Opera Australia has launched a new initiative aimed at attracting younger audiences to the opera, perhaps for the very first time, through its Opera for Under 35s program. The program is commencing by offering 500 tickets at a special price of $35 to mark its introduction, beginning with the Australian premiere of Tosca by Edward Dick. This award-winning production will debut in Melbourne at Margaret Court Arena on 24 May, marking the first opera performance at the venue. It will also be shown in Sydney at the Sydney Opera House starting 25 June.
Tosca, described as opera’s greatest thriller, is a story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, set over 24 hours in Rome. It is intended to serve as an ideal introduction to opera for newcomers, providing an emotionally charged experience through its dramatic narrative and musical composition.
The Opera for Under 35s program is free to join and is open to individuals aged 35 and under. Members can enjoy a range of benefits including a 15% discount on tickets to most of Opera Australia’s performances throughout the year, significant discounts on selected shows for great seats, and the opportunity to attend exclusive events such as behind-the-scenes activities at no extra cost.
Those interested can register for the program online, where proof of age will be required for ticket purchase and event entry. Further details and registration can be accessed through Opera Australia’s official website.
Jo Davies, the new Artistic Director at Opera Australia, emphasized the importance of the program in making opera more accessible, especially during the current economic climate:
It’s a thrill to announce a wonderful new program aimed at encouraging more young Australians to experience opera. This initiative will help to reduce the barrier of cost, which we know is a big issue in this current cost of living crisis. It’s especially important in challenging financial times like these that we don’t give up on the arts! So, for those curious to experience opera, possibly for the first time, this program should provide a much more accessible pathway to the art form
The Opera for Under 35s initiative is part of a broader effort by Opera Australia to expand the audience and overall reach of opera as an art form, following a year where nearly 60% of attendees at its productions were first-time opera-goers.
