WAO 2026 BROCHURE

2026

The beauty of love, the pain of sacrifice, the power of music, unforgettable tales.

Prepare for stories that move you.

Experience the power of music as it brings tales of love, courage, and transformation vividly to life.

WELCOME TO WAO 2026: WHERE EVERY HEART FINDS ITS SONG.

LATRAVIATA 14 - 28 MARCH

EUGENEONEGIN 6 - 15 AUGUST

ROMEOETJULIETTE `

15 - 24 OCTOBER

In 2026, West Australian Opera invites you to a season that transcends the ordinary, blending beloved masterpieces with groundbreaking new perspectives forged through bold collaborations.

Our mainstage highlights include the triumphant return of Sarah Giles’s celebrated La traviata. In July, we proudly present the Western Australian premiere of Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Eugene Onegin (a Northern Ireland Opera production). We conclude the year in October with a bold new co-production of Roméo et Juliette, created with State Opera South Australia and Irish National Opera.

These productions sit alongside rich collaborations. We proudly commission a

new work, in collaboration with Breaksea, for the historic Albany 2026 Bicentenary born from community engagement.

Prepare for the return of Secret Opera, in a fresh series of its unique, mystery-filled events. We also proudly deepen our collaborations with valued colleagues including Perth Festival, Lost & Found, Musica Viva, and WASO. Together, we forge a season that is as diverse as it is ambitious, deepening our connection to community and reaffirming opera as a unifying artform. Wherever we meet you, we invite you to experience opera that speaks to the heart and echoes long after the final note.

Chris van Tuinen Artistic Director West Australian Opera

Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (forever we sing).

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet, rehearse, and perform, in particular the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. I pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nations people and their continuing deep connection to land, waterways, culture, and storytelling for over sixty thousand years.

At West Australian Opera, our dream is clear and unwavering: to speak to the heart through the power of the human voice. Opera allows us to connect deeply; with each other, with stories that resonate across time, and with music that stirs something in us all.

As your state opera company, we are proudly and distinctly Western Australian.

Our work reflects the people, places, and spirit of this extraordinary state. These are stories of the human condition, told through music that transcends language and geography.

In 2026, we invite you to feel deeply, reflect honestly, and celebrate what it means to be alive.

Join us in the theatre, in your community, or wherever opera may take you. Your support and presence allow us to keep dreaming boldly and creating with purpose. We are honoured to share these stories with you.

Carolyn Chard AM Executive Director West Australian Opera

LA TRAVIATA

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, 14 - 28 MARCH HIGHLY ACCLAIMED

Fate, impossible choices, hope and heartbreak.

In one of the greatest love stories, Violetta, a glamorous courtesan, and Alfredo, an idealistic aristocrat, fall into a passion that defies society and ultimately destroys them. Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, demands Violetta leave Alfredo to protect his family’s honour, she agrees to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her love, her freedom, and her life.

From dazzling party scenes to moments of devastating stillness, Verdi’s music

propels every beat of this tragedy, rich with emotion and unforgettable melody.

Whether you’re a first timer at the opera or seasoned opera lover, La traviata is great story telling with great music that is both beautiful and timeless.

Director Sarah Giles’s bold, emotionally charged production returns to West Australian Opera with Jessica Blunt as Violetta.

COMPOSER Giuseppe Verdi

VIOLETTA VALÉRY Jessica Blunt

FLORA BERVOIX Ashlyn Tymms

CONDUCTOR Lochlan Brown

ALFREDO GERMONT Paul O’Neill

ANNINA Pamela Andrews

DIRECTOR Sarah Giles

GIORGIO GERMONT James Clayton

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER Charles Davis

GASTONE DE LETORIERES Matthew Lester

West Australian Opera Chorus West Australian Symphony Orchestra

LIGHTING DESIGNER Paul Jackson

BARON DOUPHOL Andrew Foote MARQUIS D’OBIGNY Benjamin Del Borrello DOCTOR GRENVIL Robert Hofmann

LANGUAGE Sung in Italian with English surtitles DURATION 2 hours and 40 minutes including interval

A co-production between West Australian Opera, Opera Queensland and State Opera South Australia.

EUGENE ONEGIN

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, 6 - 15 AUGUST WA PREMIERE

The things we carry: the love never chosen, the paths never taken, the words never said.

