HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR 2016 PRESENTS PUCCINI’S TURANDOT

Set against the striking backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge a grand production of Puccini’s epic fantasy, Turandot, is set to captivate and delight audiences when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour returns next year. Returning for the fifth consecutive year the event was established by the NSW Government through Destination NSW in partnership with Opera Australia in 2012.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has been a huge success. “This year’s successful season of Aida saw around 20,000 tickets sold to people outside of Sydney – an increase of around 75 per cent on the previous year - a remarkable achievement,” he said.

Opera Australia Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini AM, said Director Chen Shi-Zheng, will present a new vision for one of opera’s most loved works, with a huge cast, bold and exotic themes, big dance numbers and powerhouse voices including the biggest opera hit of all time, Nessun Dorma.

“For some time I’ve wanted to work with Chen Shi-Zheng. His incredibly rigorous Chinese opera background combined with his work in the West has given him two worlds to draw upon. The result is a unique style, both spectacular and incredibly intense and powerful,” Mr Terracini said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase welcomed the announcement and said, “This exceptional cultural event is a major drawcard for visitors to Sydney and since 2012, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has attracted an estimated 37,000 visitors from overseas, interstate and intrastate.”

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Turandot will run from 24 March 2016 until 24 April 2016.