La Traviata on Sydney Harbour is the ultimate Sydney experience. It’s the perfect date night out with your significant other, for a night filled with romance, fireworks, and an emotional and breathtaking story.
Audiences will truly be blown away by the stunning production and 5 restaurants and bars on-site to enjoy a delicious glass of sparkling and indulge in delectable cuisine.
With an incredible stage floating on the water and a 3,000-seat opera theatre with the breathtaking backdrop of the Sydney Harbour, and a stunning 3.5-tonne and 10,000 crystal chandelier hoisted high above the stage, the dazzling centrepiece of the production. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour La Traviata is not one to be missed. An extraordinary musical-theatrical experience that explores the beauty, and sadness of opera with touching music and outstanding performances of colour, glamour, and the essence of grand opera.
The Story
The opera follows a beautiful and carefree courtesan by the name of Violetta who is the life of the party dancing across the stage. However, Violetta hides an illness behind her dazzling smile, as her love interest Alfredo enters and confesses his love for her. Little does Alfredo know that his love is dying of tuberculosis and an emotional yet beautiful opera performance unfolds.
La Traviata has inspired multiple stories of pop culture like Moulin Rouge, or even Pretty Woman! Film buffs and pop culture enthusiasts will remember Edward (Richard Gere) taking Vivian (Julia Roberts) to see the world’s most popular opera, La Traviata in the film, drawing parallels from the film and opera’s story!
Getting there
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is located at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney. If you plan to arrive via public transport the nearest train station is St James and a short walk to the Domain Car Park where a free pre-performance shuttle service runs from 5:00pm until 7:30pm, looping from the Domain Car Park (departing from Sir John Young Crescent on the ground floor) to the venue entrance. The post-performance shuttle service runs from 8:40pm until midnight and will stop at both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain Car Park.
I found this to be a true lifesaver and super convenient to avoid traffic and astronomical Uber fees before and after the performance. Plus the atmosphere of the shuttle bus is electric with everyone’s spirits high with excitement for the night we are all about to experience together.
COVID-Safe Outdoor Event
Note that, La Traviata on Sydney Harbour is a COVID-Safe event. All patrons must sign in using the QR code for the Service NSW app on your smartphone. You will find the QR code on signage along the pathway to the entrance. Your sign-in will be checked when your ticket is scanned before you can enter the site.
Overall Experience
The unrivalled backdrop of Sydney Harbour includes an LED light strip of the 1950’s Paris skyline featuring a 15-metre Eiffel Tower including the spectacular chandelier. You’re immediately immersed in the opera that will bring out every emotion you could encounter, and an extraordinary firework display to light up the Sydney sky.
I cannot recommend this phenomenal opera enough. Whether you’re a fan of opera or not, you will immediately recognize the arias and music from the show that will bring a smile to your face. The costumes, lights, sets, and dancers will astound you; and the pure magnificence of the opera performances will mesmerize you. Playing now through 25 April, book your tickets today for a truly unforgettable night of splendour.
Featured Image Credit: Hamilton Lund