Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne | 16 June 2024 |
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Performance reviews
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ToscaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() |
Opera Australia marks Puccini’s 100th Anniversary with thrilling new Tosca |
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Conviction and angst underly the strength in soprano Karah Son’s realisation of Tosca |
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Karah Son’s Tosca leans towards overly melodramatic tendencies but she is firmly rooted to the diva’s heart |
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After not bringing staged operas to Melbourne last year, Opera Australia’s production of 'Tosca' wasn’t enough to quench the audience's thirst |
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Despite some fine performances, this new production of Puccini’s tragedy feels diminished in Margaret Court Arena |
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Puccini opera just survives the stadium treatment |
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associated articles [+]
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.
OA will stage Opera North's production of Tosca, directed by Edward Dick, at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena in May 2024.
Sunset BoulevardOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() |
Returning to the musical-theatre stage after 30 years, Sarah Brightman is the weak link in this lavish revival |
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A woefully miscast Sarah Brightman derails this production |
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Sarah Brightman disappoints in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mawkish musical |
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The staging, beginning with multiple lace curtaining, is spectacular |
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Sarah Brightman makes a stunning return to stage in Melbourne for Sunset Boulevard |
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The iconic Sarah Brightman fills the role of Norma Desmond with sheer delight |
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West Side StoryOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() |
Opera Australia’s magnificent outdoor production of West Side Story remains true to this classic’s tragic social vision |
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A stunning revival production of Opera on the Harbour’s biggest hit musical |
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Nina Korbe as Maria is terrific |
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This revival of OA's outdoor West Side Story looks stunning but there's room for more danger and raw emotion |
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Like falling in love for the first time |
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associated articles [+]
West Side Story returns for 2024 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
Opera Australia will bring back its 2019 production of West Side Story, the most successful staging in Handa Opera history.
Opera Australia will bring back its 2019 production of West Side Story, the most successful staging in Handa Opera history.
IdomeneoOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() ![]() |
A flawless cast |
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Canadian-German tenor Michael Schade is a commanding figure in the central role of Idomeneo |
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Opera Australia’s Idomeneo production worth it for its superb performances |
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A voyage through storm and song: Opera Australia's 'Idomeneo' shines at Sydney Opera House |
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Opera treat of ravishing singing and dazzling visuals |
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Exquisite singing and a feeling of déjà vu mark the return of Mozart’s seminal opera after a 30-year absence |
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associated articles [+]
Q & A: Michael Schade
Michael Schade on performing Idomeneo and Opera Australia.
Michael Schade on performing Idomeneo and Opera Australia.
TheodoraOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | ![]() |
Hume and Helyard deserve great credit for the theatrical viability of this presentation |
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Faithful to Handel: Pinchgut Opera brings Theodora to the Sydney Opera House |
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Baroque is back at the Sydney Opera House in the form of Handel's pungent tale of religious intolerance and sacrifice in a polarised society |
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Die ZauberflöteOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() ![]() |
Opera Australia’s cast negotiated the evening’s spectrum from farce to high drama well |
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A laid-back new production of Mozart’s opera |
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David Parkin as Sarastro is one of the stars of the evening |
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The vocal finesse in this production is delivered by Stacey Alleaume as Pamina |
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Peace, love, togetherness. Director Kate Gaul's new Magic Flute got there in the end – but it was a close-run thing |
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Orfeo ed EuridiceOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() |
This “Orpheus & Eurydice” is a testament to opera’s ability to evolve in the hands of a creative and courageous director |
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There was a wonderful simplicity to the production’s symbolism |
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Total drama in Orpheus and Eurydice at Opera Australia |
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Far from detracting from the enjoyment, acrobats add to the complexities of this classic opera |
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This starkly beautiful production, performed by circus artists alongside the singers, feels fresh, modern and exciting |
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La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | ![]() ![]() |
A very intelligent piece of theater |
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Fresh breezes bring change: Opera Australia’s new Traviata delights |
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This La Traviata is one for the ages and all ages |
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GötterdämmerungOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 | ![]() |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
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[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Ein gelungener „Ring“ mit Digital Content Design and Programming |
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[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
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Well-crafted and powerfully delivered |
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[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
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[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
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A remarkable triumph for the hundreds involved both on and behind the scenes |
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Songs amid ice and fire: Götterdämmerung provides a fine close to Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle |
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Mit gewaltigem Jubel, der von der Theaterleitung aber wiederum per Vorhang auf 10 Minuten begrenzt wurde, endete diese Vorstellung |
