Australian Contemporary Opera Company
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Arts and culture
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- General population
Singing Stories of Today and Tomorrow
Australian Contemporary Opera Company (ACOCO) believes in the transformative power of modern operatic storytelling to surprise, delight, connect and inspire diverse audiences across Australia and internationally. Since our founding in 2008, we have championed contemporary opera, broken down traditional barriers to access, and created bold new experiences that challenge perceptions of what opera can be for the 21st century.
Established during the global financial crisis, and reimagined during/following the pandemic, ACOCO has emerged as Australia’s leading independent contemporary opera company.
ACOCO brings together world-class artists, visionary directors, musicians, and creative leaders to craft awe-inspiring performances. Our team combines kaleidoscopic skills and boundless dedication with a single purpose: advancing arts, culture, and education through the power of operatic storytelling.
ACOCO creates performances that challenge traditional opera conventions:
– 30+ Australian Premieres of international contemporary operas
– World-premiere commissions from emerging and established composers, including debut opera of William Barton
– Innovative stagings blending classical and contemporary storytelling
– Site-specific, outdoor, and immersive productions across Melbourne’s diverse venues
– Hybrid live-performance experiences including video installations and gallery exhibitions
International Festival
ACOCO founded and hosts the International Festival of Contemporary Opera and Song – a 10-day celebration of cutting-edge operatic works, Australian premieres, and contemporary masterpieces in Melbourne
Recent Achievements:
– Green Room Award-winning 10-day online festival (pandemic era) reached 200,000+ viewers in 30 countries
– Hosted guest artists of international calibre, including Melbourne-born soprano Danielle de Niese (2025)
– Performances across Melbourne venues including Melbourne Recital Centre, Federation Square and Malthouse Theatre
Support Australian Contemporary Opera Company
Got a question about this organisation or ready to contribute? Contact us.
Are you an ACF Fundholder? Log in to your Fund Portal to request a grant from your Fund.
Add your organisation to the Funding Platform
Is your not-for-profit organisation seeking funding? Add your organisation to the Funding Platform or upload your funding needs for a project.
Is this your organisation profile? You can request updates by resubmitting a Funding Platform Submission.