Thousands flock to first “BMW Opera for All” concert in Australia. Support of local arts and culture scene in partnership with Opera Australia.
BMW Australia brought joy to thousands this weekend at the first “BMW Opera for All” open-air concert held at Fed Square in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, 4th February 2023. This premier concert in partnership with Opera Australia, the country’s largest performing arts organization, was a one-hour open-air concert featuring some of opera’s greatest hits.
Thousands flock to first “BMW Opera for All” concert in Australia. The all-star cast included soprano Sophie Salvesani, direct from her mainstage opera debut in the acclaimed production of Don Giovanni (Limelight); Melbourne-born and three-time Green Room Award-winning mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd; Korean tenor Simon Kim, and acclaimed baritone Luke Gabbedy whose recent role debut in La Traviata received high praise (Arts Hub). The live orchestra from Orchestra Victoria and was led by one of Australia’s most exciting and well-known opera conductors, Brian Castles-Onion.
The “BMW Opera for All” was attended by Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp, Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan and BMW Group Australia CEO Wolfgang Buechel.
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, highlighted that –
“investing in people and culture is an integral part of our strategy globally and in the markets in which we operate.”
The concert in Melbourne, known for its rich artistic, theatre, and music heritage, was the perfect choice for BMW’s first “Opera for All” event in Australia.
“We are delighted that BMW Opera for All was such a success for Melbourne. It was great to see so many families and friends gathering in the CBD to experience the thrill of live opera singing – some for the very first time. It is an ongoing endeavor for Opera Australia to create free or low-cost opportunities to welcome newcomers into the exciting world of opera. We are deeply grateful that BMW shares our commitment in bringing opera to all.”
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan
“BMW Opera for All” in Melbourne is part of a series of open-air concerts and Opera Broadcasts that the BMW Group has also started with the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin and the London Symphony Orchestra, enabling hundreds of thousands to enjoy first-class music programs in a relaxed atmosphere.
