Opera Australia, as do most opera companies, carefully guard their details of future opera productions more secretively than the CIA. And rightly so, future productions are subject to financial constraints and contractual arrangements that are subject to change depending on artist availability and changing finances. From a marketing point of view, the great “reveal” with the announcement of a new season adds immensely to the hype. Despite all this, leaks occur and wet the appetite for future seasons. Oh for Wiki leaks to cover opera as well. Anyway, here are some hints at what to expect in the OA 2012 season:

DON CARLO – Verdi,  with Takesha Kizart as Elizabetta de Valois (not known whether this is a new production or a revival of the current Moshinsky production). This production was proposed for 2012, but has now been cancelled/deferred.

TURANDOT – Puccini, with Elizabeth Connell as Turandot (NEW PRODUCTION).

MARRIAGE OF FIGARO – Mozart, directed by Benedict Andrews (NEW PRODUCTION).

DIVORCE – Elena Kats-Chernin. A new Australian comic opera (NEW PRODUCTION). To be premiered in Melbourne before the work goes to Sydney.

ELEKTRA – Richard Strauss. A co-production with the Western Australian Opera (NEW PRODUCTION). ? when and if will reach the Eastern States.

LA TRAVIATA – Verdi. This is the first opera to be presented on the new floating stage, directed by Francesca Zambello and starring Emma Matthews and Rachelle Durkin alternating as Violetta (NEW PRODUCTION).

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR – a co-production with Houston Grand Opera and Teatro La Fenice, Venice, starring Emma Matthews, directed by John Doyle and conducted by Antony Walker (NEW PRODUCTION). The production originated at Scottish Opera in 2007 and was also staged at the Mariinsky Theatre in 2009.

DIE TOTE STADT – Korngold, directed by Bruce Beresford with Cheryl Barker as Marie/Marietta (NEW PRODUCTION).

COSI FAN TUTTE – Mozart. Revival of the Jim Sharman production.

SALOME – with Cheryl Barker in the title role.

The plans already sound extremely exciting. THE TURN OF THE SCREW,  and AIDA may also be on the cards as well.

2012 also includes the return of ex-Musical Director, Simone Young. Which opera will she be conducting?

I will add more as more information appears. Feel free to leave any hints on the site. All information gladly received.