Melbourne Opera - Melbourne
29 March 2024

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Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
Der Fliegende Holländer

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Performance reviews

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Maria Stuarda

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 3

Donizetti’s wonderfully impure opera
27 Sep 23 / Australian Book Review
Helena Dix, fresh from triumphs abroad, was the evening’s star, and didn’t she know it
11 Sep 23 / Opera Gazet (English)
Sopranos Helena Dix and Eleanor Greenwood are magnificent as rival queens in Donizetti’s Tudor tragedy
10 Sep 23 / Limelight
Götterdämmerung

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 6

[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] A triumphant end to the Bendigo Ring
12 Apr 23 / Australian Book Review
The orchestral virtuosity in Melbourne Opera’s Götterdämmerung is a lasting memory of their Ring
7 Apr 23 / Seen and Heard
Götterdämmerung triumphantly crowns the all-Australian Bendigo Ring
5 Apr 23 / Bachtrack
The big finish to Wagner's monumental Ring cycle is musically and dramatically strong
4 Apr 23 / Limelight
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Safely bound to the text, this Bendigo Ring will be remembered for many fine reasons
4 Apr 23 / Australian Arts Review
The multitude of wonderful musical and creative elements weave their final magic in this landmark Bendigo Ring Cycle
3 Apr 23 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair
Siegfried

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 6

[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] A triumphant end to the Bendigo Ring
12 Apr 23 / Australian Book Review
More straightforward storytelling again in Melbourne Opera’s Siegfried
5 Apr 23 / Seen and Heard
Under the dragon's eye: Melbourne Opera's splendid Ring continues in Bendigo
4 Apr 23 / Bachtrack
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Safely bound to the text, this Bendigo Ring will be remembered for many fine reasons
4 Apr 23 / Australian Arts Review
The problem child third opera in Wagner’s Ring tetralogy, Siegfried is dominated by male voices but women save the day
1 Apr 23 / Limelight
The abundant musical and artistic quality impresses again as Melbourne Opera presents Siegfried
1 Apr 23 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair
Die Walküre

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 6

[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Das Rheingold & Die Walkure kick off Bendigo Ring Cycle
4 Apr 23 / Australian Arts Review
Anthony Negus lets rip for an incandescent Melbourne Opera Die Walküre
30 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard
[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Wagner’s Ring begins in Bendigo
29 Mar 23 / Australian Book Review
Stunning Walküre in Melbourne Opera's Ring cycle in Bendigo
29 Mar 23 / Bachtrack
Melbourne Opera’s Ring cycle hits its stride with an energising second instalment of Wagner’s tetralogy
27 Mar 23 / Limelight
Bountiful artistic and musical quality continues apace in the second instalment of the Melbourne Opera Bendigo Ring Cycle
27 Mar 23 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair
Das Rheingold

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 6

[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Das Rheingold & Die Walkure kick off Bendigo Ring Cycle
4 Apr 23 / Australian Arts Review
[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Wagner’s Ring begins in Bendigo
29 Mar 23 / Australian Book Review
Melbourne Opera's Ring opens with Rheingold in Gold Rush Bendigo
28 Mar 23 / Bachtrack
Das Rheingold begins Melbourne Opera’s keenly anticipated, carefully constructed Ring Cycle in winning style
27 Mar 23 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair
Melbourne Opera opened the first of its three full Ring cycles in Bendigo with a Das Rheingold packed with fine performances
26 Mar 23 / Limelight
Melbourne Opera takes the Ring road to Bendigo for Das Rheingold
26 Mar 23 / Seen and Heard
An epic opera in Bendigo?
Wagner’s ‘monumental’ Ring Cycle takes over a regional town in Australia.
Siegfried

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 3

The third opera in Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle stripped back to its musical core
28 Sep 22 / Arts Hub
A momentous experience
28 Sep 22 / Australian Book Review
An excellent cast and orchestra showcased Wagner’s rich score in this one-off concert
28 Sep 22 / Limelight
Lucrezia Borgia

