West Australian Opera will commemorate its 60th anniversary season in 2027 with a celebration of much-loved classics, new works and groundbreaking firsts.
The program continues the State opera company’s longstanding tradition over the past six decades of sharing stories, using the human voice to speak directly to the heart.
“Opera is a magical art form that brings together singing, drama, music and storytelling in ways that can move people profoundly,” WA Opera executive director Carolyn Chard said.
“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.”
The year begins in April with Patrick Nolan’s new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni featuring James Clayton as the infamous womaniser, starring alongside Emma Pearson, Prudence Sanders and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
May sees a special double bill at the University of WA’s Winthrop Hall with Bilya & Requiem, the former a new composition by Noongar songwoman Gina Williams-Ghouse, dedicated to her late husband and songwriter partner Guy Ghouse, who died in November 2025.
The work explores how the bilya (river) listens in on the final 12 months of conversations between two koordamaat (great loves), and is paired with Verdi’s Requiem, a masterpiece of grief and hope.
July takes it back to where it all began with the return of Lindy Hume’s production of Carmen at His Majesty’s Theatre, paying homage to WA Opera’s history. Bizet’s famous opera was the first staged by the company in 1968.
Perth-born mezzo-soprano Fleuranne Brockway will sing the fiery role of Carmen, joined by an all-star cast including Paul O’Neill, Brett Carter, Samantha Clarke, Prudence Sanders, and Brigitte Heuser.
Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda in concert will be performed at His Majesty’s Theatre for one night only on August 6, exploring the rivalry between two of history’s most formidable queens, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I.
Puccini’s swansong Turandot will bring the year to a close in October as the opera is presented for the first time in the company’s 60-year history.
The milestone moment will also mark the first time WA tenor Paul O’Neill performs the opera’s aria Nessun Dorma in a mainstage production in his two-decade career.
“I’ve been fortunate to perform the Nessun Dorma on many occasions including from 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,” O’Neill said.
“I am incredibly honoured to perform the role of Calaf in WAO’s first staging of Turandot, especially in their 60th anniversary year.”
WA Opera artistic director Chris van Tuinen said season 2027 reaffirmed the enduring power of opera to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity, beauty and contradiction.
Subscription package renewals for WA Opera’s 2027 season are available from October 15, and single tickets are on sale from October 26 at waopera.asn.au.