Opera Queensland’s 2024 season will kick off with a brand-new festival dedicated to the ever-popular repertoire of Italian opera from the mid-19th century. Set to take over The City in April, Brisbane Bel Canto will see Australian-first performances from superstar soprano Jessica Pratt alongside maestro Richard Mills and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, a long lunch with Maggie Beer, a 60-voice student chorus perform Gioachino Rossini poignant masterpiece Stabat Mater and more! From April 20 to 24, Jessica will bring her renowned performance of Lucia to Brisbane audiences for the very first time. Then on Wednesday April 24, Jessica will perform a one-night-only concert of highlights from the bel canto era. The program showcases work that explores the heroes and heroines from the bel canto canon, including music from Norma, I Puritani and the rarely performed Beatrice di Tenda. On Friday April 26, experience a feast for all of your senses as culinary icon Maggie Beer creates a special opera-inspired menu of eats, alongside the voices of Opera Queensland performing songs from the bel canto repertoire. Friday April 26 will also see Australia’s leading soloists, the Queensland Conservatorium Orchestra and a chorus of vocal students, conducted by Richard Mills, perform an hour-long showcase of Gioachino Rossini’s masterpiece Stabat Mater. This breathtaking work conveys profound grief and hope through its exquisite melodies and lush harmonies, so BYO tissues as this one is sure to be a tear-jerker.

There’s so much more to discover, so head to the Opera Queensland website to view the full program.