October 25 marks World Opera Day – a day to celebrate the artform and reflect on its phenomenal impact on our cultural landscape.
This date was chosen as it coincides with the birthdays of two of the world’s greatest composers Georges Bizet who gave the world Carmen and Johann Strauss II who composed the operettas Die Fledermaus and Eine Nacht in Venedig.
World Opera Day is a reminder of opera’s incredible impact both on the stage and beyond. In Australia alone we can see the incredible influence the beloved artform has had on our country, the Sydney Opera House is one of our most recognisable landmarks and opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba is the face of our $100 note.
Opera’s influence doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Have a look at some of the many operatic events happening around the country.
New South Wales:
Cinderella (Cendrillon) | 31 December
This New Year’s Eve, be swept up in the magic of opera and witness Laurent Pelly’s lavish production of Cinderella. After packed-out runs at the Metropolitan of Opera of New York and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, this acclaimed staging makes its grand Australian debut on New Year’s Eve with Emily Edmonds as Cinderella and Emma Matthews as the Fairy Godmother. We can’t think of a more enchanting way to ring in the New Year for an opera fan. Get your tickets here.
South Australia:
Lucia di Lammermoor | 8 – 16 November
For the first time in over 30 years, State Opera South Australia presents Gaetano Donizetti’s masterpiece, Lucia di Lammermoor. Based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, Lucia di Lammermoor follows the story of the titular character, played by the remarkable Emma Pearson who is torn between her love for Edgardo and her loyalty to her family. Lucia is the role that made Dame Joan Sutherland a star and is a must-see for any opera aficionado. Get your tickets here.
Passionate Puccini | 10 November
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death and to commemorate the occasion, State Opera South Australia have enlisted tenor Paul O’Neill and soprano Cathy-Di Zhang to perform some of Puccini’s most memorable melodies while accompanied by State Opera’s Head of Music, Anthony Hunt. Sign up to the waitlist here.
Victoria:
She, Who Should Have Been A Queen | 15 November
Beloved soprano Antoinette Halloran has brought many beloved heroines to life on stage from Tosca to Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, to Lady Macbeth and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. In this compelling production as part of Victorian Opera’s 5 Fridays in November; Halloran reimagines some of opera’s most iconic heroines with a contemporary feminist perspective. Halloran explores these characters journeys through a series of poems she wrote during the pandemic lockdowns, which she performs alongside Linda Kourvas’ contemporary compositions. Buy your tickets here.
Western Australia:
Orpheus & Eurydice | 24 October – 2 November
West Australian Opera in association with Circa present the ancient legend of Orpheus & Eurydice in a way you have never seen it before. Featuring gripping acrobats and breathtaking performances from Prudence Sanders and Russell Harcourt; under the masterful eye of Yaron Lifschitz; Orpheus & Eurydice is bound to delight opera lovers and captivate those who are new to the genre. Tickets are available here.
An Operatic Journey through Tuscany in celebration of Puccini | 21 November
To celebrate the week of Italian Cuisine and the 100th anniversary of Puccini, the Italian Consulate of Perth, Garum and West Australian Opera present, An Operatic Journey through Tuscany at Garum. Immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas of Tuscany, the birthplace of Puccini with an exquisite four-course feast curated by celebrity chef Guy Grossi and featuring Puccini performances by West Australian Opera’s Naomi Johns and Paul O’Neill. Purchase your tickets here.
Queensland:
Sing Sing Sing | 26 October
Led by baritone Jason Barry-Smith, Sing Sing Sing is a fun-filled session of music making and merriment, where you’ll learn to sing along to well-known tunes and celebrating the magic of music and opera with friends old and new. All experience levels and abilities are welcomed to join in this harmonious celebration. Book your spot here.
Images: Russell Harcourt in West Australian Opera’s Orpheus & Eurydice – photo by West Beach Studio | Cinderella (ROH, 2011) – photo by Bill Cooper | Emma Pearson as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor (WA, 2017) – photo by James Rogers | Antoinette Halloran (supplied) Paul O’Neill performing at Garum – photo by Shot by Thom | Jason Barry-Smith – courtesy of Opera Queensland
Words: courtesy of West Australian Opera