Opera Australia has revealed a diverse Melbourne program for late 2026, bringing everything from grand Wagner masterpieces and a brand-new La Bohème to family-friendly musical storytelling and an acclaimed Australian opera inspired by real events.
The season begins on 16 October with a celebration of composer Richard Wagner at the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre. Conducted by German maestro Michael Güttler, the concert will feature some of Wagner’s best-known orchestral works and operatic arias, performed by an international cast including British soprano Catherine Foster, Russian tenor Sergei Skorokhodov and Australian baritone James Clayton, who returns to Opera Australia after more than a decade.
A major highlight follows in November with the world premiere of a new production of La Bohème at the Regent Theatre. Directed by Constantine Costi, the reimagined classic is set in a snow-covered Paris and stars Melbourne-born soprano Alexandra Flood alongside an Australian and international cast under the baton of conductor Finnegan Downie.
Opera Up Late also returns on 15 November, with comedian and cabaret star Reuben Kaye once again hosting the late-night celebration of opera, musical theatre and pop favourites. Emma Matthews, Ruth Strutt, Daniel Macy and Anthony Mackey are among the performers joining the lively evening.
Families can experience the Australian premiere of The Trumpet of the Swan from 20 to 22 November. Adapted from E.B. White’s beloved children’s novel, the production combines live orchestral music by Orchestra Victoria with narration in an introduction to musical storytelling for younger audiences.
The season concludes with the Melbourne premiere of Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan, a powerful Australian opera exploring the death of Dr George Duncan and the events that contributed to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in South Australia.
For tickets and the full Melbourne season, visit https://opera.org.au
