(Image Courtesy of Carriageworks)

Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera,  and Carriageworks are joining forces to present the world premiere of Jack Symonds and Louis Garrick’s “Gilgamesh.”

The opera, which is based on the famed myth and will be presented at Carriageworks from Sept. 26- Oct. 5, 2024, will be directed by Kip Williams and stars Jeremy Kleeman in the title role alongside Mitchell Riley, Jane Sheldon, Jessica O’Donoghue, and Daniel Todd.

“More than four years in the making, ‘Gilgamesh’ is a vast work uniting all my favorite singers, instrumentalists and theatre makers for one epic evening-length opera,” Symonds said in an official press release. “Louis Garrick and I conceived this piece to make full use of the musical and theatrical strengths and skills our collaborators have honed together since SCO’s inception. In striving to realise this extraordinary, strikingly modern story in all its fantastical, passionate glory I have drawn upon everything I know as a composer, as well as all my experience as a performer and conductor of contemporary opera. Being able to realise this dream with these amazing artists, as well as the wonderful support of Opera Australia and SCO’s home at Carriageworks, is the privilege of a lifetime. ‘Gilgamesh’ is SCO at its most ambitious, characteristic and extreme and I can’t wait to share it with audiences this spring.”

This premiere represents the first time Opera Australia and Sydney Chamber Opera work together.