Opera Australia and BMW announced the return of their open-air free concert, Opera for All, to Melbourne’s Fed Square on Saturday 3 February 2024, building on the success of the inaugural event last year.
BMW Opera for All is a global initiative, that sees collaboration with local opera companies to bring world-class cultural experiences to the public for free. Annual events take place in various international cities, including Munich, Berlin and London.
The 2024 Australian edition of this global initiative will present a one-hour open-air concert featuring the most popular arias in opera. Four of Opera Australia’s finest opera singers will grace the stage including soprano Olivia Cranwell, mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, tenor Shanul Sharma and baritone Simon Meadows.
This all-star cast will be accompanied by a superb live orchestra featuring musicians from Orchestra Victoria led by one of Australia’s most exciting and well-known opera conductors, Brian Castles-Onion.
Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her delight in working with BMW for the second year. “BMW’s commitment to the Australian cultural landscape through their Opera for All concerts helps to bring more opera to more people, including those who might not have attended an opera performance before,” she said.
“We are thrilled to share this experience with families and friends who will gather once again in the heart of the CBD for another unforgettable celebration of opera and our wonderful Australian artists,” said Ms Allan
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting art and culture as part of its social community strategy. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Opera Australia to bring BMW Opera for All back to Australia for the second year. This event aims to provide joy to the community while supporting the arts and culture sector,” he said.
Fed Square, renowned for its world-class art and culture engagements, is the ideal venue for this event with its large outdoor area capable of accommodating 8,000 people. Opera for All promises to be one of the biggest free outdoor opera events in Australia in 2024.
BMW Opera for All takes place at Melbourne’s Fed Square on Saturday 3 February 2024 (4.00 – 5.00pm). Free Entry. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Brian Castles-Onion, Dimity Shepherd and Orchestra Victoria in Opera Australia’s 2023 production of BMW Opera For All at Federation Square – photo by Andrew Hobbs