Opera Australia

Opera Australia is the nation’s premier opera company and a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural landscape. Based in Sydney with additional facilities in Melbourne, it is dedicated to sharing compelling stories through the power of music and song, while fostering the growth of Australian talent both on stage and behind the scenes. The company performs a diverse repertoire of operas, musicals, and concerts, reaching audiences across major cities and regional communities throughout Australia.

Mission and Vision

Opera Australia’s mission is to perform some of the greatest music ever written and to make opera accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Its vision embraces the celebration and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original storytellers, while nurturing new generations of artists and audiences. The company aims to bring a distinctively Australian perspective to the global art form of opera.

Main Objectives

• Present world-class opera and musical theatre productions at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne.
• Develop and support Australian artists including singers, musicians, and creative teams.
• Expand access to opera through regional tours, educational programs, and digital broadcasts.
• Engage communities by fostering cultural connections and participation in the arts.
• Collaborate with national and international arts organisations to co-produce innovative works.

Benefiting Groups

Opera Australia serves a broad spectrum of people including:

• General audiences who enjoy live performances of opera and musical theatre.
• Students and young people engaged through education and participation programs.
• Emerging artists and professionals seeking career development and industry pathways.
• Regional and diverse communities who gain access to cultural experiences through touring and outreach.

Services and Activities

• Producing and presenting operas and musicals with full orchestras and world-class casts.
• Educational workshops, masterclasses, and interactive performances designed to inspire creativity and learning.
• Community engagement initiatives including collective singing and intercultural dialogue.
• Professional development programs offering work experience, residencies, and industry connections for young artists.
• Regional touring and digital broadcasts to reach audiences beyond metropolitan centres.

Opera Australia also welcomes support through donations to sustain its artistic and community programs.