This week marks the start of rehearsals for Carmen – Opera Australia’s second annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Directed by Gale Edwards, the ambitious production will feature a host of Australian and international artists on a spectacular floating stage at Mrs Macquaries Point.
Edwards admits last year’s hugely successful La Traviata is a hard act to follow. That production won four Helpmann Awards as well as the prestigious Australian Event of the Year.
“A friend asked me, ‘how are you sleeping?’ and I replied, ‘sleeping? What’s that?’” Edwards said.
She revealed the set design by Brian Thomson will feature two massive cranes that will move tanks, trucks and other set pieces on and off the 32-metre wide stage, but promised more surprises and even more fireworks.
41,000 people attended La Traviata last year, and Opera Australia says they’re on track to beating that figure with Carmen.
AussieTheatre was onboard a special twilight cruise earlier in the week to welcome the international artists to Sydney and see the site for the event.
Israeli born mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, who is sharing the title role with Milijana Nikolic, performed a sultry ‘Habanera’ for the guests before taking to the piano for an impromptu ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’.
The cast also features Ukranian tenor Dmytro Popov and American Adam Diegel as Don Jose, as well as some of Opera Australia’s finest including Andrew Jones, James Clayton, Nicole Car and Sharon Prero.
For more information visit www.operaonsydneyharbour.com.au
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What happens, when I come from interstate, bought tickets for that night, booked a room in hotel, paid for my return interstate flight, then, on that day ITS RAINING ALL DAY & NIGHT IN SYDNEY on the day of the performance, DO I GET A REFUND FOR TICKETS, HOTEL AND RETURN FLIGHT?????? It would be a very expensive cancellation.
Hi Ronald,
Of course not, as it is your decision to fly up to Sydney for the event.
My question to you is, what is the option? Would you prefer people in other states didn't put on events like this just in case they are cancelled?
Hopefully if it goes well the might produce one in Melbourne.
What is wrong to put the opera in arenas like in melbourne with a ROOF, we have 3 arenas with retractable roofs, so in case of bad weather, they can close the roof and there will be no cancellations and everybody is happy, including interstate and overseas travellers.