PROGRAM REVEALED!
One night. Seven decades. The arias that made us.
In 1956, a group of ordinary Australians — butchers, pharmacists, newsagents — gave up their day jobs to sing Mozart. Seventy years later, their dream fills stages across the country.
On Sunday 17 May at the Regent Theatre, we celebrate that journey with a once-only gala concert.
Now, the full program is revealed.
Where it all began
Opera Australia was born from Mozart — four operas, performed by amateurs. The Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro Finales are a nod to the dream that started everything.
La Stupenda’s centenary
In the year we celebrate what would have been Joan Sutherland’s 100th birthday, the Lucia di Lammermoor Sextet returns to the stage — the opera that made her La Stupenda and one of the most beloved voices in operatic history.
The moments that shake the room
‘Va pensiero’ from Nabucco. The Triumphal Scene from Aida. The Ride of the Valkyries. With the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria at full force, these are the moments you feel in your chest.
Voices of today and tomorrow
‘Nessun dorma’. The Carmen Quintet. The Tales of Hoffmann Trio. Nineteen of Australia’s finest voices led by international conductor Giampaolo Bisanti — performing highlights that span the full sweep of opera.
An Australian voice among the giants
Alongside Verdi, Puccini and Wagner sits Richard Mills’ The Love of the Nightingale — because the story of opera in this country continues to be written.
One more thing…
Seventy years calls for a toast. We have a few surprises tucked away for the final moments of the evening — you’ll have to be there to find out.
This is the kind of evening that becomes the story you tell.
I would seriously and sincerely love to know your opinion.