| Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne | 22 April 2021 |
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La Traviata
Duke Bluebeard's Castle
Tosca
Ernani
Die Lustige Witwe
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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 / Performing 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 / Performing 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 / Performing 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 Online |
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 / Performing 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 |
The plot may be pretty flimsy but the joyous score is irresistible and the message is as important as ever |
| 20 Jan 20 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
Full of fabulous joy with an important message that still remains relevant |
| 20 Jan 20 / Broadway World |
CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Opera Australia’s dynamic revival production is likely to please both opera fans and the uninitiated |
| 15 Jan 20 / Performing Arts Hub |
Opera Australia's Carmen doesn't follow the rules and it works |
| 13 Jan 20 / Sydney Morning Herald |
La bohèmeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
It’s hard to recall a more uniformly well-sung Bohème |
| 8 Jan 20 / Australian Book Review |
A very well deserved standing ovation! |
| 5 Jan 20 / J-Wire |
Kang Wang makes a striking Opera Australia debut in La bohème |
| 4 Jan 20 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Kang Wang thrills as Rodolfo in an impressive house debut |
| 3 Jan 20 / Limelight |
FaustOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Emotionally moving and a treat for the eyes and ears |
| 2 Dec 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
A devilish romp |
| 29 Nov 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Superlative singing and David McVicar’s lavish, clever production make a heavenly match |
| 29 Nov 19 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
Saimir Pirgu: Pavarotti's pupil
Currently performing in Faust, the Albanian tenor discusses his early career success, working with Luciano, and what's next.
Currently performing in Faust, the Albanian tenor discusses his early career success, working with Luciano, and what's next.
TurandotOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A seductive nightmare |
| 21 Nov 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Tenor gets Turandot's big tune but sopranos soar in everything else |
| 20 Nov 19 / The Age |
Graeme Murphy’s much-loved production returns, with American soprano Lise Lindstrom in the title role |
| 20 Nov 19 / Limelight |
Le nozze di FigaroOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Felice e brillante la direzione di Guillaume Tourniaire |
| 7 Nov 19 / Operaclick (Italian) |
McVicar's The Marriage of Figaro lights up the Opera Australia stage |
| 23 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
A rich, confident revival helmed by strong performances |
| 21 Oct 19 / Limelight |
Il viaggio a ReimsOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
In a twist, the world’s most famous artworks come to life in Rossini’s rarely performed opera |
| 28 Oct 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
Mellifluous frivolity in Opera Australia's production of Il viaggio a Reims |
| 26 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
Ghost SonataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Ghost Sonata is strikingly modern but its meaning is opaque |
| 27 Sep 19 / The Age |
Ghost Sonata is rarely seen and dense in this production |
| 27 Sep 19 / Herald Sun |
The Ghost Sonata is a disturbing, thought-provoking work |
| 24 Sep 19 / Australian Book Review |
more reviews [+]
Opera Australia brings Strindberg's strange, purgatorial world to the Scenery Workshop |
| 13 Sep 19 / Limelight |
Haunting expressionist drama |
| 13 Sep 19 / Bachtrack |
West Side StoryOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
More grit, less glitter required for Opera Australia's West Side Story |
| 23 Aug 19 / Bachtrack |
Andrea ChenierOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Moments of artistry and sheer vocal beauty |
| 11 Aug 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Sensational, old-school singing in Giordano's operatic potboiler |
| 9 Aug 19 / Limelight |
WhiteleyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Brett Whiteley partied with Bob Dylan. Now his life is an opera |
| 27 Jul 19 / New York Times |
Whiteley is a triumph |
| 25 Jul 19 / Australian Stage Online |
Ample talent on display, but the story needs more work to properly take off |
| 18 Jul 19 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
Of art and genius: exceptional world premiere of Whiteley in Sydney |
| 18 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
Opera Australia’s Whiteley brings together 3 icons to tell the artist’s complicated story |
| 18 Jul 19 / The Conversation |
It is the music that allows the work to soar |
| 17 Jul 19 / Australian Book Review |
An opera about Sydney, its people, and one extraordinary artist |