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A six-star finale to Chen Shi-Zheng’s five-star Ring Cycle sticks to the script and proves all the world loves a good bedtime story |
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[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] The great journey has come to an end, and it must be regarded as a great success |
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One of the best that anyone is likely to see |
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SiegfriedOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 | ![]() |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
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[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Ein gelungener „Ring“ mit Digital Content Design and Programming |
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[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
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'Siegfried' offers some of Wagner’s finest singing in an opera that has its flaws alongside its emotional highs |
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[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
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[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] The great journey has come to an end, and it must be regarded as a great success |
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[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
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I am staggered by Stefan Vinke’s vocal stamina |
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Nature goes hi-tech: Opera Australia’s Siegfried a triumph for Stefan Vinke |
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Vinke’s performance forms the central part of what becomes soul-penetrating vocal and orchestral drama from start to finish |
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Lise Lindstrom als Brünnhilde ist ebenso gut in Form wie in der „Walküre“ |
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The third opera in Wagner’s tetralogy throws up plenty of challenges, but Chen Shi-Zheng tackles them boldly and triumphs |
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Die WalküreOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 | ![]() |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
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[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
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Some very fine singing within a panoply of impressive digital imagery makes 'Die Walküre' a winner on many levels |
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more reviews [+]
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
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[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
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[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Opera Australia's new Ring is underway |
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Auf Intimität reduzierte Digitalisierung… |
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Wonderful, quite wonderful |
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A convincing triumph |
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Phoenixes and magic fire: Opera Australia's Die Walküre is a hit |
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Chen Shi-Zheng’s meticulous staging of the second opera in Wagner's tetralogy proves his Ring Cycle is one for the ages |
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Das Wort Weltklasse scheint uns nicht übertrieben |
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Das RheingoldOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 | ![]() ![]() |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
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[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
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'Das Rheingold' offers an impressive introduction to the tetralogy |
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more reviews [+]
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
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[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
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[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Opera Australia's new Ring is underway |
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Musically, conductor Philippe Auguin anchors the drama with an overall sense of secure control |
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Der neue Ring in Brisbane - Totale Digitalisierung und ihre Grenzen… |
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Wagner on big screens: Opera Australia’s digital Rheingold is a mixed bag |
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Phillipe Auguin coaxed the most delicate sounds out of the enormous orchestra |
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Chen Shi-Zheng’s finely crafted Ring Cycle heralds a return to Neue Bayreuth, but with a human touch |
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Schließlich 10 Minuten Jubel, besonders für Alberich und Loge, aber auch für Dirigent und Orchester |
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associated articles [+]
Daniel Sumegi on mastering the Mount Everest of opera
For Daniel Sumegi, a Sydney-born bass singer, the journey to playing Wotan/Wanderer in the upcoming 2023 production of the Ring Cycle in Brisbane is both a professional milestone and a nostalgic homecoming.
For Daniel Sumegi, a Sydney-born bass singer, the journey to playing Wotan/Wanderer in the upcoming 2023 production of the Ring Cycle in Brisbane is both a professional milestone and a nostalgic homecoming.
AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | ![]() |
Musically first-rate and impressively sung |
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La GiocondaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() |
A memorable performance of Ponchielli’s opera |
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World’s greatest tenor Jonas Kaufmann leads awesome opera team |
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A rare chance to hear Italian opera as it once was, and indeed ought to be |
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‘Spectacular’ opera’s unforgettable performance |
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Saioa Hernández shone as the star of the evening, performing with magnetic and potent artistry |
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The stars were out for Opera Australia’s concert version of Ponchielli’s one and only hit opera with Jonas Kaufmann's artistry front and centre |
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Les Contes d'HoffmannOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() ![]() |
Peruvian tenor Iván Ayón Rivas brought convincing passion to the title role |
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A fascinating production of Offenbach’s classic |
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Twists in the tales: Michieletto brings Offenbach’s Hoffmann to life |
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‘Hoffmann’ opera goes off on a bender |
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New production creates impactful world of fantasy |
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Jessica Pratt and Iván Ayón Rivas head a superb cast in Damiano Michieletto’s thrilling production |
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Four roles, one opera: Soprano takes on the challenge of her career
Jessica Pratt has never been diverted by obstacles. She’s always known that a low point is just a plot twist - as it is for the women she portrays.
