The announcement further cements Artistic Director Dane Lam’s expansive vision for “Opera Without Borders”—a guiding philosophy that seeks to position Adelaide as both a destination and a launchpad for globally significant operatic work.
The Magic Flute
Opening this evening (Thursday, 15 May) in Hong Kong, The Magic Flute embarks on a world tour that will see it land in Adelaide this August before moving on to Beijing in 2026. This milestone event represents the first-ever major opera co-production between China and Australia, with partners including Opera Hong Kong, the Beijing Music Festival, and the China National Opera House.
Directed by acclaimed film and opera director Shuang Zou and conducted by Lam across all seasons, this production fuses Mozart’s transcendent music with the aesthetics of modern Asia-Pacific culture. Set within a fantastical multiverse inspired by the Hong Kong MTR subway system, audiences can expect a Magic Flute unlike any before: the Three Ladies appear as Cathay Pacific flight attendants, while the Queen of the Night promises a truly mesmerising turn.
An impressive cast of international and Australian talent will bring this innovative vision to life, including baritone David Greco (Papageno), sopranos Helena Dix (First Lady), Danielle Bavli (Queen of the Night), and Sofia Troncosco (Pamina), all making their State Opera débuts. The production’s cutting-edge design is helmed by renowned Australian creative Dan Potra, celebrated for his work on the Sydney Olympic ceremonies, adding further prestige and theatrical flair.
The project is generously supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, an initiative of the Australian Government fostering cultural diplomacy and collaboration.
Gary Cowan, CEO of the Foundation, says: “The Foundation is delighted to support the South Australia State Opera’s program of collaborative performances of The Magic Flute in Hong Kong and mainland China. It is brilliant to see our artists from Adelaide working together with their counterparts in Hong Kong and Beijing. This kind of cultural exchange deepens our community ties and our friendship. The project will also strengthen Australia’s reputation for producing world class artists and performances.”
Roméo et Juliette
Come November, State Opera will unveil Roméo et Juliette, a luminous new production born from an international partnership with Irish National Opera and West Australian Opera. Produced and led by State Opera, the work reinforces South Australia’s emerging role as a creative powerhouse in global opera-making.
A stellar cast leads this sumptuous production: internationally acclaimed soprano Siobhan Stagg makes her State Opera début as Juliette, alongside Adelaide-based tenor Kyle Stegall as Roméo. Returning home to the South Australian stage are baritone Morgan Pearse as Mercutio and dramatic soprano Charlotte Kelso as Stephano. The production features both celebrated artists and emerging talent, highlighting the vibrancy and depth of Australia’s operatic future.
Through ambitious international and local partnerships, we at State Opera have reimagined classic works for contemporary audiences while creating new opportunities for South Australian artists and creatives. It’s opera without borders in action.
London-based director Rodula Gaitanou and designer takis—both in high demand across Europe’s foremost opera houses—bring their refined artistry to the staging. Roméo et Juliette marks the first time in decades that State Opera has performed this work, offering a blend of classic grandeur and compelling modernity.
Coming on the heels of last week’s critically acclaimed Flight, these final productions for 2025 mark a turning point for State Opera. As it moves confidently into its 50th anniversary year, the company is reshaping what opera can be—locally grounded, globally connected, and utterly fearless.
“We’re creating an operatic home in Adelaide that is globally connected and artistically fearless. We want opera to feel vital, urgent, and alive—to be the artistic heartbeat of the city and a place where the world meets,” Lam says.
For further information or to book tickets, visit: stateopera.com.au
