Witness a groundbreaking women-driven work
When one thinks of the The Sopranos, our mind conjures up images of mobsters, cured meats and a whole lot of Fila tracksuits. Well, think again, as The Sopranos is actually a newly commissioned opera by acclaimed writer Sarah Holland-Batt, celebrating the bold and rebellious roles women have played throughout the history of opera. This bewitching, female-focused opener of Opera Queensland’s 2022 season will also be going on the road – with The Sopranos embarking on a regional tour of Queensland in May.
See one of the greatest operas of all time
La Traviata has captivated audiences since its premiere with its sublime music by of one of the greatest opera composers of them all, Giuseppe Verdi. In July, it’s Brisbane’s turn for a taste of opulence, as Dane Lam leads the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and an ensemble of some of Australia’s most exciting singers in this new production directed by Sarah Giles. If you’re going to tick off one opera from your bucket list, let it be this one.
Find out what happens when Kate Miller-Heidke and Opera Queensland join forces
Opera lovers will not only get a taste of Kate Miller-Heidke’s genius but also a double dose of musical goodness when The Call and The Human Voice (La Voix Humaine) hit the stage in September. The Call (composed by Connor D’Netto working with Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall) stars Ali McGregor as a woman left with nothing but a phone number and a chance to make a destiny-changing phone call. The Human Voice (La Voix Humaine), starring Alexandra Flood, centres around the tragic outcome of a call from an ex-lover. This is one call we won’t be sending to voicemail.
Experience breathtaking opera under the stars in Outback Queensland
Did someone say, “roadtrip”? Pack up the car as we’re headed to the outback for Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera, which is back bigger and better in 2022. Set to hit the regional towns of Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo and Windorah from May 18–27, the impressive festival celebrates the wonder of opera with a program of awe-inspiring outdoor concerts and pop-up performances in historical settings. At the inaugural festival last year, punters were treated to performances in a hundred-year-old plane hangar and atop a raised plateau where dinosaurs once roamed under the night sky. Talk about an outback spectacular.
Discover one of Queensland music’s rising stars
This May, singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock performs a collection of songs that celebrate her impressive rise to fame in Songs that Made Me. Jess has worked with Aussie superstars like Kate Miller-Heidke and Paul Kelly (on his Making Gravy tour, no less) and even released a track with Paul, Everyday My Mother’s Voice. Jess will take the audience on a magical melody-fuelled journey exploring opera, musical theatre, folk, and jazz. This is one not to be missed.
Go on a journey of musical favourites
Clear your calendar from August 5–6, as that’s when internationally acclaimed musicians Jessica Aszodi and Alex Raineri join forces to present a collection of their favourite songs in the appropriately titled, My Favourite Things. Eclectic and enchanting, the program features songs from Kurt Weill’s cabaret to the hummable tunes of Stephen Sondheim, as well as premieres of two new Australian works.
Celebrate the legacy of Australian art song
Females are front and centre once again for stage spectacular Homegrown, which has been exclusively composed by Australian women for Opera Queensland’s August performance. Recent Opera Queensland Young Artist, soprano and all-round force of nature Rebecca Cassidy joins forces with Alex Raineri to present a captivating program celebrating the legacy of Australian art song, with performances that explore themes of nature, motherhood and a deep spiritual connection to place.
Hear unique versions of Carole King, the Bee Gees, Louis Armstrong and more
Love the Bee Gees? If you answered yes (why wouldn’t you?), then you’ll love Some Kind of Wonderful, the newest production from award-winning artist, Marcus Corowa. Join Marcus as he takes you on a journey through songs that have inspired him throughout his career, from artists like Carole King, Louis Armstrong, the Bee Gees and the legends of Motown, as well as original songs that cross the musical divide. You’ll definitely be singing along to these hits come November.
Take the kids to their first fantastical opera experience
Everyone remembers their first night at the opera and Opera Queensland’s spirited version of The Frog Prince is the perfect first experience for little ones. In this modern retelling of the classic Grimm tale, a young princess encounters a frog and an unlikely friendship blossoms. They embark on a fantastical and uplifting journey learning lessons about friendship and the importance of looking after the environment along the way. Featuring a crazy-talented cast of performers, The Frog Prince is September’s must-see production, introducing youngsters to composers like Mozart, Rossini and Bizet in a fun and accessible way.
Enjoy a classic tale of love and adversity with a contemporary spin
An ideal introduction to opera for young audiences (teens aged 13 and over can see this one), Puccini’s La Bohème is revitalised with a contemporary spin that explores how young people cope with uncertainty and change in the modern world. The gripping story, which is coming to Brisbane in September, follows a group of misfit friends learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and facing adversity as they set out on a new life together. A story of teen angst coupled with exquisite opera tunes? Count us in.
Tickets are on sale now for Opera Queensland’s 2022 season. Click here to take a deep dive into the program and buy tickets.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Opera Queensland.
