La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

A star-studded tribute to the voice that stopped the world — celebrating the 100th birthday of Joan Sutherland with highlights from her most iconic roles.

When Joan Sutherland sang, the world listened. With astonishing technique, extraordinary musicality, and impossibly perfect high notes, she brought forgotten heroines to life and earned her own place in operatic history.

We’re proud to have a long association with La Stupenda (“the stupendous one”), stretching from 1965, when she toured Australia with Maestro Richard Bonynge and a young Luciano Pavarotti, through to her unforgettable farewell at the Sydney Opera House in 1990.

In 2026, the opera world celebrates the 100th birthday of the “voice of the century”. Join us as we re-live her great successes at the Sydney Opera House, in the theatre that bears the icon’s name.

Homegrown opera sensation Jessica Pratt famously followed in Sutherland’s footsteps as the third Australian to sing Lucia di Lammermoor at La Scala (following Nellie Melba and Sutherland). Hear her unique, luminous coloratura as she tackles this incredible music. Pratt is joined by Australian-Chinese tenor Kang Wang, another singer making significant waves on the international operatic scene, and the full forces of the Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus.

Leading from the podium is Speranza Scappucci in her much-anticipated Opera Australia debut. Scappucci is one of the opera world’s most exciting musical forces; the first Italian woman to conduct at La Scala and the Royal Opera House’s current Principal Guest Conductor.

Running time

Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one interval.