Spectacular outdoor opera to return to Sydney

Minister of State

Sydney will come alive with the spectacle and emotion of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour for another three years through a renewed partnership between the NSW Government and Opera Australia.

The world renowned event has been supported by the government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, since its inception in 2012.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour would continue to be a major drawcard for visitors when it returned in March 2021 with Verdi’s iconic La Traviata.

“Nowhere else in the world can you sit beneath the stars and witness a breathtaking opera performance in front of such an iconic harbour backdrop. This is Sydney at its absolute best,” Mr Ayres said.

“Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an unmissable event on the NSW annual events calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to Sydney since it began in 2012, and we know it will play an important role in stimulating the NSW visitor economy going forward.

“I encourage locals and visitors to book their ticket to La Traviata in March 2021 and make it a special occasion – enjoy dinner and drinks at one of Sydney’s many harbourside restaurants and bars before the show, and treat yourself to a hotel stay after. This event is truly like no other and you will not want to miss it!”

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said it was easy to see why Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is globally revered.

“With world-class performances featuring wonderful costumes and sets, culminating in exhilarating fireworks set against the unbeatable backdrop of Sydney Harbour, this is a must-see event,” Mr Harwin said.

Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said, “It’s a great relief to finally be moving forward and we’re thrilled to be announcing the extension of our partnerships with Dr Handa and Destination NSW through to 2023. We could not have achieved such enormous success and international recognition without their unwavering support.”

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s La Traviata will run from 26 March to 25 April 2021.

NSW businesses, residents and visitors must comply the latest NSW Health advice, available at nsw.gov.au/covid-19

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