9 Aug 2022
The magical Madama Butterfly returns to Sydney Harbour in 2023
Opera Australia is pleased to announce its stunning Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of Madama Butterfly, which premiered to great acclaim in 2014, will return to the iconic over-water stage at Mrs Macquaries Point in 2023.
Visitors to Sydney in March and April next year will have the opportunity to attend this unmissable highlight of Australia’s cultural calendar that showcases the best of Sydney, with iconic Harbour views, world-class performances and nightly fireworks.
Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM is thrilled to be bringing this stunning production back to Sydney Harbour.
“This production of Madama Butterfly by Spanish Director Alex Ollè is one of the most beautiful operas we’ve performed on the Harbour, so we’re thrilled to be giving people another opportunity to see it in 2023.”
More than 500,000 people from across the globe have attended Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour since its inaugural season in 2012. Attendance at the 2014 premiere season of Madama Butterfly exceeded 42,500, breaking all the previous box office sales.
Recognised as one of the world’s most-loved operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly features beautiful melodies, including Un bel dì vedremo (One Beautiful Day) and The Humming Chorus, and is based on the same heartbreaking tale as hit musical Miss Saigon.
“The most impressive outdoor event in Australia…you don’t need to understand opera to understand what makes the occasion great.” – Concrete Playground.
Hospitality and Dining
The custom-built pop-up venue offers an impressive range of dining and drinking options that make the most of the magnificent Harbourside location.
The Platinum Club hosts a fine-dining room, bar and lounge set amid the treetops. Dinner and show packages include a three-course pre-show dinner, interval drinks, program and performance. The Platinum Club can also be booked privately for groups and corporate entertaining.
To arrive in style, guests can catch a water taxi to the venue, which departs from the Man O’War Steps at the Opera House and drops off at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, just a short walk to the venue.
Travel Packages
Travel packages will be available, offering planned itineraries and discounts on accommodation, dining, and other iconic Sydney experiences with the purchase of a show ticket. This is the perfect, quintessential cultural Sydney experience to add to every visitor’s itinerary.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and Dr Haruhisa Handa through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture.
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Performance information
Location: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Dates: March 24 – April 23, 2023, excluding Mondays and Good Friday on 7 April
Running time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval
Booking Information
Tickets on sale to the public Tuesday 16 August
To join the pre-sale waitlist and get first access to tickets visit opera.org.au/harbour
Bookings and enquiries regarding travel trade for inbound nett rates, terms and conditions email tourism@opera.org.au or call +61 2 9318 8391.
Media enquiries
Janet Glover | Communications Manager | + 61 412 601 816 janet.glover@opera.org.au
Christy Seddon | Senior Publicist | + 61 411 675 490 | christy.seddon@opera.org.au