Sydney Opera House © NSWSydney Tourism Australia / Jonathon‐Marks
Sydney Opera House, © Photo: Jack Atley
Sydney Opera House, © Photo: Jack Atley

Idomeneo: Opera Australia Sydney

Sydney, Sydney Opera House — Joan Sutherland Theatre

Seating plan Best seats 2 h 30 min Give as a gift card

About the Event

Experience the awe‐inspiring beauty of Sydney's iconic Opera House as you immerse yourself in a concert that will awaken your appreciation for opera. Witness the stunning architecture and be captivated by the enchanting melodies that will transport you to another world.

In a harrowing storm at sea, the King of Crete finds himself in a perilous situation. To save his ship and his crew, he makes a rash vow to Neptune, pledging to sacrifice the first person he encounters on land. Little does he know, this person turns out to be his own son. The decision he is forced to make unleashes the wrath of the gods upon the people of Crete, leading to a gripping tale rooted in ancient mythology.

Mozart's timeless masterpiece, based on the aftermath of the Trojan War, remains relevant today. It delves into universal themes such as the consequences of war, natural disasters, grief, love, and human vulnerability, resonating with audiences across generations.

Lindy Hume's innovative production brings the emotional depth and mythic power of the story to life through an immersive set that evokes the grandeur of ancient Crete's seas, skies, and rugged coastline. The stage becomes a canvas on which the epic drama unfolds, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Idomeneo serves as a vivid showcase of Mozart's genius, demonstrating his remarkable talent, sweeping grandeur, and idealistic vision. Written at the young age of 25, this opera showcases his prodigious abilities and sets the stage for a brilliant career to come. The acclaimed opera conductor, Johannes Fritzsch, leads a stellar cast, featuring the debut of German‐Canadian tenor Michael Schade in the title role, alongside the talents of Australian performers Caitlin Hulcup, Celeste Lazarenko, and Emma Pearson.

Opera Australia and Victorian Opera have joined forces to present this extraordinary production of Idomeneo, a performance that promises to transport audiences to a world of passion, tragedy, and redemption. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary opera event.

Practical Information

Language
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Running Time
Approximately 3 hours, including one interval.

Please note this production contains adult themes, flashing lights, and theatrical haze.

Program

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Idomeneo, K 366

Program is subject to change

Cast / Production

Conductor: Johannes Fritzsch
Director: Lindy Hume
Set Designer: Michael Yeargan
Costume Designer: Anna Cordingley
Lighting Designer: Verity Hampson
Video Designer: David Bergman
Cinematography: Catherine Pettman, Rummin Productions
Set Design Consultant: Richard Roberts

Idomeneo: Michael Schade
Idamante: Caitlin Hulcup
Ilia: Celeste Lazarenko
Elettra: Emma Pearson
Arbace: John Longmuir
High Priest: Kanen Breen
Voice of Neptune: Richard Anderson

Opera Australia Chorus
Opera Australia Orchestra

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House hosts performances from many genres in Sydney, Australia. One of the 20th Century's most famous and distinctive structures, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon as a multiple performance venue. The complex hosts more than 1.2 million people annually with a season of 1,500 performances. Performers include international and local guest artists, and three resident companies: the Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Perhaps the most important composer of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian composer of the late 18th century. Born in 1756 in Salzburg, he showed prodigious musical talent from childhood. Beginning at five years of age, he composed more than 600 works, including concertos, symphonies, religious works and operas before his premature death at the age of 35. Hi influence over successive generations cannot be overestated - Ludwig van Beethoven wrote of Mozart "posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years”. Despite the immense success of his compositions, and the acclaim he received across Europe, Mozart achieved little financial security and rwas buried in an unmarked grave in Vienna's St Marx Cemetery.

Address

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia — Google Maps