Four days of extraordinary voices, intimate performances and country-town magic are coming to Millthorpe in what is shaping up to be a rather special Easter escape.
This little country village in the Central West is set for a very big line-up this coming Easter!
Swapping grand metropolitan theatres for a historic village hall, the internationally celebrated Handa Opera is offering the chance to experience exceptional music in the country town of Millthorpe, one of the best regional NSW destinations for discovering the food, wine and village charm that make the Central West such a rewarding place to explore.
Set to make their return 25–28 March 2027, the Handa Opera is bringing with them four days of spectacular performances, international talent and free community events just outside Orange.
Whether you book a seat for the gala, discover opera for the first time or simply stop by for a free rehearsal, this is one Easter event worth keeping on your radar.
For more information see here.
Jump to: What’s On | What To Do In Millthorpe | Central West Guides
Read more: The best things to see and do in Orange NSW
What's On at Handa Opera at Millthorpe 2027?
The festival is scheduled to run across the Easter long weekend, with a different performance each evening.
Thursday 25 March: IOFA Singing Competition Final
The festival opens with the Italian Opera Foundation Australia (IOFA) Singing Competition Final, showcasing emerging operatic talent.
With pianist Glenn Amer accompanying the finalists, it's a chance to discover some of the next generation of exceptional opera voices.
Time: 7pm–9pm
Tickets: $55
Friday 26 March: La Favorite in Concert
Donizetti's La Favorite takes centre stage on Good Friday, featuring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Elena Gabouri alongside tenor Shanul Sharma.
Conducted by Paul Terracini, the concert performance promises an evening of dramatic storytelling and extraordinary vocal talent.
Time: 6pm–9pm
Tickets: $165
Saturday 27 March: Gala Opera Concert
One of the festival's anticipated highlights, the Gala Opera Concert brings together Natalie Aroyan, Elena Gabouri, Shanul Sharma, Andrew Williams, Richard Anderson and Camilla Wright.
Accompanied by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Paul Terracini, the concert offers a wonderful introduction to opera for those who might not usually attend a full production.
Time: 6pm–9pm
Tickets: $192.50
Sunday 28 March: Lucia di Lammermoor in Concert
The festival concludes on Easter Sunday with Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, featuring soprano Stacey Alleaume in the title role.
Having performed with leading opera companies internationally and toured Australia with Andrea Bocelli, Alleaume brings considerable experience to one of opera's most demanding soprano roles.
Time: 6pm–9pm
Tickets: $165
For ticket information, please see here.
Bonus: You Can Experience the Festival for Free!
One of the loveliest parts of Handa Opera at Millthorpe is that you don't need a ticket to be part of the experience.
The proposed program includes free open rehearsals and In Conversation sessions, offering visitors and locals the opportunity to hear from the artists and experience the creative process behind the performances.
A free conversation with the winner of the IOFA Singing Competition is scheduled for Friday 26 March at 11am, with further participants to be announced.
Free events will be subject to seating availability, with Festival Pass holders receiving priority seating until each session begins.
Local Compass Tip: For anyone curious about opera but unsure where to start, these sessions could be a particularly lovely introduction.
Read more: Our Perfect 3 Days in the Central West
Make a Weekend of It: Why Millthorpe Is Worth Exploring
Of course, half the appeal of an event like this is the destination itself.
Nestled between Orange and Bathurst, Millthorpe is a beautifully preserved Central West village known for its heritage streetscapes, independent boutiques, excellent food and easy access to the surrounding wine region.
It's the kind of place made for slow mornings, leisurely lunches and wandering without much of an agenda, and with the festival taking place over Easter, there's every reason to turn an evening at the opera into a full country escape.
Where to Eat in Millthorpe
TONIC Restaurant
One of Millthorpe's best-known dining destinations, TONIC offers sophisticated regional dining in the heart of the village. Conveniently located beside Millthorpe Hall, it's a natural choice to consider for a pre-performance meal. Reservations are a must!
Where to Enjoy a Glass of Wine
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Located across the road from Millthorpe Hall, Tamburlaine offers an opportunity to discover organic Australian wines without venturing far from the festival.
For visitors spending a few extra days in the region, the nearby Orange wine district offers plenty of additional cellar doors and long-lunch destinations.
For our complete guide of the best wineries in Orange NSW, see here.
What Else to Do Around Millthorpe
If you're making a weekend of it, leave time to explore beyond the festival.
Spend a morning wandering Millthorpe's historic streets and independent shops, venture into Orange for cafés, restaurants and wineries and a spot of shopping, or explore the neighbouring countryside.
The beauty of Millthorpe is that you can enjoy the atmosphere of a small country village while having some of the Central West's best food and wine experiences within easy reach.
Handa Opera at Millthorpe 2027: At a Glance
Event: Handa Opera at Millthorpe 2027
Dates: Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 March 2027
Location: Millthorpe Hall, Pym Street, Millthorpe NSW
Region: Central West NSW
What's on: Opera concerts, gala concert, singing competition, free rehearsals and artist conversations
Ticket prices: $55–$192.50 for individual performances
Festival Pass: $500
Free events: Open rehearsals and selected In Conversation sessions
Website: operaatmillthorpe.com.au
Festival programming, artist appearances, free sessions and ticketing arrangements remain subject to final confirmation. Check the official website before booking.
Find out more: Handa Opera at Millthorpe
The Easter Long Weekend is the perfect opportunity to escape the city, and whether you're a lifelong opera lover or simply looking for an excuse to leave Sydney, this might be one of the most interesting regional NSW events to add to your 2027 calendar.
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