In 2027, Pinchgut Opera turns 25, and Artistic Director Erin Helyard turns 50. To celebrate, they’ve picked a 2027 season program packing a particularly fun punch.

Pinchgut Opera’s Pyramus and Thisbe. Photo supplied

There are four productions – three are comedies – international guest stars and Australian operatic legends for 2027, but there’s one show that’s particularly special to the harpsichordist and director: a concert performance of Monteverdi’s Madrigals of Love and War, travelling to both Melbourne and Sydney across July, is Helyard’s birthday present from the company he co-founded in 2002.

“When I was asked what I wanted to program, this was my answer. It’s one of my favourite works in all music, and I’ve wanted to perform it with Pinchgut for years,” said Helyard.

Adding a new theatrical twist to the madrigal form, Monteverdi’s landmark collection will be performed by British soprano and Monteverdi specialist Zoë Brookshaw, who makes her company debut in a cast that also features Miriam Allen, Hannah Fraser, Jacob Lawrence, Louis Hurley and Andrew O’Connor.

First up in the Pinchgut...