Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
The Honourable Ros Bates
OPERA AUSTRALIA’S TREAT FOR QUEENSLANDERS
Minister for the Arts Ros Bates today welcomed Opera Australia to Brisbane for the first time in 25 years.
Ms Bates said Opera Australia will present two shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): Baz Luhrmann’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the new Metropolitan Opera production of The Magic Flute which opensthis Saturday night (26 May).
“This is a milestone moment for the arts in Queensland as we welcome back one of Australia’s most prestigious performing arts companies,” Ms Bates said.
“Opera Australia is here for a limited season and will only have 10 performances of these two productions.
“I have no doubt opera lovers of all ages will enjoy both of them.
“Opera Australia is renowned for its elaborate stage settings, and colourful costumes and make-up, so not only will audiences hear some of the finest music from our nation’s top musicians and performers they will also encounter a visual spectacular.
“Baz Luhrmann’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed exclusively in Brisbane, which will no doubt attract many interstate tourists.
“Opera Australia’s season in Brisbane is one of many major events at the Cultural Centre in 2012, with the potential to draw a significant number of tourists from across the state and the nation.
“Tourism is a key part of the Newman Government’s four pillar economy. Our pledge is to double overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.
“Productions such as these by Opera Australia build on Brisbane’s reputation as a destination to experience innovative, exciting and inspiring arts performances.
“The LNP Government is also committed to ‘Arts for all Queenslanders’. I am pleased to announce that in support of our commitment for Queenslanders to have access to quality performing arts experiences, five regional venues will simulcast Opera Australia’s production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly live from the State Theatre in Melbourne on 29 November.”
This follows a successful simulcast in 2011 which saw more than 3,700 people across Queensland enjoy a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Opera Australia’s performances will be jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.
Tickets for Opera Australia’s season at QPAC are on sale through QTIX.
More information is available at qpac.com.au or by calling 136246.
