State Opera South Australia’s Golden Jubilee 2026 season, marking 50 years of world-class opera, is designed to inspire imagination, transformation, and wonder.
At its core, the season brings together four world-first, South Australian-made new productions. There’s ‘La Cenerentola’, ‘Hansel & Gretel’, ‘Into The Woods’, and ‘Carmen’. Each has been re-envisioned for contemporary audiences, still honouring the traditions which have shaped the art form and the company’s first five decades.
“Next year, South Australia will stand tall as the nation’s ‘Opera State.’ A place where artists from across the country and around the world come to create, innovate and perform,” Artistic Director Dane Lam says. “Our Golden Jubilee 2026 Season embodies Opera Without Borders: four new productions conceived and crafted right here in South Australia, born of collaboration, ingenuity and trust.”
“That’s exactly what makes us one of the most exciting and forward-thinking opera companies in the Asia Pacific, because we break down borders to create these opportunities. I'm very proud to present this magnificent body of work to mark such a milestone anniversary.”
Rossini’s ‘La Cenerentola’ (‘Cinderella’) opens the year, featuring dazzling staging from Neil Armfield, with production design from Stephen Curtis. It champions kindness, resilience, and love. Anna Dowsley plays Angelina (Cinderella).
In the middle of the year, world premieres of ‘Hansel & Gretel’ and ‘Into The Woods’ will run over alternating nights, giving opera-lovers the chance to journey to two contrasting fairy-tale worlds.
Image © Matt Turner
Firstly, ‘Hansel & Gretel’ will draw audiences into the dark, enchanted forest, as soprano Sofia Troncoso returns as Gretel and counter tenor Kangmin Justin Kim as Hansel. Plus, Australian mezzo soprano Catherine Carby plays the Witch and Mother.
Tony Award-winning ‘Into The Woods’ is next, with an unforgettable score and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim and masterful storytelling in the book by James Lapine, intertwining beloved fairytales in a witty, moving musical journey.
A bold world premiere of ‘Carmen’ will be the main stage finale of 2026. Directed by Laura Hansford, Bizet’s timeless score meets striking modern design, in a production capturing the fire, danger and allure of the opera which has captured audiences for generations.
There’s plenty on offer beyond the mainstage in 2026 as well. There’s Bellini’s ‘Norma In Concert’, plus Opera Australia’s ‘Don Giovanni’, the UKARIA Recital Series, and a collection of shows suited for younger audiences and families.
“At the heart of it all are the voices, filling our theatres with sound and soul. Opera survives only when it speaks to the present and dares to imagine the future, and that’s exactly what this season sets out to do,” Dane Lam adds.
“For five decades, State Opera has been part of the cultural fabric of our state, telling stories that move, inspire and unite South Australians,” Minister For The Arts, The Hon Andrea Michaels MP says. “The Golden Jubilee 2026 Season showcases the extraordinary creative talent we have here in South Australia, showcasing why South Australia continues to lead on the national and international stage. It’s a celebration of people and place, and a shining example of what happens when vision and artistry come together.”
State Opera South Australia’s 2026 season begins with ‘La Cenerentola’.
