Opera Australia has announced that it will premiere the world’s first fully digital Ring Cycle in December 2023  at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

The Ring Cycle was originally scheduled to open in November 2020, but postponed twice due to COVID-19-related restrictions and border closures. The season will feature three full Ring Cycles and seven performances of OA’s digital production of Verdi’s “Aida.”

In a statement Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said, “As disappointing as it was to have to postpone again this year, I’m heartened that this pandemic and all its restrictions will be well and truly behind us when we open in 2023, when international audiences will again be able to visit Brisbane. It’s clear this spectacular new digital production of the Ring has captured the imagination of many fans around the world, so it’s very comforting to know it will now be available to everyone.”

He added, “We’ve been very lucky to again be able to secure conductor Phillippe Auguin, stellar American soprano Lise Lindstrom and the world’s best and most in-demand Siegfried, German tenor Stefan Vinke. I’m also excited that Australians Daniel Sumegi and Anna-Louise Cole will be making their long-awaited debuts as Wotan and Brünnhilde respectively.”

The Ring Cycle will open on Dec. 1 with the first cycle performed through Dec. 7, 2023. The second cycle will be performed from Dec. 8 through Dec. 14 while the third will take the stage between Dec. 15 and Dec. 21. Meanwhile, the company will present “Aida” from Dec. 6-20, 2023.