OperaChaser Critics Awards (The OCCAs) launch online platform | Australian Arts Review A dedicated online platform has been launched for the OperaChaser Critics Awards (The OCCAs), a Melbourne-based initiative recognising achievement in opera.

Pleased to see the OperaChaser Critics Awards (The OCCAs) and the newly launched platform featured by Australian Arts Review. Thank you! artsreview.com.au/operachaser-...

BREAKING: Now in their second year, the OperaChaser Critics Awards (The OCCAs) have a new online home.

Explore nominees and winners, meet the panellists, learn about upcoming performances, and read reviews at:
operachasercriticsawards.com.au

Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at Victorian Opera's production of Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical - which recently played at Ballarat's Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Reg Livermore's Ned Kelly: The Musical, presented by @VictorianOpera at the weekend in Ballarat, is a valuable contribution to the broad range of material that continues the story of Australia’s legendary bushranger. My thoughts at #AustArtsReview: artsreview.com.au/reg-livermor...

Opera Double Bill: Das Kleine Mahagonny and Suor Angelica | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at University of Melbourne Conservatorium Opera's double bill of Das Kleine Mahagonny and Suor Angelica - which recently played at the Grant Street Theatre - University of Melb...

The Melbourne Conservatorium Opera’s latest production is further proof not only of the faculty’s impressive pool of developing operatic talent but also of the significance these productions bring to the city’s opera scene. My thoughts at #AustArtsReview: artsreview.com.au/opera-double...

What a privilege to have e seat at the historically significant Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat. Great spot to present a revival of Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical, presented by @VictorianOpera.

Always one of the year’s highlights is seeing what #UniversityofMelbourne’s Conservatorium of Music (VCA) get up to. Tonight it’s an Opera Double Bill: Suor Angelica and Das Kleine Mahagonny at the Grant Street Theatre.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at IOpera's production of The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat - which recently played at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre Two.

My thoughts at #ArtsReview on #IOpera’s The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat — an intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant and unexpectedly comic work that showcases the enthusiasm, talent and resourcefulness of Melbourne’s independent opera scene.
artsreview.com.au/the-man-who-...

Here’s a curious work from English composer Michael Nyman: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, about a curious neurological case, that @IOperaAus is gladly presenting Melbourne audiences at The Athenaeum 2.

FLORA | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar tales a look at The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre's FLORA - currently playing at Melbourne's Regent Theatre until 21 March, before playing the Joan Sutherland Theatre - Sydne...

A world-premiere collaborative work between #TheAusBallet and #BangarraDanceTheatre, Flora imparts its distinctive richness and meaningful ideas with an absorbingly simmering energy. My thought at #AustralianArtsReview: artsreview.com.au/flora/

Opening night of @TheAusBallet and #BangarraDanceTheatre’s collaborative work, Flora @cityofmelbourne’s iconic Regent Theatre. Hoping to experience a delightfully fragrant work!

Mary Motorhead & Trade | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at Australian Contemporary Opera Co's double bill of Mary Motorhead & Trade - currently playing in the Beckett Theatre – Malthouse Theatre until 13 March 2026.

Proving the power of contemporary opera to move and unsettle audiences, Mary Motorhead & Trade, presented by @acoco_go, stand as compelling examples of modern storytelling intensified through musical and vocal soundscapes. My thoughts at #ArtsReview: artsreview.com.au/mary-motorhe...

Great fortune has descended on @cityofmelbourne with the Australian premiere of two one-act operas by Irish duo, composer Emma O’Halloran and her uncle and librettist, Mark O’Halloran. Opening night of Mary Motorhead and Trade here @MalthouseMelb, presented by @acoco_go.

The Australian Ballet: Signature Works | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at The Australian Ballet's Signature Works - which was recently presented at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.

The @TheAusBallet’s Signature Works — presented as a Melbourne-exclusive gala at the Regent Theatre over 3 performances — was a joyous celebration of the breadth of talent and artistic vitality the company has forged. My thoughts at #AustralianArtsReview: artsreview.com.au/the-australi...

