Later this year Uluru will be closed to climbers for the first time since Westerners started clambering all over this sacred site in 1936. In another first Tourism NT and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia who manage the accommodation and activities just outside the park, are bringing the first ever opera performance at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with Bruce Munro’s mesmerising Field of Light Uluru as the backdrop.
Stars above Uluru (Ayers Rock) at night. Image by ©swissmediavision/Getty Images
The performance is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest music, complemented with sublime art, in a uniquely Australian setting. It will be held under the stars on Saturday 2 November 2019.
During the concert, some of Opera Australia’s finest singers will perform famous arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, Verdi and more, accompanied by a chamber orchestra and conducted by British-Australian, Tahu Matheson.
First ever Opera Australia performance at Uluru. Image by Opera Australia
As the sun sets over the desert backdrop, the evening will be illuminated by the spellbinding colours of Field of Light Uluru’s 50,000 glass spheres.
The Opera will take place one week after the closure of Uluru climb on 26 October 2019. The date chosen to close the climb permanently, is of huge significance to the traditional custodians, the Anangu, given this date in 1985 marks the anniversary when Uluru and Kata Tjuta was handed back to Anangu after many years of hard work by elders.
“Opera Australia is honoured to be presenting our first ever performance at Australia’s spiritual centre, on the sacred lands surrounding Uluru. I was so profoundly moved when I first visited – moved by a sense of awe, and spirituality that is palpable, and by the raw beauty of the landscape,” said Opera Australia artistic director Lyndon Terracini.
Opera Australia to perform at Field of Light Uluru. Image by Opera Australia
“I knew then that we had an opportunity to create something extraordinary if we could perform in such an incredible atmosphere. It’s absolutely thrilling that we’ve been able to team up with Voyages to bring that dream to life,” said Lyndon.
This one-off event also offers a totally unique way to experience the global art phenomenon Field of Light Uluru. Since opening at Ayers Rock Resort in 2016, Bruce Munro’s immersive artwork has dazzled visitors from all over the world and its run has been extended to the end of 2020.
Grant Hunt, CEO of Voyages, commented: “this extraordinary performance will be a true feast for the senses, combining one of the most iconic Australian landscapes at sunset with Opera Australia’s awe-inspiring music and the magic of Field of Light Uluru.”
Uluru. Image by Opera Australia
“We know that our guests are drawn time and again to the magic of Uluru, and that they want to engage in a range of experiences that allow them to gain a deeper enjoyment of the destination, which is why we have worked hard to enable Opera Australia to perform here in the heart of Australia,” said Grant.
The Red Centre was nominated as one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit in 2019 to honour the significance of the closing of the Uluru climb in October. Packages start from AUS$750 (€468) per person twin share and include two nights’ accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and a ticket to the Opera at Uluru performance.
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