride proves that opera can be full of fun & tomfoolery |
| 1 May 17 / The AU Review |
CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
With plenty of colour and spectacle, lovers of Carmen's hits won't be disappointed |
| 31 Mar 17 / Limelight |
Josè Maria Lo Monaco performs a wildly passionate Carmen |
| 29 Mar 17 / Alt Media |
There's nothing terribly subtle about Carmen, and this production daubs in broad strokes |
| 29 Mar 17 / Australian Stage |
associated articles [+]
Opera Australia embroiled in behind-the-scenes drama
A day out from the opening of revival opera Carmen on Sydney Harbour, a dramatic off-stage stoush is threatening to steal the show's limelight.
A day out from the opening of revival opera Carmen on Sydney Harbour, a dramatic off-stage stoush is threatening to steal the show's limelight.
Reviews search
Performance schedule
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
| Opera Australia grasps The Ring, but plunges to a loss |
Wagner's Ring Cycle was Opera Australia's most ambitious production yet, but the 16-hour epic helped sink the company's 2023 finances to an operating deficit of $7.8 million. |
| 14 May 2024 / The Canberra Times |
| ‘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 |
 |