BMW Opera for All Concert 2025: World-Class Opera Takes Centre Stage in Melbourne’s Federation Square. Prelude performance by the Australian Girls Choir.

Federation Square came alive with music this past Saturday evening as thousands gathered for the highly anticipated BMW Opera for All concert. Now in its third year, the free open-air event, presented by BMW in partnership with Opera Australia - once again delivered a world-class cultural experience, celebrating the power of music and community.

This year’s concert introduced a special new addition: a prelude performance by the Australian Girls Choir, showcasing BMW’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting the arts at a grassroots level. Their harmonious melodies set the stage for an unforgettable night, connecting aspiring artists with some of Australia’s most celebrated opera talent.

Headlining the main performance were four of Opera Australia’s finest singers:

• Soprano Olivia Cranwell, who captivated audiences with her breathtaking rendition of operatic classics ahead of her return as Mimì in La Bohème this year.
• Mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, a three-time Green Room Award winner, who brought her signature artistry following recent standout performances in Eucalyptus and Carmen.
• Tenor Shanul Sharma, known for his commanding performances in The Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute, enthralled the audience with his powerful vocals.
• Baritone Christopher Hillier, whose rich tones and dynamic stage presence added depth to an evening of timeless opera favourites.

The singers were accompanied by 20 musicians from Orchestra Victoria, under the expert baton of renowned conductor Brian Castles-Onion, who has led BMW Opera for All since its Australian inception in 2022.

Reflecting on the event, Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the arts: "BMW Opera for All is a global initiative that celebrates culture, creativity, and the joy that music brings to people of all ages. We are proud to partner with Opera Australia, ensuring that world-class opera is accessible to everyone in the heart of Melbourne.”

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.