Opera Australia is going to water with an $11.5 million spectacle on Sydney Harbour.
The “floating opera”, a performance of La Traviata, will transform the Royal Botanical Gardens for three weeks from March 24.
Performers will take to a 25 metre open-air stage over water. It will be lit by a giant Swarovski chandelier.
Opera Australia said the backdrop will include views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the city skyline.
“Everyone loves to look at the outside of the Sydney Opera House, so why not have that as the backdrop of a wonderful production,” said artistic director of Opera Australia, Lyndon Terracini.
Opera Australia hopes it will become an annual event and attract a large following within Australia and overseas.
With nearly 50% of forward-booking tickets sold, Opera Australia says half of people who have purchased tickets have never seen an opera before.
