Opera Australia 2026 Season
Let opera transport you in 2026
From the Snowy Mountains to Nagasaki. From a dystopian near feature to 1950s Rome. From Paris at the start of the 20th century to a larger-than-life fairy tale world.
In Opera Australia’s 70th year, they bring back your most beloved classics, while looking boldly to the future.
Your season of beautiful artistry awaits.
Upcoming events
Madama Butterfly
3 Jan – 25 Mar 2026
A woman with a dream meets a man with a desire, but their marriage ripples into sweeping tragedy. A must-see opera in an award-winning production.
Turandot
15 Jan – 27 Mar 2026
Turandot fiercely protects her heart. This new production of Puccini’s grand opera features monumental sets, immersive projections, mesmerising dance and opera’s electrifying aria ‘Nessun dorma’.
Hansel and Gretel
27 Jan – 28 Feb 2026
Hansel and Gretel’s fairytale escape from the wicked witch of the woods, in a whimsical production with larger-than-life sets. Humperdinck’s magical score is enchanting.
Opera Up Late
21 Feb 2026
Cabaret meets opera in an irreverent late-night performance hosted by Reuben Kaye, featuring drag, opera classics and a few pop numbers.
Eugene Onegin
17 – 28 Mar 2026
A profound tale of unrequited love and unintended consequences, Tchaikovsky’s Romantic opera features sumptuous sets and costumes, a lush score and lashings of emotion.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera
27 Mar – 26 Apr 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global phenomenon returns on its 40th anniversary to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in a critically acclaimed spectacular.
The Merry Widow
8 Jul – 18 Aug 2026
An opulent party of glitz, glamour and Parisian charm, featuring familiar waltzes, tuneful melodies and lively choreography. The Merry Widow is flirty, funny and fabulous.
Rigoletto
21 Jul – 21 Aug 2026
Verdi’s classic opera offers hit tunes, glamour, grit, lust and revenge. This popular production features a dolls-house style revolving set and a scene-stealing Fiat 500.
The Drover’s Wife
7 – 15 Aug 2026
A new opera based on Leah Purcell’s groundbreaking adaptation of Henry Lawson’s classic short story. Emotional melodies, lush orchestration and operatic grandeur meet contemporary Aboriginal storytelling.
La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration
20 – 22 Aug 2026
A dazzling program performed in tribute to Joan Sutherland. Hear the full orchestra, chorus and homegrown sensation Jessica Pratt singing highlights from La Stupenda’s career.
My Fair Lady
10 Sep – 18 Oct 2026
Celebrating 70 dazzling years since its Broadway debut, Julie Andrews’ production of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady returns to the Sydney Opera House. When Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe premiered their brilliant adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion in 1956, it became an instant classic — hailed as “the perfect musical” and winning six Tony Awards.
