There’s plenty of Puccini on offer around the world this year, the centenary of the great composer’s death. Opera Australia’s celebrations include this concert headlined by soprano Nicole Car, in a hometown performance that is rare in both senses of the word.

Nicole Car and Orchestra Victoria in The Puccini Gala. Photo © Jeff Busby

For the first of The Puccini Gala Concert’s two outings, a packed Hamer Hall audience lapped up the all-dessert program. From eternal favourites such as Turandot and Madama Butterfly, to operas hardly seen in Melbourne including La fanciulla del West, it’s two hours of highlights (plus interval).

Urbane and beautifully spoken, baritone Peter Coleman-Wright is a consummate host. He offers occasional insights about Puccini and his operas that tickle the brain and sometimes the funny bone.

Coleman-Wright’s singing voice is past its prime, so his handful of duets in this concert are let down by some flaccid notes. He has unfailingly assured presence, however, in this concert notable for its dramatic interpretation.

Of the four singers, this is particularly true of Car. With voice, looks and gestures, she exudes the suffering and passion of Mimi, Butterfly, Tosca...