BMW Opera for All returns to Melbourne in 2025 with stellar lineup.
BMW, in partnership with Opera Australia, has announced the return of its free outdoor opera concert, BMW Opera for All, to Melbourne’s Fed Square on Saturday, 1 February 2025. Running from 5 pm to 7 pm, the event will feature world-class opera performances, promising an evening of culture and music accessible to all.
For the first time, the event will include a 30-minute prelude performance by the Australian Girls Choir, showcasing BMW’s commitment to supporting grassroots arts and culture. This addition aims to connect aspiring young artists with acclaimed operatic talent, fostering creative collaboration.
BMW Opera for All
- Date: Saturday, 1 February 2025
- Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Venue: Fed Square, Melbourne
- Tickets: Free, no registration required
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BMW Opera for All, a global initiative in partnership with local opera organisations, offers free, high-quality cultural experiences. The 2025 Melbourne edition will feature a mix of beloved arias and timeless opera classics performed by four of Opera Australia’s leading artists:
- Soprano Olivia Cranwell, known for her performances in the Ring Cycle and Il tabarro, and set to reprise her role as Mimì in La bohème in 2025.
- Mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, a three-time Green Room award winner, recently seen in Eucalyptus and Carmen.
- Tenor Shanul Sharma, a standout from Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program, celebrated for roles in The Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute.
- Baritone Christopher Hillier, acclaimed for his portrayal of Zurga in The Pearl Fishers.
The artists will be accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra from Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Brian Castles-Onion, who returns to lead this event for the third consecutive year.
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with Opera Australia. “This world-class performance not only celebrates local music talent but also brings joy to Melburnians of all ages, creating an inclusive celebration for the whole community,” he said.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan added, “We are thrilled to bring opera to a wider audience through this free concert featuring some of Australia’s best singers. We are very grateful to BMW for their continued commitment to this initiative, held in cultural hubs like Munich, Berlin, and London.”
With a capacity for 8,000 attendees in Fed Square’s outdoor space, the 2025 edition of BMW Opera for All is set to be one of the largest free opera events in the country.
For more information, visit Opera Australia.
