Glorious Outback horizons and fine music – the perfect pair
Dazzling night skies, crystal clear air and glorious music ignite audiences at this large-scale outdoor concert. Photo: Opera Queensland
“Remote outback towns, singalongs over a beer, friendly folk and sublime arias sung by top artists under the stars. There’s nothing else like it.” – AFR
Join an annual pilgrimage to the Outback to experience big voices and big skies blended in beautiful harmony.
Unlike any other music event you have experienced – this is the Festival of Outback Opera.
It’s more than a festival, it’s a journey, with a flexible itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself for a long weekend or completely give in to the full week of activities.
See outdoor concerts in iconic locations set to a backdrop of Insta-worthy sunsets.
Frock up for the Gala or join us in the pub for a casual singalong. Gather with us under the night skies for Dark Sky Serenade or enjoy a gastronomy afternoon of beautiful voice and culinary delight.
It’s an experience the city cannot match.
The Festival Opening in the town centre of Winton is a celebration so big it spills out into the neighbouring streets.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to shake off those weary travelling shoes, catch up with friends and meet new ones while we set the stage for what to expect during the coming week festivities.
Join the thousands of music lovers from around Australia and the world on an annual pilgrimage to the Outback. Photo: Opera Queensland
Other highlights include:
New production, Do We Need Another Hero? – a masterful infusion of classical and contemporary music, seamlessly blending the grandeur of opera with chart-topping anthems that pay homage to heroes from every corner of our world.
Expect a repertoire that encompasses The Beatles, David Bowie, John Farnham, Bizet, Handel, Mozart and Pagliacci.
Singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke will perform alongside tenor Rosario La Spina and soprano Rachelle Durkin with the University of Queensland Pulse Chamber Orchestra joined by musicians of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra on Thursday at the first of the open-air concerts, Dark Sky Serenade.
Dazzling night skies, crystal clear air and glorious music ignite audiences at this large-scale outdoor concert.
The Festival Opening begins at the historic open-air cinema of The Royal Theatre in the town centre of Winton. Photo: Opera Queensland
The Winton-based festival activities wrap up on Friday afternoon at the Long Lunch.
Diners are treated to an afternoon of great food, fine wines and a degustation of songs performed by some of the stars of the festival.
Saturday sees the festival relocate to Longreach for our second open-air concert, Singing in the Night.
Kate Miller-Heidke rejoins the University of Queensland Pulse Chamber Orchestra joined by musicians of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as they perform under the stars at Camden Park Station, a historic 18,000-acre working cattle station boasting 360-degree views that’s played host to everyone from the country’s first stockmen to Queen Elizabeth II.
Sunday invites attendees to put on their riding boots and ballgowns at the festival’s Opera Ball. It’s an evening of fine dining, sublime singing and dancing set among the coolibah tree-lined Thomson River at Smithy’s Camp.
This relaxed yet stylish gathering embodies the spirit and iconography of the Outback with its casual approach then adds just enough glitz to ensure the evening is a memorable one.
Visitors travelled from all Australian States and Territories and as far afield as New Zealand and Scotland for the 2023 Festival of Outback Opera.
The largest number of attendees were caravaners who had planned a visit to the festival within their holiday itinerary and were not necessarily regular opera attendees.
“In many ways opera has always been seen as a big city, elite art form, but in fact it’s a fabulous art form for the people. Because we’re all one big community and opera speaks to everyone and singing lifts everyone.
Making it fun, making it inclusive that was what we really enjoyed. The feeling it just surges through you.” – audience feedback from Festival of Outback Opera
To view the full program, accommodation, attraction information and to purchase tickets to the 2024 Festival of Outback Opera, go to festivalofoutbackopera.com.au.
The Festival of Outback Opera is presented by Opera Queensland and supported by the Queensland government through Arts Queensland, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Haymans Electrical.