Step into a world of sweeping music and raw emotion in this beautiful production from Northern Ireland Opera, hailed “undeniably gripping”.

Tatyana is a young woman brave enough to bare her soul, and Eugene is the man who walks away, haunted by what he’s lost.

Tchaikovsky’s masterful score transforms Pushkin’s novel into a thrilling, heart-wrenching experience. Grand ballrooms, duels at dawn, whispered confessions, and heartbreak echoing across time.

Cameron Menzies directs this production, teamed with powerhouse performances from Samuel Dundas, Samantha Clarke, Paul O’Neill, Ashlyn Tymms and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in this story of young love, deep friendship, passion, poetry, and heartbreak.

COMPOSER Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

MOVEMENT DIRECTOR Jennifer Rooney

FILIPYEVNA Nicole Youl

CONDUCTOR Christopher van Tuinen

TATYANA Samantha Clarke

DIRECTOR Cameron Menzies

EUGENE ONEGIN Samuel Dundas

West Australian Opera Chorus West Australian Symphony Orchestra

SET DESIGNER & VIDEO DIRECTOR Niall McKeever

LENSKY Paul O’Neill

COSTUME DESIGNER Gillian Lennox LIGHTING DESIGNER Kevin Treacy VIDEO DESIGNER Neil O’Driscoll

OLGA Ashlyn Tymms PRINCE GREMIN Teddy Tahu Rhodes MADAME LARINA Brigitte Heuser

A Northern Ireland Opera production that premiered in Belfast 14 September 2024.

LANGUAGE Sung in Russian with English surtitles DURATION 2 hours and 45 minutes including interval

` ROMEO ET JULIETTE

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, 15 - 24 OCTOBER NEW PRODUCTION

Their love was a rebellion, their fate a tragedy written in blood.

Shakespeare’s tragic tale of love and family conflict has echoed through the centuries and in Gounod’s opera the drama becomes even more intimate, more fragile, more achingly human.

Roméo Montague and Juliette Capulet fall deeply in love, but their families are bitter enemies, fate is cruel, and time is short. Gounod’s music gives voice to what words alone can’t express: the rush

of first love, the weight of hatred, the quiet devastation of loss. Every duet is a confession. Every harmony, a heartbeat held in suspense.

Award-winning director, Rodula Gaitanou and Olivier Award-nominated designer, takis deliver a striking new co-production from West Australian Opera, State Opera South Australia, and Irish National Opera.

COMPOSER Charles Gounod

ROMÉO Alasdair Kent

GERTRUDE Fiona Campbell

CONDUCTOR Christopher van Tuinen

JULIETTE Samantha Clarke

DIRECTOR Rodula Gaitanou

MERCUTIO Benjamin Del Borrello

West Australian Opera Chorus West Australian Symphony Orchestra

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER takis

FRIAR LAURENT Andrew Foote

LIGHTING DESIGNER Bernie Tan-Hayes

COUNT CAPULET Christopher Hillier TYBALT Kohsei Gilkes

LANGUAGE Sung in French with English surtitles DURATION 2 hours and 40 minutes including interval

STÉPHANO Ruth Burke A co-production between West Australian Opera, State Opera South Australia, and Irish National Opera.

SECRET OPERA

An experience cloaked in mystery, made for the curious.

Meet your fellow secret opera seekers at a secret location from where a guide will lead you to a secret venue, an intimate, atmospheric space humming with expectation.

When the music begins, the secret unfolds. It’s not just opera, it’s an adventure of the senses, where discovery is part of the performance.

All you know is the date, the time, and the starting place. The rest? You’ll have to trust us.

NEW WORKS

Building pathways from study to stage, and stories to song.

UWA CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC COLLABORATION West Australian Opera and the University of Western Australia’s Conservatorium of Music will collaborate on a new work to be presented in Winthrop Hall. Students will be at the heart of this project, working side-by-side with WAO artists in an extraordinary learning experience that bridges study and stage. Together, we create opportunities that inspire, educate, and shape the artists of tomorrow.

WESFARMERS ARTS COMMISSION With the generous support of Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts, celebrated composers Gina Williams AM and Guy Ghouse AM have been commissioned to write their third work in Noongar language.

This commission, which follows Koolbardi wer Wardong and Wundig wer Wilura, reflects the commitment to championing new Australian stories and ensuring that voices from this land are heard on our stages.

