Western Australian Opera Company

The Western Australian Opera Company was established in 1967 as Western Australia’s premier full-time, professional opera company.

Early Beginnings and Roots:

1946: The precursor, the West Australian Opera Society, was founded by Dr. Hans Briner after a meeting of enthusiasts at 39 King Street, Perth.

1948: The society staged its first fully-staged production, The Marriage of Figaro, at the Somerville Auditorium.

1967: The formal establishment of the modern West Australian Opera Company took place.

1968: The company put on its inaugural official production, Carmen, in June 1968.

Growth and Residency

His Majesty’s Theatre: The company became the resident opera company at Perth’s historic His Majesty’s Theatre where it regularly stages its main subscription season.
Key Leadership: Richard Mills served as Artistic Director from 1997, followed by figures like Joseph Colaneri in 2012, and later Christopher van Tuinen. Carolyn Chard AM serves as the Executive Director.
New Works: The company expanded beyond the standard repertoire to commission and develop original Australian operas, including Richard Mills’ Helpmann Award-winning Batavia and The Love of the Nightingale.

Community and Outreach

Opera in the Park: The company established popular annual traditions like the free City of Perth Opera in the Park concert at the Supreme Court Gardens.
Regional and Education Programs: It runs extensive educational incursions, regional touring programs, and community singing classes alongside its metropolitan mainstage seasons.

PUBLICATION