| West Australian Opera - Perth | 23 April 2024 |
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Oratorio
West Australian Opera
West Australian Opera
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Wundig wer Wilura
Into the Woods
Tosca
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Performance reviews
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EucalyptusWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Perth Festival's in-concert staging is a reminder of the pleasures of immersion in the orchestral world of an opera |
 1 Mar 24 / Limelight |
Wundig wer WiluraWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
All the elements of grand opera are here in Wundig wer Wilura: love and war, trust and betrayal, intimacy and the sublime |
| 10 Feb 24 / Limelight |
La bohèmeWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
This new take on Puccini’s classic combines visual chic and grittiness |
| 20 Oct 23 / Limelight |
OratorioWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 |
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Oratorio is a startling resurrection of an “ugly duckling” |
| 21 Apr 23 / Limelight |
Into the WoodsWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Nuanced and magical, this WA Opera production of Stephen Sondheim's twisty 1986 fairytale musical is a triumph |
| 25 Mar 23 / Limelight |
CarmenWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
A well-judged production of Bizet’s Carmen at the WACA stadium |
| 27 Feb 23 / Limelight |
La TraviataWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A star is born in Parisian salon |
| 18 Nov 22 / Seesaw Magazine |
WA Opera triumphs in La Traviata at His Majesty’s Theatre with Samantha Clarke and Paul O’Neill |
| 21 Oct 22 / The West Australian |
WA Opera breathe beautiful new life to Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ |
| 21 Oct 22 / Out in Perth |
Our Little InventorWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Powerful local voices sound a call to arms |
| 18 Nov 22 / Seesaw Magazine |
ToscaWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Though plagued by illness, West Australian Opera presented a compelling and sensitive performance of Puccini's epic thriller |
| 15 Jul 22 / Limelight |
A winter wallow with Maija Kovalevska, Paul O’Neill and Warwick Fyfe |
| 15 Jul 22 / The West Australian |
IolantaWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Tchaikovsky's final opera gets a clever and thoughtful re-working that gave Iolanta the chance to tell her own story |
| 7 Apr 22 / Limelight |
Operatic enlightenment |
| 6 Apr 22 / Seesaw Magazine |
Le nozze di FigaroWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | 
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The production was artfully conceived and realised even if ultimately cold |
| 31 Oct 21 / Australian Book Review |
WA Opera’s Marriage of Figaro by Mozart at The Maj morphs into #MeToo |
| 25 Oct 21 / The West Australian |
Amidst this fast-paced, and at times mad reading of Mozart’s masterpiece, the opera ultimately triumphs |
| 25 Oct 21 / Limelight |
PagliacciWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
A compelling Cav & Pag, that unfortunately struggles against the inherent violence of the libretti |
| 19 Jul 21 / Limelight |
Cavalleria RusticanaWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
A compelling Cav & Pag, that unfortunately struggles against the inherent violence of the libretti |
| 19 Jul 21 / Limelight |
ElijahWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Operatic treatment enhances Mendelssohn's oratorio despite a smudgy accoustic |
| 20 May 21 / Limelight |
Elijah triumphs after Lachlann Lawton steps into WA Opera star James Clayton’s shoes |
| 17 May 21 / The West Australian |
Il barbiere di SivigliaWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
The West Australian Opera production of Rossini's exuberant opera is full of comedic energy from start to finish |
| 20 Apr 21 / Limelight |
WA Opera launches Barber of Seville to full capacity at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth |
| 19 Apr 21 / The West Australian |
Così fan tutteWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
WA Opera return to His Majesty’s with Mozart’s comic opera Cosi fan tutte |
| 28 Oct 20 / The West Australian |
associated articles [+]
West Australian Opera to reopen with ‘Così Fan Tutte’
The West Australian Opera in Perth has announced that it will resume its live performances with the presentation of Mozart opera “Così fan tutte.” The production was originally performed at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2006.
The West Australian Opera in Perth has announced that it will resume its live performances with the presentation of Mozart opera “Così fan tutte.” The production was originally performed at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2006.