Jessica Pratt has never been diverted by obstacles. She’s always known that a low point is just a plot twist - as it is for the women she portrays.
RigolettoOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() |
It was good to see this production one more time |
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It might be time for Opera Australia to retire this production |
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Elijah Moshinsky's Rigoletto revived splendidly at Opera Australia |
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A brilliant Ernesto Petti and a star turn by Stacey Alleaume make this revival of Elijah Moshinsky’s landmark staging a must-see |
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Go see it for the music, not the reprehensible, misogynistic storyline |
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AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 | ![]() |
Writhing snakes and nodding panthers: Opera Australia revives digital Aida |
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A dazzling reimagining of Verdi’s classic tragedy |
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For the singing alone, it will be one not to miss |
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Verdi’s AIDA returns to Sydney Opera House |
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TannhäuserOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 | ![]() |
Richard Wagner’s medieval mash-up |
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Led by tenor Stefan Vinke, performers across the stage excel in this concert of Wagner’s epic tragedy Tannhäuser |
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Timo Riihonen: Unearthing Wagner
Ahead of Opera Australia’s Tannhäuser in Concert, the Finnish bass talks to Limelight about his passion for Wagner and those who inspire him.
Ahead of Opera Australia’s Tannhäuser in Concert, the Finnish bass talks to Limelight about his passion for Wagner and those who inspire him.
SatyagrahaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 | ![]() |
An excellent show of musicality from cast and orchestra |
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Orchestra Victoria in awesome form for a one-off concert performance of Philip Glass’ Gandhi opera Satyagraha |
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Shanul Sharma’s Gandhi was an achievement like few others |
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Madama ButterflyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() ![]() |
A near-epic production showcases what an Australian company can do within the art form |
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Karah Son acted with assurance and achieved a consistently beautiful vocal tone throughout |
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An evocative retelling of Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour |
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Fireworks and treachery combine for a night of intense drama |
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This compelling, heartfelt and provocative Madama Butterfly remains as relevant and powerful as when it was first staged in 2014 |
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associated articles [+]
Q & A: Karah Son
Karah Son on ‘Madama Butterfly’ and singing at Opera Australia.
Karah Son on ‘Madama Butterfly’ and singing at Opera Australia.
Roberto DevereuxOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 | ![]() |
Less is more in this final instalment of Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy |
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Adriana LecouvreurOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() |
A new production of Cilea’s lustrous melodrama |
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Memorable evening of truly grand opera |
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Natalie Aroyan saves the opening night of Adriana Lecouvreur in Sydney |
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Simply sensational on every level |
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Rosetta Cucchi’s striking conception and a surprise role debut made Francesco Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur an unmissable theatrical event |
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Embracing the theater at the heart of Cilea’s ‘Adriana Lecouvreur’
Theater about theater holds a special allure for directors and singers. Adriana Lecouvreur does not get performed often, but Opera Australia’s starry cast exuded enthusiasm for the piece in advance of their Sydney premiere.
Theater about theater holds a special allure for directors and singers. Adriana Lecouvreur does not get performed often, but Opera Australia’s starry cast exuded enthusiasm for the piece in advance of their Sydney premiere.
The price you pay: The ‘curse’ of a superstar soprano
Whenever Albanian singer Ermonela Jaho steps on stage she holds nothing back, sometimes to the point of tears.
Whenever Albanian singer Ermonela Jaho steps on stage she holds nothing back, sometimes to the point of tears.
Michael Fabiano: the artist prepares
Solitude and sacrifice. Ahead of his Melbourne and Sydney appearances, tenor Michael Fabiano reveals what it takes to bring a character to life.
Solitude and sacrifice. Ahead of his Melbourne and Sydney appearances, tenor Michael Fabiano reveals what it takes to bring a character to life.
![Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne](/img/operacompanies/aus.jpg)
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Performance schedule
Lloyd Webber
21 May to 7 Jul 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. |
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‘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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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