Opera Australia Presents New Production of AIDA on Gold Coast Beach, Sept. 21

Renowned the world over as the most spectacular outdoor opera, Aida will be unleashed under the starry night sky, with waves lapping nearby it's the perfect setting to experience fireworks of the vocal and the pyrotechnic kind, colourful costumes and even local surf life savers getting in on the action.

Presented in partnership with City of Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland and in association with Bleach* Festival, this will be an unmissable cultural event on a grand scale.

Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said he is delighted to return to the Gold Coast after the success of The Magic Flute performed on the beach in 2014.

"To experience Verdi's masterpiece Aida on the beach will be an unforgettable opera experience. It's an honour to return to Queensland and we're grateful for the support of Griffith University making this possible," Mr Terracini said.

Performed in Italian and directed by Hugh Halliday, some of Australia's finest singers including Natalie Aroyan, Michael Honeyman, Milijana Nikolic and David Parkin will perform alongside the Opera Australia Community Choir, which will form the chorus for Aida. Audience members can also enjoy the presence of Gold Coast surf life savers in an exciting, local twist on this new production.

In Aida, Verdi masterfully puts the intimate affairs of the heart against the grandeur of the universe: where kingdoms rise and fall and the sands of time grind onwards. A royal love triangle, a fight for freedom and the famous 'TriumpHal March' will light up the sky when Aida comes to the beach.

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the performance of Aida on one of the Gold Coast's famous beaches was a special drawcard for visitors.

"Coolangatta is a spectacular location for this special performance of one of the world's most famous operas," Ms Jones said.

"Opera on the Beach is a highlight on Queensland's cultural events calendar, bringing together extraordinary artistry and our beautiful beaches to produce a unique event.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors from around Queensland, interstate and overseas to see one of these special performances next year."

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is thrilled to welcome Opera Australia back to its beautiful beachside setting.

"The Gold Coast continues to surprise as we broaden our cultural identity. Productions like this, set on the beach and in such an idyllic part of our city, reinforce our have-a-go spirit,'' said the Mayor.

"That's what makes the Gold Coast such a draw card. We dare to dream big, we are unapologetic and we look for ways to push our artistic and cultural boundaries. I can't wait for the production.''

Aida plays six performances from 21 - 30 September 2017 at 6.30pm, Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland.

For more information head to opera.org.au/beach

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