Details at www.waopera.asn.au

THE SONG CATCHERS Commissioned for Albany 2026 West Australian Opera and Breaksea are proud to present The Song Catchers, a new work created with the Albany community that will form a cornerstone of Albany 2026.

Menang Noongar Elders—Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams and Uncle Larry Blight—alongside Breaksea Youth Writers’ Group and the Artistic Development Panel.

Join Tipu, a curious fox, and Marri, an intriguing echidna as they journey through a world where songs have been silenced.

Through tangled truths and tested friendship, their adventure explores what it means to find your voice and hope for a better shared future together.

The Song Catchers examines identity, belonging, and the healing power of music, promising to resonate with audiences of all ages.

This heartfelt tale has been inspired by conversations and workshops with

Supported by the City of Albany, Lotterywest, WA Government, Creative Australia, Healthway and Wesfarmers Arts.

DIRECTOR & LIBRETTIST Matt Reuben James Ward

MUSIC DIRECTOR Pia Harris

COMPOSER Jarred Wall

CULTURAL LIAISON OFFICER Rachael Colmer

CULTURAL CONSULTANT Jarrad Inman

Lost & Found Opera & Perth Festival in association with West Australian Opera & West Australian Symphony Orchestra present

THE TRIAL 17 – 21 February 2026

An Opera by Philip Glass Libretto by Christopher Hampton Based on the Story of Franz Kafka

Bookings → perthfestival.com.au

© 2014 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc. Used by Permission. Proudly supported by the WA Government. Photo: Cole Baxter

— in association with West Australian Opera presents

A Winter's Journey British tenor Allan Clayton and Australian pianist Kate Golla set out once again on A Winter’s Journey in the internationally-acclaimed production that reimagines Schubert’s Winterreise. Directed by Lindy Hume, with video projections created by David Bergman, this captivating atlas of the emotions combines Schubert’s exquisite writing for voice and piano, Wilhelm Müller’s evocative verse, and the glowing visions of Australia dreamt up by iconic landscape artist Fred Williams. Join us to hear one of the world’s finest lieder artists in a hauntingly beautiful meld of art and music.

ALLAN CLAYTON MBE tenor

KATE GOLLA piano

LINDY HUME AM Director

DAVID BERGMAN Visual Design

MATTHEW MARSHALL Lighting Designer

Program SCHUBERT Winterreise, D911

Friday 13 February 2026, 7.30pm Regal Theatre Reserve Single Ticket price WA Opera subscriber price

A $135 $117

B $92 $83

C $65 $57

(Concession prices available)

Booking code for WA Opera subscribers: WAOSUB26

Find out more: musicaviva.com.au

PROGRAMS & SCHOLARSHIPS WESFARMERS ARTS YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

The Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program is committed to nurturing the next generation of opera talent.

The program offers participants an annual program of coaching, masterclasses, and performance opportunities to develop technical skills and stagecraft.

2026 Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists: Michelle Pryor, Belinda Butler, Vin Trikeriotis, Devon Lake and Bayden Adams.

ENSEMBLE ARTISTS

MM Electrical generously supports the establishment of an ensemble of artists, who will perform with WAO throughout the season.

BENDAT SCHOLARSHIP The Bendat Family Foundation supports the Bendat Scholarship, which offers travel support to young artists.

ROBERTS EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM The Roberts Emerging Artist Program empowers early career artists to develop their craft through professional development opportunities, mentorship, specialist coaching, role preparation, and training support.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SAMANTHA CLARKE is Artist in Residence for 2026.

West Australian Opera is thrilled to welcome Australian/British soprano Samantha Clarke as our Artist in Residence for 2026.

Samantha’s career has seen her shine on international stages in a diverse range of roles and concert appearances. She has performed with Opera North (UK), Opera Australia, Pinchgut Opera, Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony Orchestras and West Australian Opera amongst other companies.

In 2026, Samantha is back to perform Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, and Juliette in Roméo et Juliette. During her residency, Samantha will share her extensive knowledge and skills from her illustrious international career. Her residency will include leading masterclasses and providing mentorship and support to emerging artists.

The Artist in Residence is supported

by The Artistic Director’s Circle.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SONG Music is a universal language that uplifts, unites, and inspires. West Australian Opera’s education and community programs offer meaningful ways to engage with opera, spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture a lifelong love of music.

