Artistic Director’s Report

Opera and the artists that create it are reflections of our current challenges and dreams and we’ll continue to push the boundaries of exploring the world through sung stories.

The resilience, flexibility, and creativity of West Australian Opera was (and continues to be) put to the test by the events of 2020. And yet, compared to our colleagues around the world, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate.

We were able to present seasons of Bran Nue Dae, Opera in the Park Hansel and Gretel, concert performances of Fidelio, our first opera for young people The Nightingale and the end of year production of Così fan tutte.

And while we lost a large part of the middle of the year, we also found ourselves in new spaces. We started the Ghost Light series, which included arias from an empty theatre, virtual singing classes for adults and children, lullabies, a podcast series, a playlist series, and our first filmed opera in The Telephone.

Once restrictions were eased, we were the first company back on stage at Government House Ballroom with Standing Room Only and announced the commissioning of the first opera entirely in Noongar with Koolbardi wer Wardong.

We’ve also been nourished and encouraged by the continuing support of funders, sponsors, patrons and audiences who have all stood behind the company and messaged their faith in the company and artists.

So, we look to the future not just with the knowledge we’ve gained in dealing with pandemics (one of many in opera’s 400 year past!) but with extra enthusiasm in the artform’s ability to transform and adapt to the everchanging world around it. Opera and the artists that create it are reflections of our current challenges and dreams and we’ll continue to push the boundaries of exploring the world through sung stories.

From me personally, I want to thank everyone in the company, beautifully and inexhaustibly led by Carolyn Chard, the board, our industry colleagues, and the musicians, singers, creative teams and everyone who takes part in this journey. I look forward to the future and know that your West Australian Opera is in good hands and will continue to do great things.

Chris van Tuinen

Artistic Director, West Australian Opera