Opera Australia makes rare Queensland visit

Opera Australia is in Brisbane for the first time in 25 year, presenting two shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): Baz Luhrmann's A Midsummer Night's Dream and the new Metropolitan Opera production of The Magic Flute which opens this Saturday night (26th May).

Welcoming the company, Queensland Minister for the Arts Ros Bates stated "this is a milestone moment for the arts in Queensland as we welcome back one of Australia's most prestigious performing arts companies.

"Opera Australia is here for a limited season and will only have 10 performances of these two productions.

"I have no doubt opera lovers of all ages will enjoy both of them.

"Opera Australia is renowned for its elaborate stage settings, and colourful costumes and make-up, so not only will audiences hear some of the finest music from our nation's top musicians and performers they will also encounter a visual spectacular.

"Baz Luhrmann's A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed exclusively in Brisbane, which will no doubt attract many interstate tourists.

"Opera Australia's season in Brisbane is one of many major events at the Cultural Centre in 2012, with the potential to draw a significant number of tourists from across the state and the nation.

"Productions such as these by Opera Australia build on Brisbane's reputation as a destination to experience innovative, exciting and inspiring arts performances."

This follows a successful simulcast in 2011 which saw more than 3,700 people across Queensland enjoy a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Opera Australia's performances will is jointly funded by the Queensland and Federal Australian Governments.

Tickets for Opera Australia's season at QPAC are on sale through QTIX.

Image: Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

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