| 16 Jul 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Australian artist Brett Whiteley is celebrated in this new, high-tech opera |
| 16 Jul 19 / Time Out |
Anna BolenaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Ermonela Jaho, in the title-role, is a natural foreboder, ever mannered and tragic |
| 9 Jul 19 / Australian Book Review |
Tudor terrors in Opera Australia's new Anna Bolena |
| 5 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
A marvellous royal visit from soprano Ermonela Jaho |
| 5 Jul 19 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
The indisputable star of the evening was Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho |
| 5 Jul 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
Madama ButterflyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Karah Son’s Butterfly soars in Graeme Murphy’s dizzying new bondage-inspired production |
| 5 Jul 19 / Limelight |
Opera Australia's future-focussed Butterfly doesn't quite soar |
| 2 Jul 19 / Time Out |
A new, darker Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House |
| 2 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
The blend of tradition with innovation and technology ushers us into a new era |
| 2 Jul 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
Karah Son makes Opera Australia's Madama Butterfly a must see |
| 1 Jul 19 / The CEO Magazine |
Madama Butterfly reaches new heights |
| 30 Jun 19 / J-Wire |
Dramatic experiment of production fitting for uncertain times |
| 29 Jun 19 / Brisbane Times |
associated articles [+]
Butterfly caught in a tangled web of love and lust
Opera Australia audiences can expect a very different Madama Butterfly when it opens this week, with Japanese bondage being central to the design.
Opera Australia audiences can expect a very different Madama Butterfly when it opens this week, with Japanese bondage being central to the design.
Il viaggio a ReimsOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A night of spectacular entertainment and magnificent music |
| 4 Jun 19 / Australian Book Review |
Rossini’s grand musical showcase finally makes its Australian debut in suitably lavish, comic style |
| 31 May 19 / Limelight |
Opera Australia’s Australian premiere of Il Viaggio a Reims is an undisputed crowd pleaser |
| 29 May 19 / Australian Stage Online |
more reviews [+]
Art comes alive in a modern twist on Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims |
| 28 May 19 / The Conversation |
The world's most famous artworks come to life in this rarely performed Rossini opera |
| 28 May 19 / Time Out |
A gourmet delight |
| 26 May 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Così fan tutteOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Moritz Junge’s elegant sets look superb on the broad Melbourne stage |
| 21 May 19 / Australian Book Review |
Opera Australia’s production is a beautiful escape for the soul and the senses |
| 17 May 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
Bittersweet |
| 16 May 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
more reviews [+]
Opera Australia delights with bittersweet Cosi Fan Tutte |
| 16 May 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
RigolettoOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Liparit Avetisyan was exceptional as the Duke of Mantua |
| 21 May 19 / Australian Book Review |
Young cast, old production: Opera Australia’s Rigoletto is on song |
| 14 May 19 / Bachtrack |
A repellent fascination |
| 13 May 19 / ConcertoNet (French) |
more reviews [+]
Unexpected drama as a reinvigorated Rigoletto opens in Melbourne |
| 13 May 19 / The Age |
associated articles [+]
Opera disrupted by elderly protester
The opening night of Opera Australia's Rigoletto in Melbourne was disrupted after an elderly composer stood up ahead of the curtain rising to air a 50-year-old grievance.
The opening night of Opera Australia's Rigoletto in Melbourne was disrupted after an elderly composer stood up ahead of the curtain rising to air a 50-year-old grievance.
West Side StoryOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Australian musical theatre is in healthy shape indeed |
| 14 Apr 19 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
The young cast sure can dance, but lacks the dramatic chops to sell this dark tale |
| 12 Apr 19 / Limelight |
West Side StoryOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
West Side Story is given lavish, large scale treatment |
| 14 Apr 19 / Simon Parris: Man in Chair |
A traditional but superbly staged production that transcends the rain and some dated elements |
| 29 Mar 19 / Limelight |
Julie Lea Goodwin is a well-seasoned Maria |
| 27 Mar 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
A Manhattan juke-box on Sydney harbour |
| 26 Mar 19 / Bachtrack |
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s West Side Story proves that thunder & rainbows only happen when it’s raining |
| 25 Mar 19 / The AU Review |
associated articles [+]
Francesca Zambello on directing Opera Australia's West Side Story
On March 22, Opera Australia will once again premiere its annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor, an outdoor opera spectacular set against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful harbors.
