Sydney to get floating opera

It will be music to Sydneysiders' ears when a new multi-million-dollar floating
opera extravaganza is hosted on the harbour.
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally announced on Sunday that Sydney will host Opera on
Sydney Harbour, a spectacular new event to be staged by Opera Australia and making
its debut in March 2012.
"The grandeur and majestic beauty of Sydney Harbour is the perfect backdrop for this
spectacular opera," Ms Keneally said.
"A ticket to Opera on Sydney Harbour will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience in
one of the most beautiful cities in the world."
Audiences will enjoy a world-class opera production on a unique floating platform
moored off the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The first opera to be staged as part of the event will be Verdi's La Traviata and is
set to feature a giant chandelier and fireworks.
Over a six-week season, there will be a total of 22 performances with more than
60,000 tickets on sale, half of which are expected to be snapped up by interstate
visitors.
The revenue from the event is set to bring more than $20 million to NSW every year.
Supported by the NSW Government through Events NSW, Opera on Sydney Harbour is
planned to be staged annually.
"This event will entice visitors to Sydney, as Opera on Sydney Harbour joins the
list of prestigious outdoor opera events, including Aida at the Luxor, Turandot in
the Forbidden City and the Opera at Lake Constance in Bregenz, Austria," Ms Keneally
said.
Ms Keneally also noted that events of this size were beneficial for Sydney's tourism
industry and would attract investment while also engaging the community in cultural
experiences of the highest order.