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Opera Australia in partnership with Destination NSW, has announced that next year’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will present one of the most successful musicals of all time - Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, The Phantom of the Opera. In keeping with the open-air, waterfront theme, Opera Australia also announced it will stage a new bespoke production of Bizet’s much loved Carmen in the industrial surrounds of Cockatoo Island where private boats can book a mooring to watch the production

One of only a handful of new, first-class productions of Phantom to be created in its record-breaking 35- year history, the event will unite two of Australia’s most in-demand theatrical talents, director Simon Phillips and designer Gabriela Tylesova. Together they will deliver a whole new level of spectacle with this production designed specifically for Opera Australia’s famous over water stage on Sydney Harbour.

Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini is confident both productions are exactly what culture-starved Australians will be looking for and will be big drawcards for the Company’s 2022 season and notes “these two events represent a tremendous opportunity for audiences to enjoy unique Sydney experiences. We’ll be bringing together some of the finest singers, musicians and creatives in the world to present these productions under the starry southern skies.

“We wouldn’t be able to do these events without the support of the NSW Government through Destination NSW, who share our vision for presenting outstanding productions in uniquely Sydney settings, and invite the world to come and enjoy them.

“It’s a particular thrill to be creating a brand new outdoor production of the iconic The Phantom of the Opera. It gives the whole company a great confidence boost knowing we’ve been entrusted to present this event in line with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s incredibly high production values.”

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said events would play an important role in the recovery and growth of the State’s visitor economy in 2022 and beyond and added “It’s exciting to put Sydney in the spotlight once more and remind visitors about the unforgettable experiences on offer exclusively in the Harbour City.

“There’s no better way to do that than with two spectacular Opera Australia productions right on the water, against the backdrop of the city, inviting people to spend an evening or more in Sydney.

“These unique events are exactly what we need to support our goal to be the events capital of the Asia Pacific and reinforce the commitment to showcase our strengths such as the city’s artistic, cultural and natural assets.”

Carmen on Cockatoo Island will premiere in November 2022 capitalising on Sydney’s weather and outdoor lifestyle. Guests can either book seats on the island and enjoy an array of dining and drinking options on offer or, in a world first for opera, book a mooring for their own boat and watch the live performance projected onto a big screen.

If feeling adventurous, guests can also book one of the accommodation options on the island, and have an opera sleepover. Choose from the waterfront campsite with existing tents or opt for a few more creature comforts in one of the Heritage Holiday Houses or Harbour View Apartments.

Director Liesel Badorrek will create this edgy, new production of Carmen for Opera Australia’s inaugural Opera on Cockatoo Island season, bringing one of the world’s most popular operas, with some of the most recognisable tunes, to the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Joining Liesel will be choreographer Shannon Burns who earlier this year choreographed La Traviata on Sydney Harbour while Mark Thompson will design the set and costumes, with lighting by renowned designer John Rayment. Opera Australia’s accomplished Head of Music Tahu Matheson will conduct the Opera Australia Orchestra.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera: 25th March – 24th April 2022
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Carmen on Cockatoo Island: 25th November – 18th December 2022
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Ticket buyers wanting to secure tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour or Carmen on Cockatoo Island can join the waitlist until tickets go on sale to the public in November. www.opera.org.au 

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and Opera on Cockatoo Island are supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, The Phantom of the Opera is supported by Dr Haruhisa Handa through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture.

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