British satire, German Romanticism, and high Italian drama make up this year’s offering from the company.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S Pinafore, Wagner’s Lohengrin, and Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux couldn’t be more different. Touchstones of British satire, German Romanticism, and Italian bel canto, these works are so tonally distinct and of their milieu that the tastes of any seasoned opera goer are catered for. Melbourne Opera director Greg Hocking is adamant that all three pieces in the company’s 2017 season are long overdue for an outing – Melburnians haven’t gotten the chance to see them in their own city for decades, and in Roberto Devereux’s case, ever.

^{Melbourne Opera’s Tannhäuser.} 

Marking Melbourne’s first professional production of H.M.S Pinafore in over 20 years, the evergreen send up of the British class system and politics opens the season. Experienced Gilbert and Sullivan director Robert Ray is responsible for the new production, with a cast led by David Gould as Sir Joseph Porter, and Claire Lyon making her Melbourne Opera debut as Josephine. Greg Hocking will be conducting the much loved operetta, which he says is often underestimated. “We’re pleased to be able to...