Have some fun, irreverent entertainment coming up this Sunday evening with American musical comedy, The Book of Mormon, here @cityofmelbourne’s Princess Theatre — with a thumping rally celebrating Khomeini’s death across the street!

Coming up, a night out @cityofmelbourne’s Regent Thestre with @TheAusBallet and their Signature Works which should showcase the company’s wide-ranging attributes marvellously.

Bon Appetite! | Australian Arts Review Paul Selar takes a look at Deborah Humble in Bon Appetite! - which was recently presented at The Kitchen - Melba Opera Trust.

In Lee Hoiby’s effervescent one-act opera, Bon Appétit, mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble channels American pioneering television chef Julia Child’s endearing, infectious and idiosyncratic style with delightful pizzazz. My thoughts at #AustralianArtsReview:
artsreview.com.au/bon-appetite/

Bon Appétit! — a short one-act opera drawn from 2 episodes of Julia Childs’ 1960s TV show, The French Chef — is about to whet the appetite as award-winning mezzo Deborah Humble channels the American chef’s endearing idiosyncratic style here at The Kitchen, Melba Trust Offices.

News: OperaChaser Critics Awards (OCCAs) 2025 Winners Here is what you have all been waiting for: the Winners of the inaugural OperaChaser Critics Awards (OCCAs) for 2025. Below is an article, just published in the Australian Arts Review, outlining some ...

A further report on the inaugural OperaChaser Critics Awards 2025 winners. Thank you Heather Leviston and Classic Melbourne! classicmelbourne.com.au/news-operach...

Inaugural OperaChaser Critics Awards honour Melbourne’s operatic standouts Critics salute Victoria's deep and adventurous opera culture.

The inaugural OperaChaser Critics Awards got a rap in @LimelightArtsAu. Thanks so much! limelight-arts.com.au/news/inaugur...

OperaChaser Critics Awards 2025 Winners Announced  | Australian Arts Review

Thank you to #AustralianArtsReview for reporting on the winners of the inaugural OperaChaser Critics Awards (OCCAs)! artsreview.com.au/operachaser-...

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That concludes the presentation. Congratulations to the deserved winners. My sincere thanks go to all involved in the production of opera, to the panelists whose valuable contributions lend weight and credibility to these awards and to everyone drawn to the great art of opera.

OperaChaser Emerging Artist Prize 2025

Henry Shaw (bass-baritone)

Roles included the Nightwatchman in @MelbourneOpera’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Don Alfonso in the company’s Richard Divall Program’s Così fan tutte and title role in @BK_Opera’s Macbeth.

📷 Robin Halls

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And now we come to the final announcement for the evening — the winner of the inaugural OperaChaser Emerging Artist Prize of $1000. And the winner is …

OCCA for Momentous Operatic Event 2025

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, @MelbourneOpera
Performed at the @UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne

📷 Robin Halls

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A unanimous decision was also made to present a one-off OCCA special award in recognition of a momentous event combining artistry, atmosphere, organisation and setting that will live long in memory.

OCCA for Outstanding Production 2025

Katya Kabanova, @VictorianOpera

📷 Jeff Busby

OCCA for Outstanding Director 2025

Yaron Lifschitz

Orpheus and Eurydice, @OperaQueensland with Circa, presented by @OperaAustralia

📷 oq.com.au

OCCA for Outstanding Conductor 2025

Anthony Negus

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, @MelbourneOpera

📷 lfo.org.uk

OCCA for Outstanding Male in a Leading Role 2025

Iestyn Davies

Orfeo, Orpheus and Eurydice, @OperaQueensland with Circa, presented by @OperaAustralia

📷 Jeff Busby

OCCA for Outstanding Female in a Leading Role 2025

Desiree Frahn

Katya, Katya Kabanova, @VictorianOpera

📷 Jeff Busby