The national opera company showcases its proud history with a gala concert. Arias and ensembles from 10 of the world’s most popular operas – think Verdi, Bizet, Puccini – are complemented by slices of Benjamin Britten, whose works were once a core component of OA’s repertoire. There’s a special focus too on Mozart, whose operas comprised the company’s entire repertoire during its inaugural season. Giampaolo Bisanti conducts Orchestra Victoria, while Stuart Maunder directs a cast that includes Stacey Alleaume, Emma Matthews, Celeste Lazarenko, Luke Gabbedy, David Parkin and Diego Torre. Maunder also directs Gilbert & Sullivan: A Musical Celebration in Melbourne, 22–24 May.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Seventy years ago, a band of idealists — butchers, pharmacists, newsagents — gave up their day jobs to celebrate the 1956 Mozart bicentenary with a season of four of his operas.

The company they dreamt of grew into a major force in opera, attracting legends of the Australian and international arts community.

Celebrate this legacy with a milestone concert event featuring the full forces of the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria alongside a starry line-up of singers.

Leading from the podium is Giampaolo Bisanti, a star at the world’s leading opera houses, known for his versatility and meticulous, passionate approach to the great operatic scores. Sydney-born Sam Weller, a recent finalist in the International Conducting Competition, will also join.

Artistic Director of Victorian Opera Stuart Maunder AM and Giampaolo Bisanti pull together a program of thrilling operatic highlights that honours our past while looking to the future.