West Australian Opera (WAO) has presented world-class operas in Western Australia for almost 60 years. In 2026, the company presents three iconic mainstage productions.
WAO speaks through the power of the human voice, bringing audiences and artists together to celebrate sung stories. In 2026, they’ll present ‘La Traviata’, ‘Eugene Onegin’, and ‘Romeo et Juliette’.
“What makes the art form of opera so magical is how it threads together singing, music and storytelling while unlocking audiences' imaginations,” WAO Executive Director Carolyn Chard AM says. “Opera allows us to connect deeply; with each other, with stories that resonate across time, and with music that stirs something in us all. Our 2026 season continues this tradition with the staging of three unforgettable tales. These are stories of the human condition, told through music that transcends language and geography and that will no doubt strike a chord with West Australian audiences.”
First up is the return of Sarah Giles’ critically acclaimed, hauntingly beautiful production of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’. Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist alumnus Jessica Blunt will make her role debut as Violetta.
Next, after the success of ‘Into The Woods’, Cameron Menzies returns to WAO to direct Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’, with Samuel Dundas taking on the titular role, joined by Paul O’Neill, Ashlyn Tymms, Samantha Clarke and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
The mainstage season comes to a dramatic close when Gounod’s ‘Romeo et Juliette’ hits the stage, directed by Rodula Gaitanou. It’s a bold collaboration between West Australian Opera, State Opera South Australia and Irish National Opera. . . Offering a powerful, deeply human retelling of an iconic love story. Starring Alasdair Kent and Samantha Clarke.
Off the main stage is ‘Secret Opera’, an opportunity for audiences to meet at a secret location before being led to a hidden performance space. With only 100 guests at each performance, every detail remains a mystery until the music begins. Plus, ‘The Song Catchers’ is an exciting commission for Albany 2026 directed by Matt Reuben James Ward and composed by Jarred Wall.
“Together through these collaborations, we forge a season that is ambitious, deepening our connection to community and reaffirming opera as a unifying art form,” WAO Artistic Director Chris van Tuinen says. “Wherever we meet you, whether that is at our home at His Majesty’s Theatre, in Albany, at UWA or at one of our ‘Secret Opera’ events, we hope you will experience opera that speaks to the heart and echoes long after the final note.”
West Australian Opera’s 2026 season kicks off with ‘La Traviata’.
