Following the success of last year’s performance of La Traviata, Hands Opera returns to Sydney Harbour.
Following the spectacular success of its first season – which took out four Helpmann Awards and two Australian Event Awards – Opera Australia is proud to announce Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 2013: CARMEN.
Celebrated director Gale Edwards will team up with visionary designers Brian Thomson (set), Julie Lynch (costumes) and John Rayment (lighting) to conjure an event that will out dazzle the first! Expect sizzling moments of Spanish seduction when these glamorous performers and creative visionaries bring Carmen to the glittering harbour stage including spectacular fireworks. Opera Australia will present eighteen performances over three weeks from 22nd March to 12th April 2013. Tickets from $79 go on sale from 8th October 2012.
Two gypsy-spirited mezzo-sopranos alternate in the role of the fiery Carmen, Israeli superstar Rinat Shaham and Serbian model-turned-opera-singer Millijana Nikolic . As the dashing hero, two international star tenors head downunder, Russian singer, Dmtry Popov, and American star, Adam Diegel. They are joined by an array of well-known Opera Australia singers including David Corcoran, Nicole Car, Andrew Jones, James Clayton and Sharon Prero.
NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said he was delighted that opera enthusiasts and visitors to Sydney would once again have the chance to enjoy the grandeur of a world-class operatic production in a spectacular outdoor setting that is renowned across the globe.
“The upcoming season of Carmen is poised to build on the success of the inaugural Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of La Traviata, reminding audiences both here and overseas why Sydney is Australia’s global events city and home of the performing arts,” Mr Souris said. “Carmen is a spectacular production, with great characters, a gripping storyline and superb music that will appeal to both lovers of opera and those experiencing opera for the first time. As a huge fan of the performing arts and opera enthusiast myself, I am very much looking forward to opening night.”
Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia said, “There is no stage in the world as spectacular as this one. Sitting on top of Sydney Harbour with the city skyline as the backdrop, this is opera like you’ll see in no other place in the world. Add to this world-class singers, unforgettable music and set/ costume designs to rival a Hollywood movie set, and you’ve got a truly unique reason to visit Sydney. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: CARMEN will be the cultural highlight of the city in 2013.”
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an outdoor opera event on a grand scale, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sydney skyline. The stage sits atop of the water, with the orchestra below and the night sky above. Fine dining, glamorous terraced bars and comfortable tiered seating allow audiences to make a night of it! Site designer, Eamon D’Arcy, will highlight the Spanish themes of Carmen and illuminate the space with beautiful designs and Fresh Catering will bring Spanish flavours into the dining areas on-site. Packages are available which offer various show + dining + souvenir program options.
Tix on sale now Opera Australia: +61 2 9318 8200 // Ticketmaster: +61 2 8512 9020
