The Friends of the State Opera of South Australia

18/06/2026

The Friends are very excited to share a glimpse of an upcoming documentary on the life of internationally renowned tenor Thomas Edmonds

Growing up on an Outback homestead and after an operatic career of more than 30 years, Thomas Edmonds, one of Australia’s most beloved voices, reflects in retirement on his life’s journey.

12/06/2026

Today is the day and it’s SOLD OUT! 🎉🎊

We are delighted to celebrate 50 years of Friends of State Opera South Australia, five decades of friendship, advocacy, philanthropy and unwavering support for opera in our state.

As we gather for this special Golden Jubilee luncheon, we reflect on the countless volunteers, members, artists and supporters who have helped shape our remarkable journey.

We are also privileged to enjoy an outstanding program of performances from some of South Australia’s finest artists, making this milestone celebration even more memorable 🎶 💫

Here’s to 50 golden years of supporting opera, nurturing emerging talent, and building a vibrant community united by a love of music and the arts.

Happy Golden Jubilee, Friends of State Opera South Australia!
✨🎭🎶

08/06/2026

🎭The most powerful stories aren’t always found in books. They’re found in the lives we live, the people we love, and the moments we never forget.

State Opera South Australia is inviting South Australians to share their stories — and one could be transformed into a micro-opera in 2027.

What chapter of your life deserves to be sung?

🎭 Story submissions close 19 June 26z 📸SOSA

04/06/2026

🎭 YOUR STORY. OUR NEXT OPERA.

State Opera South Australia is calling for stories that deserve to be heard. Big moments. Little moments. Extraordinary lives. Ordinary lives.

If you’ve got a story, now’s the time to tell it.

✨ Submit yours by 19 June and be part of creating something truly unforgettable⭐️ 📸SOSA

03/06/2026

Wow! SOLD OUT! 🎟🌟

Thank you to everyone who has secured a seat. It’s going to be a wonderful afternoon of music, memories and celebration as we mark Fifty Golden Years of the Friends of State Opera 🎭🎶

02/06/2026

✨ ALMOST SOLD OUT! ✨

The Friends of State Opera South Australia’s Fifty Golden Years Jubilee Lunch on Saturday 13 June is nearly at capacity, with only a few seats remaining! 🎉

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating 50 years of friendship, support and opera, featuring an outstanding line-up of artists and performers, wonderful company, and a few special surprises along the way.

If you’ve been meaning to book, now is the time!

🎟️ Book here:
www.trybooking.com
📸SOSA

We would love you to be part of this very special golden celebration. ✨🎶

01/06/2026

State Opera’s GOLDEN JUBILEE JOURNEY
A social media look back at our story.

Verdi’s OTELLO (1992) - Festival Theatre

CREATIVES:
Conductor - Peter Robinson
Director - Garth Scott-Annetts
Designer - Wolfram Skalicki
Lighting - Donn Byrnes
Costume Design - Kristian Frederikson
Choreographer - Velalien Shepherd

CAST:
Montano / A Herald - James Orange
Cassio - Geoffrey Harris
Iago - Malcolm Donnelly
Roderigo - Brian Gilbertson
Otello - Bruno Sebastian
Desdemona - Marilyn Richardson
Emilia - Wendy Hopkins
Lodovico - John Greene
Dancer - Vetalien Shepherd
Dancer - Martine Redman

CHORUS:
Robert Angove, Janice Baker, Sally Bithell, Vanessa Bengler, Gisele Blanchard, Meran Bow, Tasso Bouyessis, Joe Bowler, Iolene Brooks, Maurice Connell, Frances Crooks, David Cox, Cathy Cox, Lindsey Day, John Devaney, Grant Doyle, Catherine Egan, Robert England, Karen Finch, Yiannis Fragos, Gillian Sullivan, Miriam Gordon, Kay Gosnold, Monica Green, Terry Grimmond, Monica Hanusiak-Klavins, Kristen Hardy, Jeremy Harris, Barbara Heidrich, Alan Jarrett, Greg John, Rodney Kirk, Alexander Lizgubow, Roslyn Lock, Alison Lockett, Rex Millsteed, Jodie Monfries, Gregory Morton, Sandra McCarthy, Mark McKenna, Mark Oates, Belinda Paterson, Hilary Pinkerton, David Perry, Lyndon Piddington, Graeme Pitt, Samantha Rogers, Geoffrey Rogers, Amara Seabrook, Susan Scattergood, Veronik Snell, Kerry Tuller, Jean Valerio, David Wardle, Kathleen Wardle, Christopher Webb, Andrew Young, and Michelle Zweck.

Bonus points if you can find our current Head of Music, Anthony Hunt! 🎉
📸 SOSA

28/05/2026

An incredible opportunity to experience the artistry behind opera performance ✨

State Opera South Australia’s 2026 Masterclass offers audiences a rare “behind the scenes” look at the training, technique and interpretation that shape exceptional performers.

Led by acclaimed American tenor Kyle Stegall, this special afternoon features some of Adelaide’s most promising young singers working closely with an internationally celebrated artist.

📍 St Peter’s Cathedral – Cynthia Poulton Hall
📅 Sunday 28 June 2026
🕑 2:00pm – 3:30pm
🎟 Audience tickets only $10

Come along and support the next generation of singers while enjoying a fascinating afternoon of music and performance.

Book here:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589913

More information:
https://stateopera.com.au/kyle-stegall-masterclass-2026/

28/05/2026

How wonderful ! Very best wishes from The Friends.

27/05/2026

State Opera’s GOLDEN JUBILEE JOURNEY
A social media look back at our story.

Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY (1991) - Festival Theatre

CREATIVES:
Director - Andrew Sinclair
Conductor - Richard Bonynge
Designer - Kenneth Rowell
Lighting - Donn Byrnes

CAST:
Goro - Brian Gilbertson
Pinkerton - Bruno Sebastian
Suzuki - Jennifer Bermingham
Sharpless - John Pringle
Imperial Commissioner - Douglas McNicol
Cio Cio San - Yoko Watanabe
Mother - Doris Dodd
Official Registrar - Geoff Rogers
Cousin - Deborah Caddy
Uncle Yakuside - Rex Millsteed
B***e - Russell Smith
Aunt - Kay Gosnold
Prince Yamadori - Ian Vayne
Sorrow - Jordan Welden-Iley
Kate Pinkerton - Amanda Cross

CHORUS:
Deborah Caddy, Frances Crooks, Monica Hanusiak-Klavins, Anna-Maria Fazzari, Jacqueline Forster, Monica Green, Amara Seabrook, Gisele Blanchard, Veronica Waak, Catherine Egar, Deborah Peake-Jones, Kristen Hardy, Doris Dodd, Amanda Cross, Cathy Cox, Belinda Patterson, Kay Gosnold, Barbara Heidrich, Vanessa Benger, Karen Finch, Michelle Gardham, Tasso Bouyessis, Rhett Brown, Terry Grimmond, Davide Wardle, Christopher Webb, Kenneth Marshall, Craig Weatherill, and Clive Richardson. 📸 Photos/Post: SOSA