BMW, in partnership with Opera Australia, has announced the third edition of the BMW Opera for All event. This concert returns to Melbourne’s Fed Square on Saturday, February 1 from 5pm to 7pm,promising a “spectacular evening of world-class opera”, free for everyone to enjoy.
For the first time, the event will introduce a 30-minute prelude performance by the Australian Girls Choir. This performance will connect young, aspiring artists with award-winning operatic talent, embodying the spirit of creative collaboration.
BMW Opera for All is a global initiative in collaboration with local opera organisations to provide world-class cultural experiences to the public for free. The 2025 Melbourne edition will feature an open-air concert with a selection of opera arias and timeless classics, making it an evening for everyone.
Headlining the concert are four of Opera Australia’s finest opera singers. Soprano Olivia Cranwell, acclaimed for her performance in Opera Australia’s acclaimed Ring Cycle last year and her recent role as Giorgetta in Il tabarro in both Opera Australia and Victorian Opera productions and will reprise her role as Mimì in La bohème in 2025.
Mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, Melbourne born, three-time Green Room award-winner, Dimity has captivated audiences with her appearances for Opera Australia including last month’s production of Eucalyptus at the Palais Theatre and the title role of the national touring production of Carmen.
Tenor Shanul Sharma, an alumnus of Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program, Shanul has enthralled audiences in roles including Almaviva in The Barber of Seville and most recently as Tamino in The Magic Flute. Baritone Christopher Hillier, who recently appeared as Zurga in The Pearl Fishers, joins the cast bringing a commanding vocal presence.
The cast from Opera Australia will be accompanied by a live orchestra of 20 musicians from Orchestra Victoria, conducted by the renowned Brian Castles-Onion, who has conducted the BMW Opera for All performances for the past two years.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan said: “Opera Australia is thrilled to open up the experience of opera for so many through this free concert featuring some of Australia’s best singers. “We are very grateful to BMW for its ongoing commitment to staging BMW Opera for All in Melbourne as part of this global initiative, also held in other cities renowned for their cultural life such as Munich, Berlin and London. I look forward to spending the evening in beautiful Fed Square with Victorian families and friends.”
With space to accommodate up to 8000 attendees in Fed Square’s vibrant outdoor space, BMW Opera for All promises to be one of Australia’s largest free outdoor opera events in 2025
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 5pm-7pm
Venue: Fed Square, CBD, Melbourne
Tickets: Free, no registration required.
For more information visit opera.org.au/events/bmw-opera-for-all/

• Cheryl Threadgold