Melbourne. Federation Square came alive with music
this past Saturday evening as thousands gathered for the highly
anticipated BMW Opera for All concert. Now in its
third year, the free open-air event, presented by BMW in partnership
with Opera Australia - once again delivered a world-class cultural
experience, celebrating the power of music and community.
This year’s concert introduced a special new addition: a prelude
performance by the Australian Girls Choir, showcasing
BMW’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting the arts at
a grassroots level. Their harmonious melodies set the stage for an
unforgettable night, connecting aspiring artists with some of
Australia’s most celebrated opera talent.
Headlining the main performance were four of Opera Australia’s finest singers:
-
Soprano Olivia Cranwell, who captivated audiences
with her breathtaking rendition of operatic classics ahead of her
return as Mimì in La Bohème this year.
-
Mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, a three-time Green
Room Award winner, who brought her signature artistry following
recent standout performances in Eucalyptus and Carmen.
-
Tenor Shanul Sharma, known for his commanding
performances in The Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute,
enthralled the audience with his powerful vocals.
-
Baritone Christopher Hillier, whose rich tones and
dynamic stage presence added depth to an evening of timeless opera favourites.
The singers were accompanied by 20 musicians from Orchestra Victoria,
under the expert baton of renowned conductor Brian Castles-Onion, who
has led BMW Opera for All since its Australian inception in 2022.
Reflecting on the event, Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group
Australia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the arts:
"BMW Opera for All is a global initiative that celebrates
culture, creativity, and the joy that music brings to people of all
ages. We are proud to partner with Opera Australia, ensuring that
world-class opera is accessible to everyone in the heart of Melbourne.”
The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and
deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on
Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.
