![\"Der](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250525_DSC08797_Nat_Opera-1-1200x800.jpg\")
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National Opera will present a \u201clove triangle reduction\u201d of Der Rosenkavalier, starring Erika Simons, Sonia Anfiloff and Sarah Darnley-Stuart. Photo: Lannon Harley.<\/p>\n
Canberra\u2019s opera talent is about to take centre stage, with the National Opera\u2019s 2025 season set to spotlight homegrown voices like never before.<\/p>\n
The new season showcases the full spectrum of local performers \u2014 from fresh-faced emerging artists to seasoned singers who\u2019ve graced national and international stages \u2014 offering them platforms to grow, collaborate and shine.<\/p>\n
The new direction is a defining feature of Sonia Anfiloff\u2019s tenure as the National Opera\u2019s new Artistic Director.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanberra is a city where people come home to and get what are considered \u2018real jobs\u2019. They\u2019re doing what they must to earn a living and sing on the side.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor them, it\u2019s not a question of passion \u2014 it\u2019s a question of \u2018What happens if I don\u2019t sing?\u2019 After all that training \u2014 decades, for some \u2014 to not be able to hone or share their gift would be like losing a limb.\u201d<\/p>\n
The change in management and artistic direction herald a bold new era for the organisation, resulting in an exciting lineup of productions and performances.<\/p>\n
Continuing from the successes of previous cut-down productions that audiences loved, the National Opera will present a \u201clove triangle reduction\u201d of Der Rosenkavalier<\/a>. This reduction will run for just under 90 minutes with a smaller cast (but all the magic intact), including Canberra\u2019s Erika Simons, who\u2019s recently returned from her career performing in Germany.<\/p>\n Next to hit the stage will be Hansel & Gretel<\/a> from 12 to 20 December at Albert Hall.<\/p>\n This magical fairy tale leads audiences on an enchanting journey that blends childhood adventure with a captivating musical experience \u2014 perfect for the whole family.<\/p>\n The organisation also launched a series of masterclasses in May and June, offering sessions for performers at all levels led by experienced professionals. Highlights include Dianna Nixon on transitioning from musical theatre to opera, Sarah Mann on audition techniques and masterclasses with Don Christopher and Sonia Anfiloff focused on vocal technique and performance.<\/p>\n Sonia Anfiloff says National Opera will provide a range of performing opportunities that will stretch local talents and give them purpose on the stage. Photo: John Buckley.<\/p>\n The remainder of the season will be filled with a variety of concerts from Sense, Sensibility & Song to a showcase of French arias and song \u2013 Vive la Voix.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough National Opera is functioning as a not-for-profit organisation, it is fundamental that we approach all of our public commitments with the highest standard we can muster,\u201d Sonia says.<\/p>\n \u201cOur performers are always the highlight of our public face and I\u2019m extremely proud to be able to offer them performing opportunities that will stretch them and give them purpose on the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n This will include a range of smaller roles, offering newcomers valuable performance experience and giving seasoned performers a way to stay sharp without the demands of a full-time commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerformance experience is 80 per cent of the training in opera,\u201d Sonia says.<\/p>\n The new approach enables National Opera to operate in a more sustainable way, nurture local talent, and open the capital\u2019s eyes to the \u201cbig talent lying dormant\u201d, according to Sonia.<\/p>\n She says it will create more accessibility for the broader community \u2014 from the opera aficionado to the novice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you attend one of our performances, whether you like the type of music or not becomes irrelevant,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all say music is emotional, but when you hear a voice portray the emotion from the gut, that\u2019s an entirely different experience. Hearing a voice without a microphone produce that power is like an arrow through you.\u201d<\/p>\n Get in quick to catch the National Opera\u2019s production of Richard Strauss\u2019s beloved opera Der Rosenkavalier<\/a> at The Street Theatre from 23 to 31 August.<\/p>\n![\"Sonia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sonia-Anfiloff-Headshot-1200x962.jpg\")
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