BIZET’S CARMEN TO RETURN TO SYDNEY HARBOUR

Carmen in 2013

Some of Sydney’s most spectacular landmarks will provide the backdrop for a magnificent outdoor production of one of the world’s best loved operas, Bizet’s Carmen, when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour returns next year.

Carmen stamps her feet, tosses back her hair and draws you into her world. Men fall instantly under her spell, and once you’ve heard her sultry Habanera, you’ll fall for opera’s favourite femme fatale, too.

Take a harbourside setting with an unrivalled view of the famous Sydney skyline. Build a pop-up opera house, complete with bars, restaurants and tiered seating. Add a monumental set, colourful, eye-catching costumes, spectacular dance and an explosion of fireworks, and you’ve got a night like no other.

This is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: the cultural event of the year. At sunset, gather with friends over a glass of something sparkling and a sumptuous Spanish meal before settling back to enjoy our vivacious, vivid production of Bizet’sCarmen.

Powerful voices sing those famous Spanish tunes, filling the night air with Spanish rhythms and fiery passion. Soldiers patrol, factory girls seduce shamelessly, glittering bullfighters parade and dancers pirouette their way across the stage as the captivating Carmen walks fearlessly towards a fate written in the cards.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the event has established itself as one of the world’s greatest outdoor opera events, showcasing Sydney to a huge audience each year.

“Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is one of the State’s most iconic events and I am delighted to announce that this world-class production will be returning in 2017 with Bizet’s Carmen,” Mr Ayres said.

“Each year Handa Opera on the Harbour attracts audiences from around Australia and the world, and has brought more than 37,000 overnight visitors to Sydney since 2012, providing a huge boost to our local visitor economy.”

Carmen in 2013

Tickets to Carmen go on sale next month and will be available from 2 June.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour was established in 2012 by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with Opera Australia.

Visit Opera Australia for further information.