Welcome to the opening production of Melbourne Opera’s 2010 season and one of the all-time favourite operas “The Barber of Seville”. It’s wonderful to welcome Sally-Anne Russell back to Melbourne Opera as she makes her Australian debut as Rosina with us. We all remember fondly her brilliant success in “The Italian Girl in Algiers” with us a couple of years ago. And she is joined by some of very best of Australian artists in this highly entertaining production, which has proven to one of Melbourne Opera’s most successful.

2010 marks some important milestones for Melbourne Opera, notably the exciting announcement of our new partnership with Monash University. This will greatly strengthen Melbourne Opera and bring a large amount
of professional operatic activity to Monash’s various campuses. I would particularly like to salute the Vice– Chancellor of Monash University, Professor Ed Byrne, for his vision and support in promoting this partnership. Although it’s early days we are all very excited by this new partnership and the exciting possibilities it opens for both organizations.