Hansel und GretelWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Fine performances and Sohan Ariel Hayes’ stunning visuals make for a magical Opera in the Park |
| 28 Feb 20 / Limelight |
Bran Nue DaeWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Bran Nue Dae returns to Perth |
| 10 Feb 20 / The West Australian |
MacbethWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A dark, dense and demanding rendition of Shakespeare's classic play |
| 23 Oct 19 / Broadway World |
Stuart Maunder's production is immensely satisfying on a number of levels |
| 22 Oct 19 / Australian Book Review |
Sweeney ToddWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
It seems Perth was primed for some good old-fashioned barber-ous fun |
| 19 Jul 19 / Broadway World |
Sweeney Todd in Perth: ticks all the boxes |
| 19 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
WA Opera serve a rich visual, vocal and musical feast in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd |
| 15 Jul 19 / The West Australian |
Die ZauberflöteWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Australian director Barrie Kosky does for Mozart what Baz Luhrmann did for Shakespeare |
| 24 Feb 19 / The Guardian |
Where opera ends, theatre begins: Mozart's Magic Flute made new in surreal Perth performance |
| 23 Feb 19 / Sydney Morning Herald |
A delightful production that is as intoxicating as Papageno's pink cocktail |
| 22 Feb 19 / Limelight |
more reviews [+]
Magic is the operative word for this highly inventive staging |
| 22 Feb 19 / The West Australian |
Barrie Kosky’s The Magic Flute is a contemporary spectacle, despite the opera’s outdated attitude |
| 22 Feb 19 / The Conversation |
La TraviataWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Thousands enjoy ‘La Traviata’ at Opera in the Park |
| 4 Feb 19 / Out in Perth |
CarmenWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Strong vocalists and a nuanced handling of Bizet's women characters |
| 27 Jul 18 / Limelight |
The Cunning Little VixenWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
The Cunning Little Vixen is hilarious but flawed |
| 24 Apr 18 / Out in Perth |
La bohèmeWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Superb Puccini rises above outdoor woes |
| 6 Feb 18 / The West Australian |
Lucia di LammermoorWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
WA Opera’s decision to dust off the old Copley warhorse as part of their Fiftieth Anniversary season was a nod to Sutherland |
| 31 Oct 17 / Australian Book Review |
Lucia di Lammermoor is filled with heartbreak and tragedy |
| 30 Oct 17 / Out in Perth |
Die Lustige WitweWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Bubbling over with opulence, it doesn't get more fun than this |
| 21 Jul 17 / Limelight |
Widow gets utterly captivating new life |
| 17 Jul 17 / The West Australian |
ToscaWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A stylish, brooding take on Puccini's Tosca by West Australian Opera |
| 7 Apr 17 / Limelight |
WA Opera breathes new life into the classic tragedy of Tosca |
| 1 Apr 17 / Out in Perth |
West Australian Opera’s Tosca trembles under weight of villain’s malice |
| 31 Mar 17 / The Australian (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
Antoinette Halloran is particularly compelling as Tosca |
| 30 Mar 17 / Australian Stage |
Les pêcheurs de perlesWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
an admirable attempt to put Bizet’s “other opera” back in the limelight, |
| 29 Oct 16 / Australian Stage |
Exquisite Emma Matthews the star in Perth's colonial Pearl Fishers |
| 28 Oct 16 / Bachtrack |
The RidersWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
While the design is minimal, the performances are excellent, and the music thrilling |
| 16 Apr 16 / Australian Stage |
Gianni SchicchiWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Signor Puccini would surely have been proud to see such a well-produced and realised interpretation of his work |
| 17 Feb 16 / Arts Hub |
FaustWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
The production is a remarkable success due to its compelling lead performances |
| 31 Oct 15 / Australian Stage |
Le nozze di FigaroWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Mozart’s evergreen subversive comedy is a sheer delight |
| 16 Jul 15 / Australian Stage |
Madama ButterflyWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Madama Butterfly is a beautiful, moving and utterly enjoyable opera |
| 26 Feb 15 / Australian Stage |
There is much to marvel at |
| 26 Feb 15 / The West Australian |
Oh Cio-Cio San! Madama Butterfly a coup for Perth Festival |
| 25 Feb 15 / Sydney Morning Herald |
Il TrovatoreWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
West Australian Opera's Il trovatore honours Neidhardt's lesson in directorial rigour |
| 4 Nov 14 / Bachtrack |
It looks and sounds as good as most of the national company’s work in the east |
| 4 Nov 14 / Daily Review |
