Opera Australia

Title: "Opera Australia: Breathing Life into Classics and Modern Works"

For music enthusiasts, Sydney's Opera House is no less than a legend. A world-class performance venue, it is home to one of the globe's finest performing arts companies - Opera Australia. Taking centre stage in the realm of performing arts in the collective heart of Australia, Opera Australia spearheads a glorious blend of music, drama, dance, and visual arts, celebrating artistic expression in its truest form!

Opera Australia, also widely known as Opera, is Australia's primary opera company. It is the third-largest opera company globally, renowned for its particularly large repertoire. With a staggering 25 productions annually, it offers prolific performances in Sydney, Melbourne, and regional Australia while also making international tours.

Opera's legacy began in 1956 when it was established under its original name, the Australian Opera. After amalgamation with the Victoria State Opera in 1996, the company was renamed Opera Australia. Since its inception, this phenomenal opera company has strived to make opera accessible to all by staging performances that cater not only to ardent opera lovers but also to those foraying into the genre for the first time.

With over 600,000 patrons attending productions every year, Opera Australia is the country's most patronised performing arts company. This unrivaled reach doesn't stop nationally. Opera Australia also extends its captivating engagements across international borders, leaving remarkable footprints on the sands of illustrious global platforms.

Opera Australia’s repertoire spans across all schools and eras of opera, showcasing works from the Baroque to the contemporary period, thereby ensuring that audiences are treated with performances that appeal to their diverse and eclectic tastes. It is also responsible for commissioning Australian works, thus providing a platform for local talent to shine.

Accomplished conductor Richard Mills serves as the Music Director, with equally skilled Lyndon Terracini acting as the Artistic Director. Under their high-caliber leadership, the production quality remains consistently top-notch, earning the company accolades and cementing its place within the global opera circuit.

The Opera Australia Orchestra, the busiest of all Australian orchestras, is a significant pillar of Opera Australia's intense production schedule. Comprised of some of the best musicians from around the world, the orchestra helps bring to life operatic masterpieces, adding another layer of richness to the performances.

While renowned for its large-scale opera performances, Opera Australia also serves as a significant contributor to the wider Australian culture and education. It aims to inspire and educate communities via programs like 'Schools Tour,' bringing productions to school children who might have limited opportunities to experience opera otherwise.

In summary, Opera Australia is a musical beacon showcasing the timeless beauty of opera. It spearheads both national and international appreciation for this unique genre, emphasizing its relevance in the present times. Opera Australia indeed offers a melodious blend of traditional opera with contemporary performances, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone!