Mazda Opera in the Bowl

Brought to you once again by Opera Australia’s Principal Partner Mazda Australia, which is committed to introducing opera to a wider audience, this free concert celebrates the magic and memorable moments in opera. Staged at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl — one of the country’s premier open‐air venues — Mazda Opera in the Bowl features some of the greatest arias and most beautiful overtures in a fantastic program of songs and duets.

The 2015 line-up features soprano Eva Kong,  mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley; tenor Diego Torre; and baritone Luke Gabbedy, with Orchestra Victoria conducted by Anthony Legge.

Master of Ceremonies is Christopher Lawrence.

This family-friendly, free event is sure to delight opera aficionados and novices alike. Mazda Opera in the Bowl is a free event. No need to book, just come along on the night, be sure to arrive early as capacity is limited to 10,000.

Useful Information

How do I get there?

Sidney Myer Music Bowl is situated in Kings Domain on Linlithgow Avenue. It is a 15 minute walk from Flinders Street station, across Princess Bridge over the Yarra River. Otherwise get off at tram stop 17 on St Kilda Road and Grant Street (routes 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 & 72).

Is there parking nearby?

There is limited pay and display parking around the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Arts Centre Melbourne has an undercover car park, with the entrance located on the corner of Sturt and Kavanagh Streets, Southbank.

Accessibility

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has a golf buggy if you require assistance getting from Linlithgow Ave to the venue entrance. Please call Arts Centre Melbourne’s Access Manager on 03 9281 8503 to arrange this service or to ask any other questions.

Wet weather

This is an outdoor event which operates rain, hail or shine, so please come prepared for all weather. Umbrellas must be kept closed during the performances as they spoil the view for others around you. Check artscentremelbourne.com.au on the day if Melbourne is experiencing extreme weather conditions.

What can I bring to the venue?

Call your friends and family, pack a picnic, sunscreen and bring a blanket to enjoy a magical night under the stars. For extra comfort take along a portable chair, but be mindful of your neighbours and make sure it’s no more than 20cm off the ground. Alcohol is allowed on site, so feel free to bring a bottle of wine, or make use of the venue’s various bars and food outlets.

There will be a cloak room inside Gate 1 for prams and bulky items. The charge is $5 per item.

Please don’t think about bringing tables, tents, glass drinking glasses, fireworks, animals, weapons or promotional materials, as they won’t be allowed on site. And of course, illegal items and behaviour is prohibited.

Venue information

The capacity is 10,000. As the venue fills up you may be asked to condense your picnic set-up to make room for more people.

Bag searches will take place at the gates where we’ll check for prohibited items. We may also check to see that under 16 year olds are accompanied by an adult.

There will be pass outs for smokers and anyone who needs to step out for a short period.

ATM facilities are available on site.