DO YOU love opera but your other half falls asleep before the interval? Or perhaps you've always wanted to go, but can't find anyone to tag along.
Opera Australia has launched a new program called Opera for One, to encourage more people to attend the opera by themselves with the promise they won't be alone.
The idea came about after research by the opera company found the main reason people hesitate to see opera shows is that they don't have anyone to go with.
There are drinks before the performance that give people the chance to meet fellow solo guests as well as an introductory talk by someone involved in the performance (often the director or assistant director).
During the performance all Opera for One attendees are seated together, encouraging pre-show acquaintances to become chatting partners during the interval.
The program was trialled in the Sydney season and is now heading to Melbourne's State Theatre on May 15, 23 and 30 for performances of Rigoletto, Cosi Fan Tutte and Ill Viaggio a Reims.
Opera Australia's artistic director Lyndon Terracini said the 2019 seasons is one of the "most outstanding seasons we have presented in recent years".
"We're proud to be offering an array of new productions, particularly the Australian premiere of Rossini's Il Viaggio a Reims."
Never staged in Australia before, the cast will perform Rossini's score in Damiano Michieletto's large-scale production of Il Viaggio a Reims that brings some of the world's most recognisable artworks to life.
Tickets $144. For bookings phone 9685-3700 or visit www.opera.org.au
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