In 2027, West Australian Opera (WAO) celebrates its 60th anniversary. For six decades the state’s premier opera company has presented world-class, diverse, and innovative works that have brought audiences and artists together. The 2027 Season continues this long-standing tradition, offering a variety of beloved classics, new works, and ground-breaking firsts for the company.
WAO’s 2027 season features a brand-new commission, BILYA (River) which will be paired with Verdi’s REQUIEM, plus four mainstage productions in His Majesty’s Theatre including, DON GIOVANNI, CARMEN, MARIA STUARDA (in concert for one night only) and TURANDOT.
On the company’s 60th anniversary, West Australian Opera’s Executive Director Carolyn Chard AM notes:
“For 60 years, West Australian Opera has shared stories that speak directly to the heart through the human voice. This anniversary season celebrates the joy, emotion, and imagination that opera continues to inspire across Western Australia.
From iconic masterpieces to a new Australian work, our 2027 season reflects everything that defines West Australian Opera. We honour tradition whilst embracing innovation and creating world class experiences that bring people together through the power of storytelling.”
Setting the stage for WAO’s 2027 season is the premiere of a new production of Mozart’s masterpiece, DON GIOVANNI which is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre from 15 – 24 April.
Helmed by Patrick Nolan, this gripping new co-production from West Australian Opera and Opera Queensland features James Clayton as the infamous womaniser, whose philandering ways has dangerous consequences. Emma Pearson makes her highly anticipated return to WAO as Donna Anna with Prudence Sanders and Teddy Tahu Rhodes also starring.
From 21 – 22 May, WAO and the UWA Conservatorium of Music present a special double bill of BILYA & REQUIEM at Winthrop Hall.
BILYA is by Noongar Songwoman, Gina Williams-Ghouse AM and explores how the Bilya (river) listens in on the final twelve months of conversations between two Koordamaat (great loves). The work is dedicated to the late, Guy Ghouse AM.
This new composition will be accompanied by Verdi’s REQUIEM, a monumental masterpiece of grief and hope brought to life through the powerful vocals of WA artists, Naomi Johns, Nicole Youl, Paul O’Neill, and Benjamin Del Borrello.
WAO pays homage to its history with the return of Lindy Hume’s production of CARMEN which is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre from 24 July – 7 August.
Bizet’s crown jewel was the first opera that WAO staged back in 1968. Perth born, mezzo-soprano, and Wesfarmers Young Artist Alumni, Fleuranne Brockway stars as the fiery Carmen who lives by her own rules. Rounding out the all-star cast is Paul O’Neill, Brett Carter, Samantha Clarke, Prudence Sanders, and Brigitte Heuser.
For one night only on 6 August, WAO presents Donizetti’s MARIA STUARDA in concert at His Majesty’s Theatre. The opera explores the rivalry between two of history’s most formidable queens, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I.
Internationally acclaimed soprano, Jessica Pratt makes her WAO debut in the title role, alongside Caitlin Hulcup, James Clayton, and Alasdair Kent.
Closing out a spectacular season is Puccini’s swansong, TURANDOT which is presented for the first time in WAO’s 60-year history.
Anna-Louise Cole stars as the fiercely powerful Princess in this mesmerising production directed by Ann Yee. The production will also mark the first time that beloved West Australian tenor Paul O’Neill will perform the iconic Nessun Dorma in a mainstage production in his two-decade long career.
Paul O’Neill said:
“I’ve been fortunate to perform the Nessun Dorma on many occasions, including at the Royal Albert Hall in London, to WAO’s regional concerts, and most recently on the international stage at the Calcio Cup; but I’ve never had the opportunity to perform what is considered Puccini’s Magnum Opus in all its glory in a fully staged production until now.
I am incredibly honoured to perform the role of Calàf in WAO’s first staging of TURANDOT, especially in their 60th anniversary year.”
On WAO’s 2027 season, Artistic Director, Chris van Tuinen added:
“This season reaffirms the enduring power of opera to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity, beauty and contradiction. Our 60th anniversary season honours the Company’s history while looking outward to the artists, audiences, students and communities who continue to make opera a living, shared experience in Western Australia.”
As part of WAO’s commitment to sharing the power of the human voice and magic of opera with wider audiences, the company will continue developing initiatives beyond the mainstage including educational programs, regional concerts, and artists development and community partnerships, ensuring the future of opera in Western Australia remains vibrant, inclusive, and ambitious.
Carolyn Chard AM adds:
“Opera is a magical artform that brings together singing, drama, music and storytelling in ways that can move people profoundly. As we celebrate our 60th year, we are proud to continue creating experiences that connect communities through shared emotion and extraordinary artistry.”
Subscription package renewals for the West Australian Opera 2027 Season are now available to purchase while single tickets are on sale from 26 October 2026.
To learn more, visit the website.
Website: https://www.waopera.asn.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/westaustralianopera/
Images supplied.
Download the digital brochure here.
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