Melbourne opera fans feeling short-changed by the lack of fully staged productions from Opera Australia in 2023 can take some consolation in the announcement that OA is undertaking a first-time collaboration with Victorian Opera to present an epic staging of Mozart’s epic Idomeneo.

It will be staged at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda for three performances only.

The Palais Theatre, St Kilda. Photo: Wikicommons

A tale of love, politics and familial sacrifice set during the Trojan War, Idomeneo follows the mythical King of Crete as he is faced with an impossible decision: to sacrifice his son in payment of a debt to Poseidon or exile him across the seas.

Directed by Lindy Hume (who directed Pinchgut Opera’s staging in 2006), this fully-realised production will see Idomeneo reimagined for Australian audiences. Benjamin Bayl will conduct the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. The cast is yet to be announced.

Elizabeth Hill-Cooper, CEO of Victorian Opera said: “Victorian Opera and Opera Australia have been exploring opportunities to collaborate for a year now. We are thrilled that this project was one that could be fast tracked for our 2023 program ahead of Richard Mills departure as Artistic Director. Our Victorian community...