Melbourne Opera presents Rossini’s Otello

Following the critical and public success of Tristan and Isolde and Der Rosenkavalier, Melbourne Opera will complete its powerful 2018 season with the Australian premiere of Rossini’s dramatic masterpiece Otello.

Otello’s original premiere is considered a momentous milestone in the history of opera, while Melbourne Opera’s Australian premiere will mark the 150th anniversary of Rossini’s death; opening at The Athenaeum on 17 October.

In a major coup for the independent opera company, Academy Award nominated director Bruce Beresford will helm Melbourne Opera’s new production. Beresford will direct a distinguished cast of international and Australian singers, led by the widely lauded Stephen Smith (Opera Australia) in the title role, with award winning soprano Elena Xanthoudakis (Greek National Opera) as his ill-fated lover Desdemona. Both singers began their careers with Melbourne Opera, before establishing distinguished international careers.