Last evening at the performance of Opera Australia’s COSI FAN TUTTE, audience members were able to see the ongoing preparations for the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

The stage, audience stands, and set are all now installed. Only the fitting out of the restaurants and bars remains to be completed. As dusk set, the stage lights were lit, as well as the gigantic chandelier that is the focal point of the set. I have to say that the impression of the chandelier viewed from the Opera House is truly AMAZING, sparkling and shimmering in the evening dark.

During the intermission the set was still in the process of being lit and a rehearsal was in progress, the chandelier was now green and the COSI audience was incidentally treated to a demonstration of the fireworks to be used during performances. The fireworks, while not as grand as New Year’s Eve in Sydney, are still a show stopper for a Parisian party updated to the 1950′s.

If you haven’t bought your tickets to this show yet – buy one as soon as you can. Once the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has opened and the word is out, I predict you won’t be able to beg, borrow or steal a ticket !

Tickets for the opera and dinner packages can be purchased on line from the Opera Australia website:

http://www.opera-australia.org.au/whatson/opera_on_sydney_harbour

Interstate and overseas visitors may still be able to book weekend packages from Renaissance Tours:

http://www.renaissancetours.com.au/gala-weekend-on-sydney-harbour