Overview
For those who have been worried about the prospect of no more Opera on the Harbour, now you can relax. It's been officially confirmed that Sydney's most striking outdoor musical experience will be returning for at least three more years, and if the future productions are as good as this season's Madama Butterfly, that is pretty happy news.
The event has been transformative for Opera Australia, with 2012's La Traviata and last year's Carmen seducing previously uninitiated audiences into the operatic fold. The shows have been successful enough to secure the continued patronage of Dr Haruhisa Handa, the businessman/priest (quite a hybrid) who gave them millions to stage the past three seasons.
There's something extra special about an event funded by a Japanese Shinto priest — plus the obvious pleasure factor in listening to beautiful music whilst gazing at the Opera House. If you've never been, consider investing in a ticket to the next production (it's a gentle splurge), which has already been chosen but is still under wraps.