Arts Centre Melbourne Announces Fall Season

Italian food and Italian opera - a match made in heaven! Opera-goers this Spring will have a wonderful new opportunity to dine before the show at opera-themed dinners at the Tram Bar, in the forecourt of Arts Centre Melbourne. Three courses inspired by Italian opera, will be available each night (max 100) with matched wines, for $55. To set the scene, the Tram Bar will be transformed with props from the operas, turning it into the perfect prelude to a night at the opera.

So now, the only question is which opera to see....

Tosca (12 November - 13 December)

Featuring one of the most spectacular opera sets in recent years, John Bell's production of Tosca is simply captivating. The glorious set by Michael Scott-Mitchell has been extended to make the most of the spacious stage in the State Theatre. Its glittering gold leaf and ornate paintings- recreated from the famous Sant'Andrea della Valle cathedral in Italy - will flicker by candlelight. Equally stunning will be the much celebrated soprano Svetla Vassileva who returns to Opera Australia following acclaimed performances last year in The Force of Destiny, to perform the title role. Opposite her, star tenor Diego Torre is her lover, the courageous and passionate painter Cavaradossi; and Italian baritone Claudio Sguro in an absolutely chilling portrayal of the menacing Scarpia who wants Tosca for himself. A simply stellar ensemble of international singers at their peak will make this first Melbourne season of Bell's Tosca, a dramatic and unforgettable night.

Don Pasquale (19 November - 12 December)

Conal Coad is perhaps opera's most loved bass, renowned for his mastery of comedy combined with immaculate singing. His perfect match is lovely soprano Rachelle Durkin, alternately dazzling and self-deprecating. Together again and ably assisted by Samuel Dundas and John Longmuir, the comedic pair are thrown into the colourful streets of Italy in the 1950's for a fresh take on a much loved classic, directed by Roger Hodgman. Don Pasquale (Coad) is an aging grouch who decides to disinherit his nephew by marrying and producing a new heir. His bride of choice (Durkin) isn't thrilled by the prospect and relishes the task of dissuading him... A laugh-out-loud performance by some of Australia's finest.

Falstaff (1 December - 11 December)

Falstaff's ornately stylised fat suit and outfit is one of the most glorious male costumes in Opera Australia's vast collection. Awash with ginger curls, striped knicker-bockers and bejewelled slippers, Warwick Fyfe is transformed into the mischievous old rogue that is Falstaff! Joining him are a raft of much-loved Australian singers including Jane Ede and Taryn Fiebig. Verdi's comic masterpiece is funny and fast-moving, requiring immaculate musical performance to pull off the comedy without a hitch. Falstaff's hilarious libretto and rousing climactic chorus - a fitting finale to the composer's lifetime of dedication to music - is certain to delight audiences this Spring.

Tickets from $79. Visit opera.org.au for bookings and more information.