At the core of the 2026 program are four world-first, South Australian-made productions: La Cenerentola (Cinderella), Hansel & Gretel, Into the Woods, and Carmen. Each has been re-envisioned for contemporary audiences while honouring the traditions that have shaped both the artform and the company’s first five decades.
A season of magical, modern productions
Artistic Director Dane Lam says the season captures the unique energy of opera and the ambition of a company looking firmly ahead: “Next year, South Australia will stand tall as the nation’s ‘Opera State.’ A place where artists from across the country and around the world come to create, innovate and perform. Our Golden Jubilee 2026 Season embodies Opera Without Borders: four new productions conceived and crafted right here in South Australia, born of collaboration, ingenuity and trust.”
That’s exactly what makes us one of the most exciting and forward-thinking opera companies in the Asia Pacific, because we break down borders to create these opportunities.
The season opens with Rossini’s La Cenerentola, staged by Neil Armfield with production design by Stephen Curtis and music conducted by Stuart Stratford. Mid-year, world premieres of Hansel & Gretel and Into the Woods run on alternating nights, offering contrasting fairy-tale worlds. The season concludes with a bold, world-premiere production of Carmen, directed by Laura Hansford and starring Charlotte Kelso (pictured at top).
Beyond the mainstage: Opera for all ages
The 2026 program also includes Bellini’s Norma in Concert, the national tour of Don Giovanni, and the UKARIA Recital Series in the Adelaide Hills. Younger audiences can enjoy Piccolini-gu: An Opera for Our Little Ones and the school-based production A Score Through Time. Families will be enchanted by The Little Prince, a state-first collaboration with the Elder Conservatorium of Music, composed by Academy Award-winner Rachel Portman.
To honour the chorus, Golden Voices – 50 Years of the State Opera Chorus will be performed at St Peter’s Cathedral in November, celebrating half a century of extraordinary voices.
Images: Matt Turner
Tickets for State Opera South Australia’s Golden Jubilee 2026 Season are on sale now via stateopera.com.au
