Verdi’s masterwork Il trovatore is a tangled web of vengeance, rivalry, and regret. This is grand opera at its most dramatic.

When a gypsy woman is burnt at the stake for allegedly bewitching a child, her daughter, Azucena, swears revenge.

Azucena steals the child’s brother to throw him into the flames of her mother’s burning pyre, however, accidentally throws in her own child. Horrified by her mistake, she brings up the stolen child as her own. This haunting family secret lays the groundwork for Verdi’s tragedy.

Il trovatore

His Majesty's Theatre

One of the world’s best-loved, most-performed operas returns to His Majesty’s Theatre for the first time in a decade.

Puccini’s beautiful and powerful opera shatters the hearts of its audience with its devastating story of betrayal set against the backdrop of 1904 Nagasaki, Japan.

The American, Lieutenant Pinkerton, marries young geisha Cio-Cio-San, and she believes his love is true. After Pinkerton returns to the United States, she bears a son and waits faithfully for his return. What follows remains one of opera’s most tragic stories.

Madama Butterfly

Experience the unparalleled power of collective voice at the "Chorus" event, taking place at the Geelong Arts Centre on the 13th and 15th of November, 2024. This extraordinary performance, presented by Opera Australia, promises to be a celebration of choral music, featuring some of the most famous pieces by legendary composers such as Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky.

Under the direction of Matthew Barclay and the esteemed Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon, "Chorus" brings together the voices of 48 choristers, weaving a compelling narrative through the masterworks of opera. The event will showcase a range of emotions and stories, from the urgent calls of Rigoletto's "Zitti, zitti, moviamo a vendetta" to the sacred tones of the "Pilgrim’s Chorus" in Tannhäuser, the lively "Bell Chorus" from Pagliacci, and the exquisitely poignant "Humming Chorus" from Madama Butterfly.

Set in the intimate setting of The Play House at the Geelong Arts Centre, located at 50 Little Malop St, Geelong, the performance will be sung in multiple languages with English surtitles, making it accessible to a diverse audience. The running time is approximately 60 minutes, with no interval, ensuring a concentrated and immersive experience.

This event not only highlights the lyrical beauty and power of the Opera Australia Chorus, which has been the backbone of the company's productions, but also offers a unique musical and theatrical experience that promises to touch the hearts of all who attend.

Tickets are currently on pre-sale, with exclusive discounts available for recent season subscribers. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unique celebration of choral music that has already premiered to rave reviews at the Sydney Opera House.

Matthew Barclay

Events

Past events

16 - 25 Oct, 2025

Il trovatore · West Australian Opera

Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2025

Madama Butterfly · West Australian Opera

About

Matthew Barclay hasn't added a bio