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Opera Australia

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description Opera Australia Overview

Opera Australia is the principal opera company in Australia, originally established in 1956 by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. It is headquartered in Sydney and stages its primary performances at the Joan Sutherland Theatre within the Sydney Opera House, while also maintaining a regular performance schedule at the Arts Centre Melbourne. The company presents a repertoire that ranges from classic European operas to contemporary works by Australian composers. It stages hundreds of performances annually, reaching a broad audience across the country.

help Opera Australia FAQ

Where does Opera Australia stage its main seasons?

The company performs major Sydney seasons at the Sydney Opera House. Its Melbourne productions are presented at Arts Centre Melbourne and other suitable theatres when venues undergo renovation.

What was Opera Australia originally called?

The company began in 1956 as the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust Opera Company. It later became the Australian Opera before adopting the name Opera Australia in the 1990s.

Which operas were in the company's first touring season?

Its inaugural Mozart bicentenary tour included The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, The Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni. The tour traveled nationally in 1956 rather than remaining in Sydney.

Does Opera Australia perform outside Sydney and Melbourne?

Yes, regional touring has been part of the company's mission since its earliest season. Its touring arm, OzOpera, was launched in 1996 to take productions to communities beyond the two principal cities.

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