Opera Australia - Sydney & Melbourne | 3 May 2024 |
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Performance reviews
Key | Photo gallery | Production details | Video link |
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 |
30 Mar 24 / The Saturday Paper |
A stunning revival production of Opera on the Harbour’s biggest hit musical |
29 Mar 24 / Arts Hub |
Nina Korbe as Maria is terrific |
24 Mar 24 / Australian Stage |
more reviews [+]
This revival of OA's outdoor West Side Story looks stunning but there's room for more danger and raw emotion |
24 Mar 24 / Limelight |
Like falling in love for the first time |
23 Mar 24 / The Guardian |
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 |
10 Mar 24 / OperaWire |
Canadian-German tenor Michael Schade is a commanding figure in the central role of Idomeneo |
26 Feb 24 / Australian Arts Review |
Opera Australia’s Idomeneo production worth it for its superb performances |
23 Feb 24 / The Daily Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
A voyage through storm and song: Opera Australia's 'Idomeneo' shines at Sydney Opera House |
23 Feb 24 / BNN Breaking |
Opera treat of ravishing singing and dazzling visuals |
23 Feb 24 / Canberra City News |
Exquisite singing and a feeling of déjà vu mark the return of Mozart’s seminal opera after a 30-year absence |
21 Feb 24 / Limelight |
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 |
24 Feb 24 / OperaWire |
Faithful to Handel: Pinchgut Opera brings Theodora to the Sydney Opera House |
10 Feb 24 / Bachtrack |
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 |
9 Feb 24 / Limelight |
Die ZauberflöteOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
Opera Australia’s cast negotiated the evening’s spectrum from farce to high drama well |
14 Feb 24 / OperaWire |
A laid-back new production of Mozart’s opera |
7 Feb 24 / Australian Book Review |
David Parkin as Sarastro is one of the stars of the evening |
7 Feb 24 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
The vocal finesse in this production is delivered by Stacey Alleaume as Pamina |
7 Feb 24 / Australian Arts Review |
Peace, love, togetherness. Director Kate Gaul's new Magic Flute got there in the end – but it was a close-run thing |
2 Feb 24 / Limelight |
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 |
28 Jan 24 / New York Observer |
There was a wonderful simplicity to the production’s symbolism |
25 Jan 24 / OperaWire |
Total drama in Orpheus and Eurydice at Opera Australia |
16 Jan 24 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Far from detracting from the enjoyment, acrobats add to the complexities of this classic opera |
16 Jan 24 / Arts Hub |
This starkly beautiful production, performed by circus artists alongside the singers, feels fresh, modern and exciting |
15 Jan 24 / Limelight |
La TraviataOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 3 |
A very intelligent piece of theater |
12 Jan 24 / OperaWire |
Fresh breezes bring change: Opera Australia’s new Traviata delights |
11 Jan 24 / Bachtrack |
This La Traviata is one for the ages and all ages |
5 Jan 24 / Stage Noise |
GötterdämmerungOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
5 Jan 24 / Stage Noise |
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Ein gelungener „Ring“ mit Digital Content Design and Programming |
2 Jan 24 / Opera Online (German) |
[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
23 Dec 23 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
Well-crafted and powerfully delivered |
23 Dec 23 / Arts Hub |
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
17 Dec 23 / The Opera Critic |
[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
11 Dec 23 / The Guardian |
A remarkable triumph for the hundreds involved both on and behind the scenes |
11 Dec 23 / Opera Today |
Songs amid ice and fire: Götterdämmerung provides a fine close to Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle |
9 Dec 23 / Bachtrack |
Mit gewaltigem Jubel, der von der Theaterleitung aber wiederum per Vorhang auf 10 Minuten begrenzt wurde, endete diese Vorstellung |
8 Dec 23 / Online Merker |
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 |
8 Dec 23 / Limelight |
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] The great journey has come to an end, and it must be regarded as a great success |
8 Dec 23 / Australian Book Review |
One of the best that anyone is likely to see |
8 Dec 23 / Australian Stage |
SiegfriedOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
5 Jan 24 / Stage Noise |
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] Ein gelungener „Ring“ mit Digital Content Design and Programming |
2 Jan 24 / Opera Online (German) |
[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
23 Dec 23 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
'Siegfried' offers some of Wagner’s finest singing in an opera that has its flaws alongside its emotional highs |
