A spectacular production of Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata will return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in March and April 2020, Opera Australia announced yesterday – with tickets going on sale in just over a week.
Widely regarded as a not-to-be-missed event on the cultural calendar (with Concrete Playground naming it “the best outdoor event to ever be staged in Australia”) this special Sydney experience boasts show-stopping views, world-class performers, fine dining options and nightly fireworks.
Australian Traveller even suggested people “start your bucket list again and put this at the top”.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has attracted more than 400,000 attendees from across Australia and around the globe since it launched its first season with La Traviata in 2012, to great fanfare, marking the beginning of an annual event that gets bigger and better every year.
Director Constantine Costi will take the reins for the first time in 2020 to present La Traviata based on celebrated director Francesca Zambello’s original production, with daring set designer Brian Thomson returning to conjure a new vision of Verdi’s classic, confirming the breathtaking nine-metre-high chandelier with its glistening 10,000 crystals will be back to wow the crowds.
Tickets go on sale to the public on 16 July 2019, and for the first time, guests will be able to book their premium dining experience at the Travel Associates Platinum Club at the same time. The Travel Associates Platinum Club is pop-up dining at its finest: a stunning dining room, bar and lounge set amongst the tree tops and featuring spectacular Sydney Harbour views.
Famous for its teary effect on Julia Roberts in the hit film Pretty Woman, La Traviata is the quintessential operatic experience. The show-stopping aria ‘Sempre Libera’ and the legendary drinking song ‘Brindisi’ will be elegantly performed by an exceptional cast and orchestra, and conducted by acclaimed maestro Brian Castles-Onion, also making a welcome return to the overwater stage.
Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini is thrilled to have this iconic opera back on the Harbour stage.
“Bringing back La Traviata has a sense of nostalgia. This event has come so far in the last nine years and has successfully brought the art of opera to so many new audiences. We are proud of what we have accomplished,” Terracini said.
NSW Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres, said Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour continues to go from strength to strength.
“This event is like no other – combining world-class performances, colourful costumes, majestic sets and exhilarating fireworks with the unbeatable backdrop of Sydney Harbour,” Ayres said.
“More than 62,000 tickets were sold for the 2019 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of West Side Story, which is an incredible result.
Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata set to return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage
“It is clear why Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is regarded as a must-see event on our State’s cultural calendar, as it continues to attract audiences from every corner of the globe. I have no doubt the return of the quintessential opera La Traviata will be bigger and better than ever before.”
The custom-built site features an outdoor stage, grandstand seating for nearly 3000 people, and an impressive range of themed dining and drinking options that make the most of the magnificent harbour views.
Guests can enjoy Italian-inspired offerings at a range of bars and restaurants that highlight the spectacular Sydney city skyline. From premium to casual eats, the five different restaurant and bar areas ensure all guests are catered for.
The Travel Associates Platinum Club pop-up dining with is Sydney Harbour backdrop is a great location to celebrate a romantic evening for two, have a memorable night out with friends or impress clients before the performance.
Guest have the option of an exclusive three-course sit down dining experience, complete with table service and matched with premium Tyrrell’s wines or can graze their way through the Buffet Selection. Both menus draw inspiration from regional Italian cuisine and set the scene for the evening ahead.
Guests looking to travel in style can catch a Water Taxi to the site, just like the cast members in Act II who arrive to the party scene by boat. The Water Taxi picks up at Man o’ War Steps at the Opera House and drops off at Andrew Boy Charlton pool, just a short walk to the site entrance.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and Dr Haruhisa Handa through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture.
Tickets go on sale from 16 July 2019. Single adult tickets from $99 (fees may apply), with group and concession prices available for most performances.
Edited by Peter Needham
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