After a hugely successful debut earlier this year, Handa Opera at Millthorpe, will return in 2026 with an expanded four-day program across the Easter long weekend 2 – 5 April, almost doubling the number of ticketed events and featuring some of the biggest names in opera.
Headlining a star-studded 2026 program will be internationally acclaimed Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto and powerhouse mezzo soprano Elena Gabouri.
One of the greatest basses in the world, renowned for his vast range and thundering vocal power, Furlanetto will open the festival with an intimate recital in the Millthorpe Hall on Thursday 2 April 2026, accompanied by pianist Natalia Sidorenko.
For the Gala Concert on Friday night Gabouri will join a cast of country’s finest singers including sopranos Stacey Alleaume and Natalie Aroyan, Australia’s favourite tenor Diego Torre and baritone Andrew Williams, along with the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Paul Terracini.
Handa Opera at Millthorpe Artistic Director and CEO Lyndon Terracini is excited to be presenting such an outstanding cast of singers at next year’s event. “Ferrucio is one of the greatest voices of his generation and Elena is a force to be reckoned with,” said Terracini.
“They’ve both sung all the major roles in the most famous opera houses around the world and now they’re coming to Millthorpe – it’s going to be a real thrill to experience their power in such an intimate setting, truly it’s not to be missed.”
“It was such an incredible joy to see the event finally come life earlier this year, and I’m delighted to be announcing this exciting, expanded program for 2026. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us, and in particular my dear friend Dr Haruhisa Handa for his faith and generosity, and his genuine love of opera,” said Terracini.
The four-day program will feature a mix of gala concerts, recitals, in-conversations and open rehearsals. Internationally acclaimed pianist Andrè Desponds will return to Australia after receiving a rapturous reception at this year’s event, to perform The Millthorpe Concert and then accompany Noëmi Nadelmann for their Berlin to Broadway Concert.
A highlight of the 2026 program will be a concert performance of Verdi’s Un ballo in Maschera performed by Elena Gabouri, Stacey Alleaume, Natalie Aroyan, Diego Torre, Andrew Williams, Gennadi Dubinski and Richard Anderson and conducted by Maestro Paul Terracini with the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra.
Another addition to next year’s event is an exhibition by acclaimed artist and designer Mark Thompson, of his monumental paintings that will line the walls of Millthorpe Hall, infusing the festival with an even more immersive atmosphere.
Set in the historic NSW Central West town of Millthorpe, the festival is a feast for the senses, combining stunning opera performances with glorious, sweeping country vistas, award-winning wineries and gourmet dining.
Only a 3-hour drive from Sydney, Millthorpe is an utterly charming and character filled country town only minutes away from the vibrant gastronomic Orange region, that features picturesque vineyard-dotted hills, historic buildings, country pubs, local farm-gates and cellar doors.
It also boasts one of the finest regional restaurants in NSW. Situated in the heart of the village next door to Millthorpe Hall, Tonic is a foodie destination in itself. Consistently praised for its championing of local produce and innovative menu, it is the dining experience that will cap off a perfect weekend escape.
Handa Opera at Millthorpe runs 2 – 5 April 2026. Festival passes are now available. For more information and full program, visit: www.operaatmillthorpe.com.au for details.
Images: Lyndon Terracini AM at Millthorpe (supplied) | Natalie Aroyan performing at Handa Opera at Millthorpe (supplied)