Wesfarmers Arts Opera 101

WAO SINGS

YOUnity: Celebrating Inclusion Through the Arts

WAO Sings is a three-year pilot program, generously supported by the Feilman Foundation and the City of Swan, that nurtures young voices through joy and expression. This program brings choral singing to Year 5 and 6 students in Ellenbrook schools and is led by Dr Emma Jayakumar.

Wesfarmers Arts Singing Classes Designed for adults of all singing levels, these classes offer a supportive space to build vocal confidence and enjoy group singing. Led by professional artists, participants learn technique and explore a range of repertoire.

This adult learning series offers an insider’s guide to opera’s stories, music, and creative process. Guided by industry experts, it deepens appreciation and connection to this beautiful art form.

A statewide partnership supported by Healthway and led by North Midlands Project in collaboration with Youth Pride Network and key partners West Australian Opera and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association. YOUnity is an inspiring new initiative to amplify the voices of LGBTIQA+ young people living in regional and remote Western Australia and will deliver workshops and programs promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and fostering pride.

Learn more about each of these programs at waopera.asn.au

Malvern Springs Primary Students participating in WAO SINGS.

OUR STATE’S OPERA COMPANY IS A KEY ARTS ORGANISATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA West Australian Opera makes a significant contribution to the arts in our state, by presenting world-class opera, and celebrating our local artists, musicians, and performers.

The Company’s upcoming season promises to be one of their best yet, with programming for all lovers of opera and theatre.

As Vice Regal Patron of West Australian Opera, I am pleased to see pathways to participation and engagement through education, a young artist program, public singing classes, regional tours, and workshops, as well as the beautiful operatic repertoire we see on the mainstage in His Majesty’s Theatre.

Our state’s opera company is a key arts organisation in Western Australia,

and works closely with its performance partner and our state orchestra, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

Despite our remote location, Western Australia continues to produce generations of performing artists and creative team members who not only enrich the state locally, but go on to present and perform opera in other parts of our Nation and the world. Most or all of these artists were supported by West Australian Opera.

I hope you will join me in supporting the Company this season.

His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of Western Australia

THE COOK GOVERNMENT IS PROUD TO SUPPORT WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA Our state opera company, West Australian Opera, continues to bring world-class performances to Western Australian audiences from its home at the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre.

In 2026, audiences will be treated to a rich and varied mainstage season of works that reflect the Company’s artistic ambition and commitment to excellence.

I am proud to see West Australian singers, chorus members and musicians on the stage.

Beyond the stage, West Australian Opera plays a vital role in the development of our creative sector by nurturing local

talent, investing in young artists, and engaging communities through regional tours, education programs, and public participation initiatives. These efforts build careers and strengthen the cultural fabric of our state.

The Cook Labor Government is proud to support West Australian Opera in delivering outstanding arts experiences for all Western Australians. I congratulate the Company on another exciting season and wish them every success in 2026.

The Honourable Simone McGurk Minister Creative Industries

WE WANT THE JOY OF OPERA TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO AS MANY WESTERN AUSTRALIANS AS POSSIBLE As your state opera company, we aim to share the power of opera as widely as possible across Western Australia.

Whether on the grand stage of His Majesty’s Theatre, in regional towns, classrooms, or community settings, we believe in the power of opera to connect, uplift, and inspire.

Bringing opera to life requires the dedication of so many wonderful people.

On behalf of the Board, I extend our thanks and appreciation to our partners, patrons, donors, trusts, foundations, the government and to all of you, our wonderful audience. Your collective support makes it possible for us to continue nurturing artists, commissioning new work, and making opera accessible to audiences across the state.

I would like to acknowledge the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the Western Australian Government.

We are deeply indebted to our valued Principal Partner, Wesfarmers Arts, for their continued generosity, courage and values.

As we look to the year ahead, we are proud to present a vibrant 2026 season and grateful to be on this journey with you, our opera family.

Thank you for sharing in the stories, the music, and the magic of opera.

Darren Lewsen Chair, West Australian Opera

Northern Ireland Opera’s production of Eugene Onegin

GIVING LIFE TO GREAT OPERA

Behind every performance is a community of generous individuals who make it all possible.

Our donor family is at the heart of West Australian Opera.

