Opera Australia (OA) is preparing to revive West Side Story on Sydney Harbour's historic Handa Opera stage, showcasing the enormous talent of Australian artists. The limited 4-week season, which begins on March 22, 2024, will star Nina Korbe and Billy Bourchier as Maria and Tony, respectively.
Nina Korbe (pictured below), an award-winning First Nations soprano, is about to make her professional theatrical debut and is passionate about increasing the visibility of First Nations artists in the creative professions. Nina, a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, and Wakka Wakka woman, has extensive experience, having recently served as Artist in Residence with the Queensland Youth Orchestra and Young Artist with Opera Queensland. Her vast musical experience includes concerts with both the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the Queensland Conservatorium and a Master of Arts degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London.
On the other hand, Canberra-born tenor Billy Bourchier (pictured above), fresh from his breakthrough in OA's critically acclaimed Miss Saigon, takes the lead as Tony. Billy graduated with academic excellence from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and his repertoire includes standout performances in Candide, The Pirates of Penzance, Les Misérables (both in Australia and internationally), The Last Five Years, and The Book of Mormon. His theatrical career began in Canberra and progressed to Brisbane, where he perfected his technique and eventually created and performed in his own cabaret show, "The Corner of Brisbane and Broadway."
Jo Davies, Artistic Director of Opera Australia, stated his enthusiasm about having these extraordinary Australian performers lead the production, emphasising the company's dedication to reflecting Australia's diversity in the twenty-first century. The whole cast, which has yet to be confirmed, offers a mix of exceptional talents from opera and musical theatre backgrounds, promising a magnificent performance of Bernstein's masterwork.
The 2019 premiere of this thrilling West Side Story production gained international acclaim and remains the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production. The entire experience, which includes nightly fireworks and a live orchestra against sweeping city and harbour views, has become a must-see cultural event in Sydney. The NSW Government, Destination NSW, the International Foundation for Arts and Culture as Naming Rights Partner, Dr. Haruhisa Handa as OA's Patron in Chief, and HSBC as Principal Partner all contribute to the success of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Mark your calendars for the must-see Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour—West Side Story, which runs from March 22 to April 21, 2024, and promises an extraordinary celebration of Australian talent in the heart of Sydney.
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