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 5

A lively performance of a Donizetti rarity
30 Aug 22 / Australian Book Review
Blood-soaked classic given a 1980s update is ‘rollicking good fun’
30 Aug 22 / The Age
Soaring vocals and a bravura performance by soprano Helena Dix are among the many highlights of Lucrezia Borgia
29 Aug 22 / J-Wire
Helena Dix dazzles in this bel canto rarity, given a clever House of Gucci makeover
29 Aug 22 / Limelight
Pyjamas and shell suits
29 Aug 22 / Opera Gazet (English)
The Australian soprano hitting all the career high notes
Melbourne’s own Helena Dix is walking in the footsteps of opera legend Joan Sutherland as she takes on the challenging title role in Lucrezia Borgia.
Die Walküre

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 7

A triumphant performance from Melbourne Opera
15 Feb 22 / Australian Book Review
Torment of the Gods
14 Feb 22 / ConcertoNet (English)
Anthony Negus and his remarkable cast excel in Suzanne Chaundy’s gimmick-free Melbourne Opera Die Walküre
13 Feb 22 / Seen and Heard
A marvellous Walküre from Melbourne Opera
12 Feb 22 / Bachtrack
Melbourne’s opera year begins with an impressive second instalment of Wagner’s Ring Cycle
11 Feb 22 / Limelight
Melbourne Opera’s Die Walküre – and its Ring Cycle in general – is testament to the company’s sheer willfulness and tenacity
11 Feb 22 / Opera Gazet (English)
This epic opera is as shocking and cruel as when it was first staged
10 Feb 22 / The Age
Blowing the roof off: singing opera’s most thrilling scene
It’s one of those instantly recognisable pieces of music, Ride of the Valkyries, that insistent, thunderous, galloping refrain deployed memorably in Apocalypse Now. But what does it feel like to sing it?
Melbourne Opera Rings in part two
Director Suzanne Chaundy says her approach to Die Walküre is to tell the story as clearly as possible, exploring the themes without adding tonnes of obvious contemporary relevance.
Macbeth

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 7

Grappling with the complexities of Verdi's opera
26 May 21 / Australian Book Review
Macbeth in Melbourne – singing made the show
22 May 21 / Opera Gazet (English)
Verdi’s Macbeth is an enjoyable full night out at the opera
22 May 21 / Australian Stage
Melbourne Opera bring the furious passions of Verdi to life through Macbeth
20 May 21 / The AU Review
The shadows demand blood
20 May 21 / ConcertoNet (English)
Beresford’s Scottish opera is a triumph and oddly joyous
19 May 21 / The Age
The little company that could makes an impressive contribution to Melbourne’s merry month of Verdi
19 May 21 / Limelight
‘Absolutely extraordinary’
Bruce Beresford is directing an opera that will be broadcast live in virtual reality. When he put on VR goggles for the first time, his reaction was sheer astonishment.
Das Rheingold

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 6

This magnificently polished musical Das Rheingold is a striking success for Anthony Negus and Melbourne Opera
12 Feb 21 / Seen and Heard
Melbourne Opera mines Australian talent in new Rheingold
10 Feb 21 / Bachtrack
The start of Melbourne Opera's Ring Cycle
9 Feb 21 / Australian Book Review
Opera returns to Melbourne with panache
7 Feb 21 / ConcertoNet (English)
An opera about the end of the world that leaves you feeling uplifted
4 Feb 21 / The Age
Melbourne’s opera drought breaks with a multi-year Ring cycle’s bold start
4 Feb 21 / Limelight
Melbourne Opera to livestream Wagner's Das Rheingold
With tickets to Das Rheingold near sell out, Melbourne Opera will live stream its new production of Das Rheingold on 7 February.
How the Eurovision ‘floaty poles’ solved a thorny operatic problem
To director Suzanne Chaundy, whose Das Rheingold for Melbourne Opera opens this month, the opening scene is a wonderful challenge.
Another Ring in Melbourne
Philanthropist Lady Primrose Potter on Wagner's Ring cycle staged by Melbourne Opera.
Melbourne Opera announces a Ring Cycle beginning in 2021
Das Rheingold will open at Melbourne's newly renovated Regent Theatre in February, with the Cycle culminating in 2023.
Fidelio