As a not-for-profit company, West Australian Opera relies on your support to tell timeless stories, present extraordinary voices, and keep opera thriving in Western Australia. Donors bring our stages to life.

We invite you to deepen your connection to the art you love by adding a donation to your package or donating online at waopera.asn.au/donate

BEQUEST CIRCLE Let your love of opera live on.

A gift in your Will is a powerful act of generosity and one that ensures the music, passion, and storytelling you cherish will continue to move audiences for generations to come.

By joining the state opera company’s Bequest Circle, you become part of a group dedicated to preserving opera’s legacy and inspiring the future.

To find out more please contact philanthropy@waopera.asn.au

DONORS VISIONARY CIRCLE The Roberts Emerging Artist Program ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CIRCLE ($25,000+) Bruce & Charmaine Cameron LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($10,000+) Dr Robert Larbalestier AO Ken & Yuko Lucas Margaret & Rod Marston Dr Peter Simpson OAM Leanne & Sam Walsh AO Anonymous (1) PRINCIPAL PATRON ($5,000+) Stewart Candlish & Bianca Panizza Lorraine Ellard Warwick Hemsley AO The Estate of Robert Kimpton Wally & Beverley Knezevic Francis Landels Annie & Neil Patrick Helen & Michael Tuite BENEFACTOR ($2,500+) Gaysie Atkinson Neil Archibald & Alan R Dodge AM Cathy Bardon & Bob Cassie Christine Burson Dr Glenda Campbell-Evans & Dr Ken Evans AM Peter & Christene Dalla Riva Catherine Ferrari Thomas Gerner The Goodlad Family Christiaan Heyning Eleanor John Dr Maria Kailis Ross & Fran Ledger Patrick Lilburne Andreas W Merk Marie Mills & Anthony Crocker Mark & Fiona Newman John S Paterson Bill & Barbara Reid Kerry Sanderson Anne Seghezzi Ruth Stratton

Ruth Thorn Yannis Vrodos Joy Wearne Dr Chris & Mrs Vimala Whitaker Anonymous (3) SUPPORTER ($1,000+) Dr Carol Anderson Zelinda Bafile Prof Colin Binns AO & Dr Mi Kyung Lee OAM David & Lois Black In Memory of Lynne Burford Terry Budge & Anne Fraser Joan Carney Helen Carroll Frank Cooper AO Tim & Wendy Davis John & Ann Dawson Brian Lindberg & Graham Douglas Michelle & Bill Edwards Peter Edwards Robyn Edwards Alison Gaines Dr Barry Green Steven Heath & Andrée Horrigan Dr Penny Herbert The Rev’d Luke Hoare Kathryn Hogan & Graham Droppert Enid Hopps Peter Ingram Dr Susan M Joubert Ulrich & Gloria Kunzmann Kay Lee & Richard Murphy John & Beth McKechnie Allan Miles & Steven Shadwell Leeanda Paino Dr Roger Paterson Mary Petrie Jennifer Rankin Wayne Robinson Kim & Keith Spence Gail Spiers Jan & Alan Stewart Margaret Stockton Robyn Tamke Clare Thompson SC & Brad Power Tessa Tieleman

DONORS Agatha van Der Schaaf Peter & Hilary Winterton Anonymous (13) FRIEND ($500+) Ron & Sue Bates Dr Sue Boyd Jane & Jamie Campbell Carolyn Chard AM M & K Chester Douglas Clifford Robert Clifton Prudence Cowan Janina Ivy Cusack Peter Eadington Judy Evans Peter Flanigan & Rosemary Grigg Lee Goddard-Williams Dr Rosalind Hampton David Hanly V Harvey Catherine & Will Henwood Jessica Iannello Samuel Joyce Lorraine Kousins Warren & Gillian Lilleyman Allison Low Anthony Munro Liane Papaelias Jerry Pinnow Steve & Jane Sherwood Lindsay & Suzanne Silbert Jon & Jayne Smeulders Warren & Katharina Surtees Richard Tarala & Lyn Beazley AO WA Opera Lovers Society Leonard Walker Diana Warnock & the late Bill Warnock Robyn & Loren White Alison Woodman Anonymous (9) DONOR ($200+) Thank you to all our donors who support us and help us create and present the highest quality of opera in WA.