West Australian Opera ends year on a high note |
| 3 Nov 14 / The Australian (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
WA Opera's full-throated Il Trovatore |
| 3 Nov 14 / The West Australian |
All in all, glorious music performed well made for a wonderful evening of opera |
| 2 Nov 14 / Australian Stage |
Die ZauberflöteWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Local cast hit the highs |
| 21 Jul 14 / Sydney Morning Herald |
A delight to experience |
| 20 Jul 14 / Australian Stage |
Magic Flute still casts spell |
| 18 Jul 14 / The West Australian |
OtelloWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Otello on an aircraft carrier sails on a sea of orchestral pleasures |
| 12 Feb 14 / Limelight |
A dark and sometimes comic thrill |
| 6 Feb 14 / Australian Stage |
La bohèmeWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
A fantastic finale to 2013 for WA Opera |
| 1 Nov 13 / Australian Stage |
Don GiovanniWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Another not exactly production from West Australian Opera, but one that is nonetheless very well sung and acted |
| 31 Jul 13 / Opera Britannia |
This WA Opera production is fresh, powerful and well worth a look |
| 20 Jul 13 / Australian Stage |
This Don Giovanni is simply too good to miss |
| 18 Jul 13 / The West Australian |
La TraviataWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Each carefully devised musical moment deepens our pity |
| 11 Apr 13 / The West Australian |
La Traviata is popular, but it still requires artistry to succeed |
| 10 Apr 13 / The Australian (via Google) |
RigolettoWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
There wasn't a weak link in the cast |
| 5 Feb 13 / The West Australian |
Madama ButterflyWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
American soprano Kelly Kaduce didn't disappoint as Cio-Cio-San |
| 25 Oct 12 / The West Australian |
Madam Butterfly remains a beauty |
| 25 Oct 12 / Perth Now |
Lucia di LammermoorWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
The casting of Emma Matthews in the title role, and a good supporting cast, ensured a fine night of opera |
| 31 Jul 12 / Opera Britannia |
As Lucia Emma Matthews is dazzling |
| 16 Jul 12 / The West Australian |
The performance was resoundingly good, with Matthews the shining star of this tragic tale |
| 16 Jul 12 / Australian Stage |
more reviews [+]
Cast meets high expectations |
| 16 Jul 12 / The Australian (via Google) |
ElektraWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Danish soprano Eva Johansson is dazzling as Elektra |
| 21 Feb 12 / Limelight |
Moving descent into inky pool of demented revenge |
| 10 Feb 12 / The Australian (via Google) |
The effect is astonishing; it is primal, it is climax, it is catharsis. It is art |
| 10 Feb 12 / The West Australian |
associated articles [+]
Get ready for Elektra
Eva Johansson is in town to sing the lead role in composer Richard Strauss' supercharged fin-de-siecle opera Elektra, which is being performed in Perth for the first time.
Eva Johansson is in town to sing the lead role in composer Richard Strauss' supercharged fin-de-siecle opera Elektra, which is being performed in Perth for the first time.
Les pêcheurs de perlesWest Australian OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
The singing was bloody marvellous |
| 20 Feb 12 / The West Australian |
| No more reviews |
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Performance schedule
Purcell
9 to 12 May 2024
Dvorak
18 to 27 Jul 2024
Gluck
24 Oct to 2 Nov 2024
News & Articles
| Ancient legends come alive in WA Opera’s 2024 season |
A new Noongar opera, Baroque in the Ballroom and a rich Romantic favourite are highlights of the WA Opera program for season 2024, which also marks the 120th anniversary of His Majesty’s Theatre. |
| 8 Nov 2023 / The West Australian |
| West Australian Opera announces its 2023 season |
The lineup includes Carmen in the WACA, Sondheim's Into the Woods, a new Bohème and a world premiere by Lachlan Skipworth, with a new work in the Noongar language scheduled for 2024. |
| 24 Nov 2022 / Limelight |
| West Australian Opera announces its 2022 season |
There is an emphasis on West Australian talent and deep engagement with the community in the state opera company’s programming for next year. |
| 9 Dec 2021 / Limelight |
| West Australian Opera announces its 2021 season |
The season includes the world premiere of the first opera performed in Noongar language, a new musical theatre work by Tim Finn performed in English and Tahitian, and a Figaro double. |
| 24 Nov 2020 / Limelight |
| West Australian Opera to reopen with ‘Così Fan Tutte’ |
The West Australian Opera in Perth has announced that it will resume its live performances with the presentation of Mozart opera “Così fan tutte.” The production was originally performed at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2006. |
| 25 Aug 2020 / OperaWire |
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