Opera Australia’s co-production with Victorian Opera realises Mozart’s early hit in a new production by Lindy Hume. Idomeneo tells the story of the King of Crete’s return from the Trojan War. To escape shipwreck, he promises Neptune the life of the first person he sees when he lands. In classic mythological fashion, that turns out to be his own son. Respected German-Canadian tenor Michael Schade makes his OA debut as Idomeneo, with Caitlin Hulcup as his son Idamante. Celeste Lazarenko sings Ilia, Idamante’s beloved, with Emma Pearson in the show-stealing role of Elettra, betrothed to Idamante and accordingly jealous as hell. Johannes Fritzsch conducts.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Drowning at sea in a vicious storm, the King of Crete makes a terrible vow to Neptune. To save his ship and his men, he will sacrifice the first human life he encounters on land. Bound by his rash promise, Idomeneo comes ashore and meets his own son. The choice he makes next sets the vengeance of the gods upon the people of Crete.

Rooted in the ancient mythology of the Trojan War’s aftermath, Mozart’s epic opera remains a story for our time. It explores human themes we recognise today: the fallout of war, natural catastrophe, grief, love and human frailty.

In Lindy Hume’s new production, the human emotion and mythic power of the drama is reflected in an immersive set evoking the epic seas, skies and rugged coastline of ancient Crete.