21 Dec 23 / Arts Hub |
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
17 Dec 23 / The Opera Critic |
[Siegfried][Götterdämmerung] The great journey has come to an end, and it must be regarded as a great success |
8 Dec 23 / Australian Book Review |
[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
7 Dec 23 / The Guardian |
I am staggered by Stefan Vinke’s vocal stamina |
7 Dec 23 / Australian Stage |
Nature goes hi-tech: Opera Australia’s Siegfried a triumph for Stefan Vinke |
7 Dec 23 / Bachtrack |
Vinke’s performance forms the central part of what becomes soul-penetrating vocal and orchestral drama from start to finish |
7 Dec 23 / Opera Today |
Lise Lindstrom als Brünnhilde ist ebenso gut in Form wie in der „Walküre“ |
6 Dec 23 / Online Merker |
The third opera in Wagner’s tetralogy throws up plenty of challenges, but Chen Shi-Zheng tackles them boldly and triumphs |
6 Dec 23 / Limelight |
Die WalküreOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
5 Jan 24 / Stage Noise |
[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
23 Dec 23 / Limelight |
Some very fine singing within a panoply of impressive digital imagery makes 'Die Walküre' a winner on many levels |
20 Dec 23 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
17 Dec 23 / The Opera Critic |
[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
7 Dec 23 / The Guardian |
[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Opera Australia's new Ring is underway |
6 Dec 23 / Australian Book Review |
Auf Intimität reduzierte Digitalisierung… |
6 Dec 23 / Online Merker |
Wonderful, quite wonderful |
5 Dec 23 / Australian Stage |
A convincing triumph |
5 Dec 23 / Opera Today |
Phoenixes and magic fire: Opera Australia's Die Walküre is a hit |
5 Dec 23 / Bachtrack |
Chen Shi-Zheng’s meticulous staging of the second opera in Wagner's tetralogy proves his Ring Cycle is one for the ages |
4 Dec 23 / Limelight |
Das Wort Weltklasse scheint uns nicht übertrieben |
4 Dec 23 / Online Merker |
Das RheingoldOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 12 |
[Full cycle] Sublime moments are plenty |
5 Jan 24 / Stage Noise |
[Full cycle] To witness Anna-Louise Cole's debut as Brünnhilde was something special – as was Chen Shi-Zheng's dazzling production |
23 Dec 23 / Limelight |
'Das Rheingold' offers an impressive introduction to the tetralogy |
18 Dec 23 / Arts Hub |
more reviews [+]
[Full cycle] Opera Australia's digital Ring is a resounding success |
17 Dec 23 / The Opera Critic |
[Full cycle] The high-tech production took 27 semitrailers to load in – and while tickets aren’t cheap, the marathon pays off |
7 Dec 23 / The Guardian |
[Das Rheingold][Die Walküre] Opera Australia's new Ring is underway |
6 Dec 23 / Australian Book Review |
Musically, conductor Philippe Auguin anchors the drama with an overall sense of secure control |
4 Dec 23 / Opera Today |
Der neue Ring in Brisbane - Totale Digitalisierung und ihre Grenzen… |
3 Dec 23 / Opera Online (German) |
Wagner on big screens: Opera Australia’s digital Rheingold is a mixed bag |
3 Dec 23 / Bachtrack |
Phillipe Auguin coaxed the most delicate sounds out of the enormous orchestra |
3 Dec 23 / Australian Stage |
Chen Shi-Zheng’s finely crafted Ring Cycle heralds a return to Neue Bayreuth, but with a human touch |
2 Dec 23 / Limelight |
Schließlich 10 Minuten Jubel, besonders für Alberich und Loge, aber auch für Dirigent und Orchester |
2 Dec 23 / Online Merker |
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 |
7 Dec 23 / Arts Hub |
La GiocondaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 |
A memorable performance of Ponchielli’s opera |
16 Aug 23 / Australian Book Review |
World’s greatest tenor Jonas Kaufmann leads awesome opera team |
12 Aug 23 / The Daily Telegraph |
A rare chance to hear Italian opera as it once was, and indeed ought to be |
11 Aug 23 / Sydney Morning Herald |
more reviews [+]
‘Spectacular’ opera’s unforgettable performance |
11 Aug 23 / Canberra City News |
Saioa Hernández shone as the star of the evening, performing with magnetic and potent artistry |
11 Aug 23 / Arts Hub |
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 |
10 Aug 23 / Limelight |
Les Contes d'HoffmannOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 |
Peruvian tenor Iván Ayón Rivas brought convincing passion to the title role |
20 Jul 23 / OperaWire |
A fascinating production of Offenbach’s classic |
19 Jul 23 / Australian Book Review |
Twists in the tales: Michieletto brings Offenbach’s Hoffmann to life |
16 Jul 23 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
‘Hoffmann’ opera goes off on a bender |
15 Jul 23 / Canberra City News |
New production creates impactful world of fantasy |
14 Jul 23 / Arts Hub |
Jessica Pratt and Iván Ayón Rivas head a superb cast in Damiano Michieletto’s thrilling production |
14 Jul 23 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
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 |