LIFETIME RECOGNITION Neil Archibald & Alan R Dodge AM Bruce & Charmaine Cameron Warwick Hemsley AO The Kimpton Family The Kailis Family Dr Robert Larbalestier AO Annie & Neil Patrick Dr Peter Simpson OAM Helen & Michael Tuite The Roberts Emerging Artist Program Leanne & Sam Walsh AO Anonymous (1) ANDREW FORREST AO NICOLA FORREST AO The generous gift of FMG shares supports a strong and vibrant arts sector in Western Australia.

BEL CANTO FUND Thanks to the leadership donors of the Bel Canto Fund.

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Bendat Family Foundation The James Galvin Family Foundation Stan Perron Charitable Foundation Wright Burt Foundation BEQUEST CIRCLE Cassandra Charlick & Stepan Libricky Anita & James Clayton Lorraine Ellard Shane Pavlinovich Ailsa West Anonymous (5) ESTATES The Estate of Wendy Scanlon, The Estate of Clive Wannell The Estate of Joyce E Young, The Estate of Noreen Riordan Join our cast of supporters by donating online at waopera.asn.au/donate. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Listing correct at time of publication.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

MAJOR PARTNERS

CIVIC PARTNERS

OPERA PARTNERS TERTIARY EDUCATION PARTNER

PERFORMANCE PARTNERS

TICKETS AND SEASON PACKAGES

LATRAVIATA `

14 - 28 MARCH

EUGENE ONEGIN 6 - 15 AUGUST

ROMEOET JULIETTE 15 - 24 OCTOBER

SAVE 10% Buy 2+ shows to access discounted tickets.

FLEXIBLE DATES

Free ticket exchanges up to 24 hours before the show.

BRING FRIENDS

Buy extra tickets anytime at your discounted rate.

PAY LATER Pay in 3 instalments* First instalment Second instalment Third instalment *(one off service fee applies)

On booking date 12 January 2026 11 February 2026

HOW TO BOOK

BOOK ONLINE waopera.asn.au BOOK IN PERSON HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm STATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WA Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm BOOK BY EMAIL OR POST

Download the booking form at waopera.asn.au Email to: bookings@waopera.asn.au Post to: PO Box 7052, Cloisters Sq, Perth WA 6850 BOOK BY PHONE 08 6212 9292 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Visit waopera.asn.au for ticket prices Single ticket prices are subject to demand-based pricing and may change without notice.

West Australian Opera acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and create, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, and we pay deep respect to Elders past and present. Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever we sing).

West Australian Opera is a member of

VICE REGAL PATRON His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM

Executive Director Carolyn Chard AM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darren Lewsen, Chair Anthony Gianotti, Deputy Chair Alison Gaines Christiaan Heyning Jan Stewart Gina Williams-Ghouse AM Emma Cundale Adam Santa Maria

Artistic Director Chris van Tuinen

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Dario Amara Richard Bonynge AC CBE Julie Bishop Terry Bowen Frank Cooper AO Catherine Ferrari Erich Fraunschiel Colin Goddard Warwick Hemsley AO Francis Landels Bruce Martin AM Margaret McManus Dr Richard Mills AO Annie Patrick Marilyn Phillips OAM PATRON WESFARMERS ARTS YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM Emma Matthews AM 2026 WESFARMERS ARTS YOUNG ARTISTS Michelle Pryor, Belinda Butler, Vin Trikeriotis, Devon Lake and Bayden Adams Casting and information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to amendments.

Photography: Alana Blowfield (p.2, 4, 20), Liz Looker (p,22), Leila Diaz (p.24), Neil Harrison Photography (p.32), Acorn Photography (p.40) Photo-montage illustrations: Chard International (cover, p 3, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 41).

Brochure Design: chardinternational.com.au

Production Manager Mandy Farmer Accountant Debbie Byrnes Artistic Administrator Kate Larkins Partnerships Manager Terasa Letizia Philanthropy Manager Jane Campbell Marketing Manager James Pratt Audience and Insights Manager Danielle Barlow Media Consultant Daniele Foti-Cuzzola Marketing and Events Coordinator Rebecca Bencivenni Education Manager Helen Dwyer Choral Director, WAO Sings Emma Jayakumar Special Projects Ginny van Tuinen CRM Coordinator Rachel Sait Financial Consultant Kris Adrian Stage Manager Karen Farmer Music Librarian Allison Fyfe