OBSERVER: Opera Australia 2027
Opera Australia has announced that its 2027 Melbourne season will return to full repertory programming in the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne.
OA’s Director of Planning and Programming, Ruth Thomas said: “We’re really excited to be back in the Ian Potter State Theatre for our 2027 season – presenting a program we feel is a great balance of Australian and international productions.
“It’s the first season where we’ve had the benefit of the international connections and experience of our Music Director Andrea Battistoni and our incoming Director of Opera Amy Lane, ahead of her official start in September.”
The pinnacle of the season will be the exclusive-to-Melbourne Wagnerian event of the year: the world premiere of a new production of Tannhäuser by celebrated opera director Sir David McVicar and conducted by OA’s Music Director Andrea Battistoni.
Also new to Melbourne is Ann Yee’s staging of Turandot, co-produced by the Opera Conference; Scottish Opera’s take on The Magic Flute directed by Sir Thomas Allen; and Leah Purcell’s operatic adaptation of Henry Lawson’s short story The Drover’s Wife, composed by George Palmer, co-commissioned with QPAC and co-produced with QPAC and Oombarra Productions.
In concert, the Opera Australia Chorus will appear in full force joined by Orchestra Victoria and led by Maestro Battistoni for a Melbourne exclusive, one night only, electrifying performance of the famous Beethoven Symphony No.9, commemorating 200 years since the composer’s death.
The season features a striking mix of singers, combining some of opera’s most exciting new talent with commanding experience from across Australia and beyond.
OA Music Director Andrea Battistoni believes that every artistic choice for the season has been made to strengthen Opera Australia’s future and foster its reputation of international excellence.
“This season offers a diverse range of operatic work, not just for the sake of variety, but to offer to our audiences the sheer delight of immersing in different styles, languages and experiences.
“From laughter to heartbreak, bel canto to verismo, this season offers audiences an extraordinary musical journey,” said Battistoni.
Subscriptions to the 2027 season start with packages of just two or more performances, giving subscribers first access to the best seats in the house, ticket discounts and the opportunity to win exclusive behind-the-scenes access throughout the year.
Bookings: Opera Australia subscriptions available now. Prices start at $126 for two operas.
Single tickets on sale from September 29
Box Office: 9685 3700 opera.org.au
Cheryl Threadgold