State Opera brings out big guns, some intriguing rarities and a major commitment to opera’s future.

On the surface of it, the State Opera SA launch seemed like any other. It was a smart affair in the Mortlock Library with various media and opera figures in attendance. There was the usual glossy brochure and marketing fanfare and the line-up was announced.

A revival of Mozart’s popular Don Giovanni, Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Sir David McVicar’s 2004 Covent Garden production of Faust and performances of Verdi’s mighty Requiem will all be played with a raft of notable names including Grant Doyle, James Eggleston and Kate Ladner. All seems set for another year of good, solid opera with strong artistic qualities and high production values.

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But behind the big names and the big productions there is something else which is driving the 2015 season, which is arguably of greater note and worthy of significant applause. Along with the major works, SOSA is implementing a raft of smaller projects and education initiatives, all of which underline a strong commitment to the art and the artists who make great opera possible.

Tim Sexton, SOSA’s CEO and Artistic Director, has set out a clear strategy...