On March 22, Opera Australia will once again premiere its annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor, an outdoor opera spectacular set against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful harbors.
The next opera on Sydney Harbour will be a musical
After drawing from the classic opera stock like La Traviata, Carmen and La Boheme since the opera-on-a-floating-stage concept was introduced in 2012, audiences in 2019 will see West Side Story.
After drawing from the classic opera stock like La Traviata, Carmen and La Boheme since the opera-on-a-floating-stage concept was introduced in 2012, audiences in 2019 will see West Side Story.
SalomeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Once banned. Still shocking. But Salome is bloody and fantastic |
| 13 Mar 19 / J-Wire |
An awkward feminist production |
| 12 Mar 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
Seven fantasies replace seven veils: a gruesome Salome revived in Sydney |
| 9 Mar 19 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Strauss's daring and dastardly opera makes its return to the Opera House |
| 8 Mar 19 / Time Out |
Despite the visual updating, the stage pictures leave a classic, timeless impression |
| 8 Mar 19 / Australian Book Review |
Lise Lindstrom's potent Salome sweeps everything in her wake |
| 8 Mar 19 / Limelight |
This Salome, protagonist and production, makes no apologies for its outrageousness |
| 8 Mar 19 / Daily Review |
Perversion writ large in this thrilling production |
| 7 Mar 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
WertherOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Suicide is painless when Massenet pulls the strings |
| 2 Mar 19 / J-Wire |
Michael Fabiano makes a promising role debut, but the real star is Elena Maximova's vividly realised Charlotte |
| 1 Mar 19 / Limelight |
American tenor Michael Fabiano did a fantastic job in his debut as Werther |
| 27 Feb 19 / Performing Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
The two leads make welcome returns to Australia as even shinier stars |
| 26 Feb 19 / Daily Review |
Joys aplenty among Werther's sorrows |
| 25 Feb 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
associated articles [+]
Lise Lindstrom: blood and guts
As she prepares to unveil her Salome for Opera Australia, Lise Lindstrom discusses the role’s myriad challenges, finding empathy for a ruined princess, and why she had to leave Nilsson behind.
As she prepares to unveil her Salome for Opera Australia, Lise Lindstrom discusses the role’s myriad challenges, finding empathy for a ruined princess, and why she had to leave Nilsson behind.
WozzeckOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
An audience rarely exposed to this type of music gave thunderous applause at the end |
| 3 Feb 19 / J-Wire |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Verdi
26 Mar to 25 Apr 2021
Verdi
6 to 21 May 2021
Verdi
13 to 22 May 2021
Verdi
22 Jun to 13 Aug 2021
Verdi
29 Jun to 10 Jul 2021
Verdi
16 to 29 Jul 2021
Offenbach
2 to 14 Aug 2021
Wagner
29 Oct to 14 Nov 2021
Wagner
31 Oct to 16 Nov 2021
Wagner
2 to 18 Nov 2021
Verdi
3 to 19 Nov 2021
Wagner
4 to 20 Nov 2021
News & Articles
| Opera Australia announces its 2021 Sydney Winter Season |
A brand new production of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, starring Australian soprano Jessica Pratt, comes to Sydney alongside the return of Aida and Attila. |
| 31 Mar 2021 / Limelight |
| Opera Australia pockets $46 million from property sale |
Opera Australia has sold its prop and wardrobe warehouse for $50 million to avoid going into administration. |
| 21 Mar 2021 / Sydney Morning Herald |
| Opera Australia announces new Orchestral Fellowship |
The new fellowships, which will see young musicians mentored by members of the Opera Australia Orchestra, are designed to assist the professional development of early career string players. |
| 20 Mar 2021 / Limelight |
| Opera Australia to return to Melbourne |
In May, Melbourne’s State Theatre will see a revival of Sydney’s sumptuous, critically-raved-over Aida from 2018, and Verdi's Ernani. |
| 4 Mar 2021 / Sydney Morning Herald |
| Cast named for Opera Australia’s 2021 Brisbane Ring Cycle |
Lise Lindstrom will play Brünnhilde in the first two cycles, a role in which she gave an intensely moving performance for OA in 2016, while two Australians will make their role debuts as Brünnhilde and Wotan. |
| 23 Feb 2021 / Limelight |
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