In December 2023, Brisbane – in particular the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Lyric Theatre – is going to be home to some of the world’s most iconic works of opera. The venue, often home to one maybe two different productions a month (often long-lived musicals), will be host to five different works throughout December – the four works comprising of The Ring Cycle (Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung) which come in at between two and a half hours and 6 hours and 40 minutes apiece, and seven performances of Aida. This season, ultimately postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic until next month, is a feat of preparation, artistry and stage-craft, with none of the performances clustered together during the month.

Thanks to Opera Australia, we  have been able to receive interviews with multiple cast members and creatives of the latest Australian productions of these iconic works. Whether you are attending the performances and want to receive a bit of insight into the cast you will see on-stage, or would just like to hear about what goes into making a 15-hour operatic masterpiece work from the perspective of different creative areas, you can read all of them via the links below!