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

A modest yet mostly satisfying production of Beethoven’s only opera
7 Feb 20 / Limelight
Melbourne Opera in superb voice for Beethoven's magnificent Fidelio
6 Feb 20 / The Age
Norma

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Helena Dix has an astonishing range: accurately placed soft high notes as well as a strong chest register
23 Sep 19 / Australian Book Review
Melbourne Opera's latest grand production has a leading performance for the ages
22 Sep 19 / Time Out
Bel canto specialist Helena Dix leads Norma’s long awaited return to Melbourne
20 Sep 19 / Limelight
Helena Dix stars in new production of Norma
18 Sep 19 / Herald Sun
Der Fliegende Holländer

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

A ghost ship worth catching before it sails away later this week
8 Feb 19 / Limelight
Grammy Award-winning baritone Darren Jeffery is making his Australian debut in Wagner's seafaring opera
6 Feb 19 / Time Out
Lee Abrahmsen, who just seems to get better and better, is thrilling as Senta
4 Feb 19 / Australian Book Review
Melbourne Opera soars with Flying Dutchman
4 Feb 19 / Sydney Morning Herald
Otello

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 3

A tragedy of darkness
26 Oct 18 / ConcertoNet (English)
Rossini’s now rarely seen take on Shakespeare’s tragedy is hampered by the plot’s hollowed out drama
19 Oct 18 / Limelight
All credit must be given to Melbourne Opera and Bruce Beresford for introducing Rossini’s Otello to Australian audiences
19 Oct 18 / Australian Book Review
Der Rosenkavalier

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 5

A voluptuous, comedic romp where young love triumphs over all in the style only opera can provide
14 Aug 18 / Arts Hub
Opera gets a Donald Trump makeover
13 Aug 18 / Sydney Morning Herald
From sublime singing to ridiculously good comedy, this new production is the next big step up for a small opera company
13 Aug 18 / Limelight
Melbourne Opera simply was not equipped for an opera of this sophistication and complexity
13 Aug 18 / Australian Book Review
Melbourne Opera’s Der Rosenkavalier a hoot
10 Aug 18 / Herald Sun
Tristan und Isolde

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Local soprano Lee Abrahmsen leads a handsomely sung but theatrically underwhelming production of Wagner’s tragic love story
8 Feb 18 / Limelight
A fatal potion
7 Feb 18 / ConcertoNet (English)
Wagner and the Melbourne Opera triumph
7 Feb 18 / Australian Book Review
Soprano Lee Abrahmsen shines in Tristan und Isolde
7 Feb 18 / The Age
Anthony Negus on his lifelong relationship with Wagner
Ahead of Melbourne Opera's Tristan, the conductor talks about Bayreuth, finding that extra dimension in Wagner, and the importance of empathy in the rehearsal room.
Roberto Devereux

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

A bitter revenge
16 Nov 17 / ConcertoNet (English)
Opening night belonged to Australian soprano Helena Dix in the role of Queen Elizabeth I
13 Nov 17 / Limelight
Helena Dix was a tour de force as Elizabeth
13 Nov 17 / Australian Book Review
Helena Dix imbues work with real credibility
12 Nov 17 / The Age
Lohengrin

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Wagner’s swan makes a splash in Melbourne
10 Aug 17 / Limelight
Ideal approach to Wagner
9 Aug 17 / The Australian (via Google)
Melbourne Opera’s Lohengrin is a triumph
8 Aug 17 / Herald Sun
Melbourne Opera successfully tackles early Wagner
8 Aug 17 / The Age
HMS Pinafore

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 3

Shipshape rendition of Gilbert & Sullivan classic
17 Mar 17 / The Age
Melbourne Opera’s HMS Pinafore is a handsome, spit and polished production
16 Mar 17 / Herald Sun
“Never mind the why’s and wherefore’s”
15 Mar 17 / ConcertoNet (English)
Anna Bolena

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

This Anna Bolena is an impressive production
7 Nov 16 / Arts Hub
Boisterous production doesn't quite hit the mark
6 Nov 16 / The Age
Melbourne Opera’s second instalment of Donizetti’s Three Queens misses the potential it could reach
4 Nov 16 / Herald Sun
Tannhäuser

