In 2006, Opera Australia celebrated fifty years of opera in Australia - fifty years of music, emotion and showmanship. Everyone who has been part of this adventure - whether on stage, in the theatre or listening on the airwaves - was invited to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The Opera Australia 50th Birthday Gala Concert features some of opera's greatest moments from Mozart through to the present day. It honours the extraordinary artists who have contributed to Australian opera including its best loved leading lady and special guest, Dame Joan Sutherland.

Expect flowers, streamers and some of the most exciting and dramatic moments from fifty years of performing.

Conductor: Richard Hickox
Director: Stuart Maunder

Featuring: Elizabeth Connell, Yvonne Kenny, Lisa Gasteen, Peter Coleman-Wright, Emma Matthews, Fiona Janes, John Bolton-Wood, Rosario La Spina, Opera Australia Chorus, The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra