“BMW Opera for All” in Melbourne in February 2023. BMW announces partnership with Opera Australia to bring global initiative to Australia for the first time.

• Partnership to support local arts and culture scene and bring joy to Melbournians
• Free entry open-air concert to be held in Federation Square on 4^th February featuring the most popular arias in opera
• Concert to include 16 musicians from Orchestra Victoria

Munich/Melbourne. BMW has further expanded its global footprint in the world of opera with today’s announcement of its multi-year partnership with Opera Australia, the country’s largest performing arts organisation, to bring “BMW Opera for All” to Australia for the first time.

“BMW Opera for All” is a global event in cooperation with local orchestras and opera houses to present world class cultural experiences to the public for free. Annual events take place in Munich, and in addition, events have taken place in Berlin, and London.

The Australian premiere of this global initiative will include a one-hour open-air concert that will take place on the 4^th February 2023 at the Federation Square in Melbourne and include the most popular arias in opera.  The performance will feature four of Australia’s finest opera singers accompanied by 16 musicians from Orchestra Victoria.

Commenting on the partnership, Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, said: “BMW believes that art and culture are an integral part of our social sustainability, and it is therefore with utmost joy that BMW Australia is partnering with Opera Australia to bring our global ‘BMW Opera for All’ event to Australia. 

Mr. Buechel added that Melbourne was selected as the first Australian city because it has a rich art, theatre, and music scene and that the arts and culture scene usually enjoyed by so many was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  “This free-entry event enables BMW to support the industry while also bringing much needed joy to everyone who attends from near and far.  

“Together with Opera Australia, we have selected Federation Square as the venue because it’s an iconic destination renowned for its world-class art and culture engagements”, Mr. Buechel said.  Furthermore, it is in the heart of the city with a large outdoor area that can accommodate 8,000 people.  We look forward to hosting one of the biggest free outdoor opera events in Australia in 2023 and welcoming audiences of all ages,” Buechel added.

Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan is delighted to welcome BMW as a Platinum Partner to bring the global “BMW Opera for All” concert series to Australia for the first time.

“It is appropriate that Melbourne joins the ranks of other international cities to host this ‘BMW Opera for All’ concert, and what better location than Federation Square? This is a wonderful gift to Melbourne, and demonstrates BMW’s sincere commitment to enhancing the cultural life of the cities they operate in.  We are looking forward to seeing families and friends gathering again in the CBD for what promises be a wonderful celebration of great opera,” said Ms Allan.