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Opera in Australia

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A performance by Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Don Giovanni at the Sydney Opera House, 2014
Joan Sutherland performing in 1972

Opera was introduced to Australia by European settlers in the 19th century. The first opera performances were staged in the early 1800s, often by touring companies from Europe. It quickly became a significant part of the culture of Australia. A strong network of conservatories and training programs supports the tradition today. Several opera houses exist in both Sydney and Melbourne.

History

West Australian Opera has been based in Perth since 1967. The establishment of the Sydney Opera House in 1973 was a significant historical event.[1] The Opera House is home to Opera Australia, the country's principal opera company. They also produce operas at the Arts Centre Melbourne.[2] Opera Australia is the largest performing arts employer in Australia.[2] State Opera South Australia is a professional opera company in Adelaide that was established in 1976.[3]

Opera Queensland was established in 1981.[4] In 1982, the first live broadcast of an opera from the Sydney Opera House brought Die Fledermaus into Australian living rooms.[5] The Opera Awards is a singing competition for professional Australian opera singers. It was established in 1986. Victorian Opera is based in Melbourne and was founded in 2005.[6]

Opera singers

Nellie Melba, Australia’s Queen of Song, established a worldwide reputation and acted as a pioneer for other female singers to follow in her footsteps.[7] Melba is one of Australia's most famous cultural icons and exports[8] and is featured on the Australian one-hundred-dollar note.

Joan Sutherland was the leading dramatic coloratura soprano of the 20th century.[9] She was the first Australian to receive a Grammy Award.[9]

Samuel Mariño toured Australia in 2025.[10]

Opera directors

Moffatt Oxenbould was Opera Australia’s artistic director for 15 years in the 1980s and 90s.[11] He was followed by Simone Young, Richard Hickox and Lyndon Terracini.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Opening of the Sydney Opera House". Museums of History NSW. Sydney. 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  2. ^ a b "About Us". Opera Australia. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  3. ^ "About State Opera". State Opera South Australia.
  4. ^ "History of Opera Queensland". Opera Queensland. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  5. ^ "50 years of Opera Australia: Part one". Opera Australia. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  6. ^ "Our Story". Victorian Opera. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  7. ^ "Australia's Women of Song". National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  8. ^ McFadzean, M. (2015). "Dame Nellie Melba, Australian Opera Singer, 1861-1931". Museums Victoria Collection. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Joan Sutherland: The leading coloratura soprano of the 20th century". Opera Lirica Roma. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  10. ^ "The male soprano making opera modern and accessible". SBS. 13 February 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  11. ^ "50 years of Opera Australia: Part two". Opera Australia. Retrieved 18 February 2025.


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