Victorian Opera Unveils 2026 Season
By Afton Markay(Photo credit: VO)
Victorian Opera announces its 2026 season, marking the company’s 21st anniversary.
The season begins with Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” staring Ben Mingay, Antoinette Halloran, Nicholas Jones, Nina Korbe, and Richard Piper.
Performance Dates: January 31 – February 6, 2026
“Ned Kelly: The Musical” by Reg Livermore, who will make a cameo appearance, is next. Stuart Maunder directs and Simon Holt conducts.
Performance Date: March 28, 2026
Norman Lindsay’s “The Magic Pudding” is directed by Elizabeth Hill-Cooper and conducted by Phoebe Briggs.
Performance Dates: May 10 – 30, 2026
Baritone Samuel Dundas and soprano Meechot Marrero star as Nero and Poppea in Monteverdi’s “The Coronation of Poppea.” This production features Elena Kats-Chernin’s re-orchestration of the score, conducted by Chad Kelly. Sam Strong directs.
Performance Dates: June 30 – July 4, 2026
Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw” is performed by soprano Rachelle Durkin and tenor Kanen Breen. Sturart Maunder directs with set and costume design by Tony Award-winner Roger Kirk. Paul Kildea conducts Orchestra Victoria.
Performance Dates: September 29 – October 1, 2026
The season concludes with a world premiere Jane Hammond and Therèsa Borg’s adaptation of Helen Garner’s novel “The Spare Room.” Sopranos Natalie Jones and Antoinette Halloran star as Helen and Nicola respectively. Sarah Goodes makes her operatic debut as director. Phoebe Briggs conducts.
Performance Dates: October 7 – 10, 2026
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