Granted, there is nothing quite like setting in the theatre, being fully immersed in the wonder that unfolds in-front of you on-stage. But the next best thing tends to be a proshot of the production and/or livestream made available directly from the producer. In the case of Opera Australia’s Aida, which has been touring the country for many years now, a professionally recorded livestream will be made available from early next week for a strictly limited run. Scheduled for 11 December, the event will be broadcast in real time from Brisbane at 7.00pm AEST, with corresponding times across various Australian states and territories.
Moreover, this will be a free stream, with the stream to be available worldwide, whether you opt to watch it live or anytime over the following two weeks via the on-demand stream. This initiative extends the reach of OA’s production, traditionally confined to a physical location, to a worldwide audience. Especially given the more digital-supported nature of Opera Australia’s Aida, this is bound to be a special occasion for all fans of the iconic operatic work.
The livestream of Aida not only promises accessibility but also an engaging experience. The event will be hosted by Revival Director Shaun Rennie and Australian soprano Jane Ede. They will be joined by special guests, offering unique insights into Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida and the broader world of opera.
In an effort to replicate the immersive theatre experience, OA has partnered with Tourism and Events Queensland and Opera Queensland to screen the livestream at the Townsville Civic Theatre. This collaboration allows for a full surround-sound, in-theatre experience, all for the cost of a small booking fee – and enjoying the work with other likeminded operatic afficionados who may otherwise not be able to make the trek down to Brisbane.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan emphasised the importance of making world-class opera accessible:
Increased access to world-class opera performance is a priority for Opera Australia. This is an exciting way for us to share opera of such scale and complexity with audiences beyond the city in which we are currently performing.
This production of Aida was groundbreaking when it premiered – the first to incorporate such highly sophisticated digital technologies into sets and staging, so it’s fitting that it will now be viewed by people everywhere on a digital platform. I’m sure audiences will be wowed by the spectacle and our brilliant cast.
The production is directed by Davide Livermore, and features a prominent cast, including Australian-Armenian soprano Natalie Aroyan and OA favourite Diego Torre. International guests, soprano Elena Gabouri and bass Alexander Vinogradov, return to reprise their acclaimed roles. The Opera Australia Chorus, joined by members of the Opera Queensland Chorus and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, will be conducted by Italian Maestro Lorenzo Passerini.
The Brisbane season of Aida is being co-presented by Opera Australia and Opera Queensland, and is part of a wider ongoing Wagner Opera month at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), which also includes the four-part 15-hour masterpiece known as The Ring Cycle which will be tonight concluding the first of its three full cycles.
For further details and to register for the free livestream, visit Opera Australia’s website.
Want some more insight into Aida and The Ring Cycle’s December 2023 season at QPAC? Check out our dedicated feature page including cast and creative interviews, HERE.