29 Jun 23 / OperaWire |
It might be time for Opera Australia to retire this production |
15 Jun 23 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Elijah Moshinsky's Rigoletto revived splendidly at Opera Australia |
15 Jun 23 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
A brilliant Ernesto Petti and a star turn by Stacey Alleaume make this revival of Elijah Moshinsky’s landmark staging a must-see |
14 Jun 23 / Limelight |
Go see it for the music, not the reprehensible, misogynistic storyline |
14 Jun 23 / Arts Hub |
AidaOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 4 |
Writhing snakes and nodding panthers: Opera Australia revives digital Aida |
23 Jun 23 / Bachtrack |
A dazzling reimagining of Verdi’s classic tragedy |
22 Jun 23 / Arts Hub |
For the singing alone, it will be one not to miss |
21 Jun 23 / J-Wire |
more reviews [+]
Verdi’s AIDA returns to Sydney Opera House |
20 Jun 23 / Australian Arts Review |
TannhäuserOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Richard Wagner’s medieval mash-up |
24 May 23 / Australian Book Review |
Led by tenor Stefan Vinke, performers across the stage excel in this concert of Wagner’s epic tragedy Tannhäuser |
18 May 23 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
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 |
16 May 23 / Arts Hub |
Orchestra Victoria in awesome form for a one-off concert performance of Philip Glass’ Gandhi opera Satyagraha |
15 May 23 / Limelight |
Shanul Sharma’s Gandhi was an achievement like few others |
15 May 23 / Australian Arts Review |
Madama ButterflyOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
A near-epic production showcases what an Australian company can do within the art form |
9 Apr 23 / OperaWire |
Karah Son acted with assurance and achieved a consistently beautiful vocal tone throughout |
31 Mar 23 / Australian Arts Review |
An evocative retelling of Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour |
28 Mar 23 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Fireworks and treachery combine for a night of intense drama |
25 Mar 23 / Sydney Morning Herald |
This compelling, heartfelt and provocative Madama Butterfly remains as relevant and powerful as when it was first staged in 2014 |
25 Mar 23 / Limelight |
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 |
17 Mar 23 / Limelight |
Adriana LecouvreurOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
A new production of Cilea’s lustrous melodrama |
1 Mar 23 / Australian Book Review |
Memorable evening of truly grand opera |
25 Feb 23 / Canberra City News |
Natalie Aroyan saves the opening night of Adriana Lecouvreur in Sydney |
22 Feb 23 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Simply sensational on every level |
22 Feb 23 / CityHub Sydney |
Rosetta Cucchi’s striking conception and a surprise role debut made Francesco Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur an unmissable theatrical event |
21 Feb 23 / Limelight |
associated articles [+]
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.
Chorus!Opera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 1 |
A night around the old piano is transformed into a fully-fledged exploration of humanity |
6 Feb 23 / Limelight |
La bohèmeOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 2 |
Opera Australia delivers unique take on Puccini classic |
27 Jan 23 / OperaWire |
While Gale Edward's version of the opera goes out with a spectacular bang, this retiring production will endure in people's minds |
23 Jan 23 / Arts Hub |
Don GiovanniOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 6 |
Andrei Kymach stars in David McVicar’s dark take on Mozart’s famed masterwork |
15 Jan 23 / OperaWire |
Mozart’s evil hero Don Giovanni brilliantly portrayed |
10 Jan 23 / J-Wire |
Andrei Kymach inhabits the role of Don Giovanni |
10 Jan 23 / CityHub Sydney |
more reviews [+]
Ukrainian baritone Andrei Kymach thrills as Mozart’s doomed reprobate |
10 Jan 23 / Arts Hub |
Powerhouse performances by baritone Andrei Kymach and bass-baritone Yuri Kissin deliver a solid start to Opera Australia's 2023 season |
7 Jan 23 / Limelight |
Dark, unflinching production unmasks serial rapist Don Giovanni |
7 Jan 23 / Sydney Morning Herald |
associated articles [+]
Q & A: Andrei Kymach
Ukrainian baritone Andrei Kymach speaks about Ukraine and ‘Don Giovanni’.
Ukrainian baritone Andrei Kymach speaks about Ukraine and ‘Don Giovanni’.
CarmenOpera AustraliaNo. of reviews: 5 |
This is a compelling nite outdoors at the theatre |
3 Dec 22 / Sydney Arts Guide |
A strong retelling of a timeless tale with always relevant social themes |
1 Dec 22 / Arts Hub |
Sex, seagulls and sails: Opera Australia's Carmen on Cockatoo Island |
29 Nov 22 / Bachtrack |
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.
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
‘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 |