The Classics Opera

The Classics Opera makes a dazzling return to Victoria Gardens on Saturday 7 February 2026

The Classics Opera: Beg, Borrow or Steal
Tracing the echoes of classical music in popular song.

Victoria Gardens
Saturday 7 February 2026
7.30pm - 9.30pm

City of Stonnington’s Classics Opera invites audiences to Victoria Gardens, Prahran on February 7, offering a free summer evening of classical music under the stars for opera newcomers and devoted audiences alike.

A much-loved fixture on Stonnington’s cultural calendar, The Classics Opera enters its 24th year, continuing a long tradition of transforming Victoria Gardens into an intimate outdoor stage that celebrates the enduring power of music.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Victoria Gardens, this year’s event is themed “Beg, Borrow or Steal”, an illuminating exploration of how classical music has echoed through time and found new life in popular song.

Under the brilliant artistic direction of the incredibly talented Ali McGregor, the program will reveal the hidden family tree of melodies that audiences already know and love, highlighting how themes and harmonies are borrowed, reimagined and reinvented across classical, opera, pop and rock traditions. Expect bold renditions of Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Puccini, mixed seamlessly alongside the music of Elvis Presley, Madonna and AC/DC.

Joining Ali McGregor is an exceptional cast featuring some of Melbourne’s finest opera singers, including Johanna Allen, Jess Hitchcock, Boyd Owen, Kiran Rajasingam and Raphael Wong.

Free to attend and open to audiences of all musical experience, The Classics Opera invites audiences to pack a picnic rug, gather family and friends, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music in one of Stonnington’s most beautiful garden settings.

Experience the joy of melodies borrowed, stolen, and reinvented across time in this unforgettable outdoor concert.

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Local Dining

Make it a night out to remember and discover all that the local area has to offer. Victoria Gardens’ prime location puts great dining close at hand, and a selection of food trucks will be available at the event.

Small Print Pizza Bar
388 High St, Windsor

Small Print Pizza Bar is your relaxed, neighbourhood pizza bar serving handcrafted pizzas with quality ingredients. Perfect for sharing with friends and family before or after The Classics Opera at Victoria Gardens… right across the road!

Enjoy happy hour everyday from 4.30pm – 7.30pm ($7 tap beers and wine when dining in)

La Majestic
412 High St, Windsor

La Majestic invites you on a culinary journey through Europe. A celebration of authentic European flavours, artfully crafted dishes, and a dining experience that transports you to the heart of Europe. La Majestic’s menu offers something for every palate.

Open from 5pm – 10pm for pre-show and post-show dining.

Pizza High
392 High St, Windsor

A local favourite serving handcrafted pizzas, Pizza on High pride themselves on fast, friendly service and freshly made pizzas, perfect for a relaxed pre-show meal or a satisfying bite after the performance.

Get 5% off walk-in takeaway orders for Classics Opera attendees.

Nokii
410 High St, Windsor

Nestled in the heart of Windsor, Nokii brings an extraordinary fusion of Japanese and western flavors to life. Combining precise technique and refined creativity to provide every guest with an unforgettable culinary experienc, Nokii will leave you longing for your next visit.

Follow Nokii's Instagram page @nokii_windsor to get 10% off newly launched "Premium Sets"

Osteria Renata
436 - 438 High St, Prahran

Osteria Renata's menu celebrates Italian tradition through bronze-drawn specialty pasta, made to capture intense flavour in every bite. Showcasing outstanding Victorian ingredients and producers, Osteria Renata let simplicity and quality lead the way.

Open from 5pm – 10pm for pre-show and post-show dining.