Presenting world class operas for almost 60 years, West Australian Opera (WAO) speaks through the power of the human voice, bringing audiences and artists together to celebrate sung stories – the 2026 season will feature three iconic main-stage productions in His Majesty’s Theatre.
“What makes the art form of opera so magical is how it threads together singing, music and storytelling while unlocking audiences’ imaginations,” said West Australian Opera’s Executive Director, Carolyn Chard AM. “Opera allows us to connect deeply; with each other, with stories that resonate across time, and with music that stirs something in us all.”
“Our 2026 season continues this tradition with the staging of three unforgettable tales. These are stories of the human condition, told through music that transcends language and geography and that will no doubt strike a chord with West Australian audiences.”
Setting the scene for WAO’s 2026 season is the return of Sarah Giles’ critically acclaimed and hauntingly beautiful production of Verdi’s La traviata which plays at His Majesty’s Theatre from 14 – 28 March. Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist alumnus, Jessica Blunt, will make her role debut as Violetta, the beautiful courtesan harbouring a dark secret.
After the success of Into The Woods, Cameron Menzies returns to WAO to direct Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin which plays from 6 – 15 August. Samuel Dundas takes on the titular role and is joined by Paul O’Neill, Ashlyn Tymms, Samantha Clarke and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in this emotionally charged operatic adaptation of Pushkin’s poetry about lost love.
The mainstage season will come to a dramatic close with Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, directed by Rodula Gaitanou, which will play from 15-24 October. This brand-new production is a bold collaboration between West Australian Opera, State Opera South Australia and Irish National Opera and offers a powerful, deeply human retelling of the world’s most iconic love story. Alasdair Kent and Samantha Clarke will star as the ill-fated Roméo and Juliette.
Off the mainstage, Secret Opera, will invite audiences to meet at a secret location before being led to a hidden performance space. With only 100 guests at each performance, every detail remains a mystery until the music begins. Secret Opera will be presented as part of Perth Festival in February.
The Song Catchers is an exciting commission for Albany 2026 directed by Matt Reuben James Ward and composed by Jarred Wall and will be presented in Albany in October.
“Together through these collaborations, we forge a season that is ambitious, deepening our connection to community and reaffirming opera as a unifying artform,” says West Australian Opera’s Artistic Director, Chris van Tuinen.
“Wherever we meet you, whether that is at our home at His Majesty’s Theatre, in Albany, at UWA or at one of our Secret Opera events, we hope you will experience opera that speaks to the heart and echoes long after the final note.”
As part of WAO’s commitment to supporting and nurturing local talent, is the addition of renowned Australian/British soprano Samantha Clarke as their 2026 Artist in Residence. Clarke made her West Australian Opera debut as Violetta in WAO’s 2022 production of La traviata and returned to the company in 2023 to play The Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods.
In 2026 Clarke is back to perform Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, and Juleitte in Roméo et Juliette. During her residency the acclaimed soprano will also share her extensive knowledge and skills from her illustrious career and will lead masterclasses and provide mentorship and support to WAO’s emerging artists.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to West Australian Opera and to be artist in residence in my hometown of Perth. I have special memories of being in the audience at His Majesty’s Theatre where I was first introduced to the magic of opera and then later, stepping onto that stage myself in La traviata and Into the Woods,” said Samantha Clarke.
“This residency feels like such a beautiful full-circle moment. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to be part of two incredible productions, and equally excited to share what I’ve learned along the way through mentorship and masterclasses with the next generation of West Australian singers. It’s a joy to be home, and even more meaningful to give back to the artistic community that helped shape me.”
For more information about West Australian Opera’s 2026 season, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Images: La traviata (supplied) | Roméo et Juliette (supplied) | Samantha Clarke (supplied)