Culture
Opera
Killing women for art? Opera's 2020 death toll might surprise
Opera is not kind to its leading women: bashed, stabbed, terminally ill; generally dead by the final curtain. So what's Melbourne's 2020 opera body count?
- by Barney Zwartz
Latest
MeToo movement
Placido Domingo apologises for 'hurt that I caused' as investigation finds misconduct
Fallen opera star Placido Domingo released a statement late Monday night apologising for the behaviour that led to a series of sexual harassment allegations
- by Jessica Gelt
Review
Bring me the head of the designer ... but Salome was in fine voice
Stunning singing saves this production of Strauss's opera from a distracting and confusing setting.
- by Bridget Davies
What's on
Wig out with a look behind the scenes of Opera Australia
In an age of jam-packed inboxes, Lynn Coubrough's job is so hands-on she doesn't even have a work email address.
- by Nicole Elphick
Stage shows
How Wonder Woman aids soprano Natalie Aroyan
The opera star will draw strength from the theme music of female superheroes as she prepares to play a warrior princess with punch.
- by Neha Kale
Spectrum
Deborah Cheetham's Woven Song a tapestry of craft, couture and culture
An ambitious project finds multi-layered inspiration in the art and stories of Indigenous Australia.
- by Janice Breen Burns
Review
Melbourne Opera in superb voice for Beethoven's magnificent Fidelio
Beethoven's only opera opens a year of celebrating the composer's 250th birthday, with Melbourne Opera on top of its game.
- by Bridget Davies
Exclusive
Architecture
Concert Hall refit a chance to honour Australian architect
A group of architects say it is time to honour Peter Hall, the genius behind the Sydney Opera House interiors.
- by Helen Pitt
Review
Don Giovanni review: Energetic revival brings shades of #MeToo
David McVicar's production brings a #MeToo perspective to the classic.
- by Peter McCallum
Review
Transgender opera plays with universal themes
The first work based on a transgender experience is a moment of generational change for opera.
- by Bridget Davies
Performing arts
'Please refrain from singing': making a guest appearance on stage at the opera
Always dreamt of performing a night in the opera at the Sydney Opera House? Helen Pitt shows you how.
- by Helen Pitt