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Tannhäuser brings a new dimension to Melbourne Opera
20 Aug 16 / Bachtrack
Nothing can detract from the music and performances
18 Aug 16 / Australian Stage
Grand, romantic new production a great leap forward for Melbourne Opera
15 Aug 16 / The Age
Melbourne Opera’s Tannhauser brings together an army of artists, big voices and a clear creative vision
15 Aug 16 / Herald Sun
Die Entführung aus dem Serail

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

Seventies take on Mozart opera an awkward comedy
4 Feb 16 / The Age
When Mozart is boisterous you can’t not be energised
4 Feb 16 / Herald Sun
Maria Stuarda

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 3

Two outstanding lead sopranos come face to face in Melbourne Opera’s spectacular new production
5 Sep 15 / Herald Sun
Prisoner of the crown
4 Sep 15 / ConcertoNet (English)
Melbourne Opera stages electric revival of Donizetti classic
3 Sep 15 / The Age
Il barbiere di Siviglia

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 1

Ultimately, Rossini deserved better
26 Jun 15 / The Age
Der Freischütz

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 4

Steering away from the main Australian operatic repertoire can be both satisfying for artists and thrilling for spectators
4 Feb 15 / Australian Stage
Melbourne Opera has nudged into new territory and notched up one of its greatest successes
4 Feb 15 / Herald Sun
It proves to be more than nostalgia but a work of real worth
3 Feb 15 / Daily Review
Melbourne Opera's expressionism production falls short of mark
1 Feb 15 / The Age
Les pêcheurs de perles

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

Melbourne Opera's Pearl Fishers taps experience in memorable Bizet performance
1 Oct 14 / The Age
Melbourne Opera have safely made a small contribution to the work's indestructibility
26 Sep 14 / Bachtrack
Madama Butterfly

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 1

The final scene took away from a performance to be proud of
26 Mar 14 / AussieTheatre.com
Rienzi

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 1

Melbourne Opera performs Rienzi, a lumpish curiosity piece not one of Wagner's best
10 Dec 13 / The Age
La Traviata

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

Violetta is played by the excellent Antoinette Halloran
13 Sep 13 / Herald Sun
This new production of La Traviata was, alas, not really celebratory of either even
13 Sep 13 / The Age
Fidelio

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

The production overcomes its challenges with sublime performances
6 Feb 13 / Daily Review
Hugh Halliday's tight production updates the work to the 1990s
5 Feb 13 / The Age
Così fan tutte

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

The voices blend happily in Mozart's complex harmonies
17 Jul 12 / Herald Sun
The direction leans towards pantomime rather than subtle irony
14 Jul 12 / Sydney Morning Herald
La bohème

Melbourne Opera


No. of reviews: 2

The performance is pleasing and certainly worth a viewing with an open and curious mind
12 Mar 12 / Australian Stage
A worthy production with many excellent vocal passages
6 Mar 12 / The Age
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Performance schedule
Donizetti
3 to 8 May 2024

News & Articles

An epic opera in Bendigo?
Wagner’s ‘monumental’ Ring Cycle takes over a regional town in Australia.
30 Mar 2023 / The Guardian
Wagner’s monumental Ring Cycle comes to regional Victoria
In an historic first, Melbourne Opera is opening its production of the Ring Cycle at the Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo.
22 Mar 2023 / Arts Hub
Melbourne Opera brings the Ring to Bendigo
Decades in the making and a 15-hour run time – now, epic opera is headed to Bendigo.
20 Sep 2022 / The Age
Bringing the Rhine to the Goldfields: Bendigo scores a musical first
The Everest of opera is coming to Bendigo. Wagner’s Ring cycle, one of the most challenging and ambitious shows in show business, will be staged there in full in 2023 by Melbourne Opera.
14 Feb 2022 / The Age
Melbourne Opera Rings in part two
Director Suzanne Chaundy says her approach to Die Walküre is to tell the story as clearly as possible, exploring the themes without adding tonnes of obvious contemporary relevance.
28 Jan 2022 / Limelight