Our Purpose
National Opera exists to keep the art form of opera alive and flourishing in the Canberra region. We work to create operatic works of excellence in creative, accessible ways, while focussed on the continual development of singers and their craft.
We create communities of singers and champion the collaboration and further development of creatives in Canberra, by Canberra and for Canberra.
Our logo has been designed to represent both our national and local interests for National Opera.
We acknowledge and recognise the First Peoples of Australia and in particular the land on which we operate, that of the Ngunnuawal People.
The name Canberra comes from an Aboriginal word Kamberra meaning meeting place.
Therefore our logo brings together these concepts as well as balancing our intent to contribute to enhancing the reputation of Canberra as the national capital of Australia.
We are both a registered charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission and a nationally incorporated association.
None of this would be possible without
the tireless efforts of our Committee.
For further info, contact
info@nationalopera.org.au or call 02 61628961
National Opera was launched in February 2020 and was made possible with the generous endowment from the John Drabble estate. Prior to National Opera was Canberra Opera. The brain child of, the late David Reedy, Canberra Opera produced 'Scenes from Carmen & Rigoletto', La Boheme'', 'Suor Angelica', 'Die Fledermaus', 'Cosi fan tutti', 'Gianni Schichi & Cavaleria Rusticana' with a firm community spirit at it's core.
Under the new banner of National Opera and with Peter Coleman-Wright AO at the helm, the company produced national and international star studded productions of Mozart's 'La Clemenza di Tito' and Handel's 'Alcina' both in the vast Llewellyn Hall. Under Peter's guidance, the style of Pocket Operas was born and four pockets followed; 'The Marriage of Figaro', 'The Magic Flute', Cosi fan Tutti' and 'The Elixir of Love'. These works showcased local artists in roles that they could learn in a nurturing environment without the pressure of working with a major company or European house.
National Opera continues to build on its history, investing in the operatic artform in the Canberra Region.
Artistic Director - Sonia Anfiloff
About Us
With extensive experience in both performance and music education, Sonia brings a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to her new role with the company.
A graduate of the Canberra School of Music and currently Head of Choirs at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Sonia has been an influential force within Canberra’s arts community for many years. Her career includes performances both in Australia and internationally, and she is known for her dedication to nurturing young talent and her passion for storytelling through music. These values will guide her work in shaping National Opera’s programming and outreach.