The Joys of The Barber of Seville
Rossini’s comic opera The Barber of Seville has kept audiences laughing for over 200 years. Ahead of Victorian Opera’s season of this madcap masterpiece, company Artistic Director and conductor Richard Mills reflects on Rossini’s love of macaroni and that pesky cat that ruined the opera’s opening night back in 1816.
Oscar Wilde's Giant New Opera
28-year-old composer-conductor Simon Bruckard is about to premiere his first opera, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant. He reflects on the highs and lows of developing an opera, conducting his own music, and what awaits him next.
Side by side: Nancye Hayes and Verity Hunt-Ballard
Come backstage into Nancye Hayes’ dressing room for a very special podcast recorded with the grand dame of theatre and fellow musical star Verity Hunt-Ballard during the run of Victorian Opera’s acclaimed production of A Little Night Music. Hear them reflect on their extraordinary careers, advice for younger performers, and their own special friendship.
Ali McGregor Sends in the Clowns
Soprano Ali McGregor has enjoyed a brilliantly eclectic career across opera, cabaret, comedy, and circus. She now prepares to ‘Send in the Clowns’ with one of the most iconic roles for women, Desirée Armfeldt, in Victorian Opera’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
The Difference Between opera and musicals
We’re asking the big question in our latest podcast: what’s the difference between opera and musicals? We’ve invited the experts to share their thoughts and opinions ahead of Victorian Opera’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
Opera and Society: Intrigue, Mayhem and Mischief throughout the Ages
In this special podcast, Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Richard Mills is joined in conversation by guest host Phillip Sametz to discuss the social history of opera, from its early days in Italy through 19th century Paris to the present day.
Recorded live in Victorian Opera’s Hemstritch Studio at Horti Hall as part of the Richard Mills' Talks Series.
Lots of Laughs with Katarina Dalayman
Our latest podcast is full of laughter and jokes with guest Katarina Dalayman. The celebrated Swedish soprano reflects on her life on the road, love of Wagner and advice for young singers. Having sung Kundry in Parsifal at the Met and Paris Opera, she returns to one of her favourite roles in Victorian Opera’s upcoming production.
Music recording courtesy of ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Markus Stenz at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
Discovering Parsifal: Part 2
Delve into Wagner's world of knights, sorcerers and the Holy Grail. The Art of Opera invited Wagnerian expert Dr Peter Bassett for a fascinating two-part conversation about Parsifal. In Part 2, learn about the scale of staging Wagnerian operas, the challenges of singing his music, and more about the composer himself.
Music recording courtesy of ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Markus Stenz at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
Discovering Parsifal: Part 1
Delve into Wagner's world of knights, sorcerers and the Holy Grail. The Art of Opera invited Wagnerian expert Dr Peter Bassett for a fascinating two-part conversation about Parsifal. In Part 1, learn about the key themes, what makes this opera unique, and its ongoing influence.
In Conversation with Caitlin Hulcup and Teddy Tahu Rhodes
We speak to Caitlin Hulcup and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, two of the stars of Victorian Opera’s concert of Bellini masterwork The Capulets and the Montagues. The internationally acclaimed opera singers reflect on their upbringings, careers, and love of music.
Livestreaming Opera
From a full concert livestream of Bellini's La Sonnambula to an interactive preview of new operas in development and a world-leading education program, Victorian Opera is experimenting with new ways to experience opera. Learn more about the technology behind livestreaming and why it is an important part of the future of opera.
Making an Opera
The process of creating a new opera begins years before a work has its premiere. Sometimes it’s a miracle that it even makes it to the stage. From the initial idea to opening night, discover the steps in making an opera.
Season 2018
From roaring adventure to seductive siren songs, family classics to never-ending fun, Victorian Opera has launched its Season 2018 Encounters. Artistic Director Richard Mills discusses programming the season ahead.
Sly as Fox
One of Australia’s best loved sopranos, Antoinette Halloran, talks longevity, maintaining a career in the arts and reflects on her long association with Victorian Opera.
Grand Designs
Set designer Richard Roberts is prolific and has designed 160 productions across his 40 year career. He looks back on his favourites, designing his house and creating the set for Cunning Little Vixen.
Speaking Fluent Maunder
Ahead of his next Victorian Opera production Cunning Little Vixen, legendary Australian director Stuart Maunder reflects on a career in theatre.
Music and Mindfulness with Greta Bradman
From singing to psychology, Aussie soprano Greta Bradman reflects on a fascinating life on and off the stage.
From Ocean to Opera with Carlos Bárcenas
Colombian tenor Carlos Bárcenas began his opera journey a little differently. From marine biology to the big stage, Carlos reflects on his love of singing ahead of La Sonnambula.
A World of Fantasy with Nancy Black
Enter a world of fantasy with director Nancy Black as she discusses Respighi’s The Sleeping Beauty. Victorian Opera’s new production features 27 life-sized puppets operated by a brilliantly talented cast of singers and puppeteers.
Running Away with the Circus with Libby Hill
Opera and circus collide in Victorian Opera’s latest production Laughter and Tears. Executive Producer Libby Hill discusses the joys and challenges of this fusion of art forms and what she learnt from this collaboration with Circus Oz.
Shining the Light on The Pied Piper with Joseph Mercurio
Lighting designer Joseph Mercurio returns to Victorian Opera to light kooky new community opera The Pied Piper. He chats about approaching a production, why to arrive early and his passion for theatre.
Ball Gowns and Glass Slippers with Candice MacAllister
Emerging set and costume designer Candice MacCallister is living in Fairyland as she creates Victorian Opera’s enchanting family production of Cinderella. She discusses glass slippers, mirror balls and magic on stage.
For the Love of Lucia with Jessica Pratt
After performances in over 20 productions across the world, opera superstar Jessica Pratt brought her career-defining role home for her first Australian production of Lucia di Lammermoor. The coloratura soprano reflects on the role, life in Europe and going mad on stage.
Blood and Madness with Cameron Menzies
Cameron Menzies returns to Victorian Opera to direct Donizetti's bel canto masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor. In the production, he directs Jessica Pratt - the world's leading Lucia. Hear him discuss the opera, his connection to it and working with Pratt.
Food for Thought with Dimity Shepherd
A familiar face, and voice, to Victorian Opera’s audiences, Dimity Shepherd returns for Steve Vizard and Paul Grabowsky’s new musical Banquet of Secrets. She talks about food, music and starring alongside her close friends in the production.
Baroque Soup with Phoebe Briggs
In the first episode of 'The Art of Opera', head behind the scenes with Victorian Opera's Head of Music and conductor Phoebe Briggs as she chats about new Baroque pasticcio opera Voyage to the Moon.