How to choose an opera...
It depends what you like! Think about what kind of films you like to see, or books you like to read. Operas fit loosely into three genres:
- Comedy
- Tragedy – may contain a little bit of (c)
- Epic – may contain a little bit of (b)
Every opera on our stages will have beautifully detailed costumes and sets. The look of each opera depends on the set and costume designers, and the era in which the production is set. We provide lots of information and images to help you see what a production looks like.
Even if you’ve never been to the opera, you’ll know many of the tunes from commercials and films. Where possible, we'll point to audio clipsso thatyou can listen to the big hit and have an idea what the music sounds like.
You can use any number of criteria to decide what to see — who is starring, how long the performanceis, what language it is sung in, what the costumes look like, what music you’ve heard, or simplywhatever appeals to you at the time.
You can also just choose an opera using our calendar, and you’re just as likely to enjoy it! If you call the box office, the team will be able to make specific recommendations.
What do I wear?
Most of us aren’t regulars on the ball circuit and don’t have a tuxedo or a fur coat stashed away to pull out for the opera. Trust us, that doesn’t matter.
It’s a whole lot of fun to get dressed up and be glamorous for a night at the opera. Where else can you wear your grandmother’s pearls or break out your wedding suit?
But it’s not mandatory. Look around the theatre and you’ll see women in co*cktail dresses, men in chinos, corporates in business suits, families in their Sunday best and tourists in whatever-they-were-wearing-that-day.
There’s no compulsory dress code. Wear what you’ll feel comfortable in. It can get cold in the theatre, so consider an extra layer. And if you're seeing a show on an outdoor stage, bring warm and weather-proof clothing!
Please avoid wearing strong fragrances in the theatre.
FAQs
Sydney Opera House sits on Bennelong Point. Bennelong Point was named after Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior Eora man at the time of the arrival of British colonisers in Australia in 1788.
Is it worth going inside Sydney Opera House? ›
The Sydney Opera House is an iconic cultural landmark in Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its innovative design and stunning harbour view make it a must-see destination. From the grand theatre to the outdoor performances, the Opera House offers a unique experience for everyone.
Can you wear shorts to Sydney Opera House? ›
There's no compulsory dress code. Wear what you'll feel comfortable in. It can get cold in the theatre, so consider an extra layer. And if you're seeing a show on an outdoor stage, bring warm and weather-proof clothing!
What is the short paragraph about the Sydney Opera House? ›
The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture.
Why is Sydney Opera House so famous? ›
Brief synthesis. The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture.
Do they still use the Sydney Opera House? ›
The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973, its concert halls and theatres host more than 1,600 performances a year, from opera to comedy shows.
Is it worth it to go inside the Opera House? ›
Our family loved exploring the Sydney Opera House! This architectural wonder is even more impressive in person. It's incredibly photogenic, and the perfect symbol of Sydney. We caught a world-class performance inside and learned about its innovative design.
Can you just walk into Sydney Opera House? ›
The only way to get inside the Sydney Opera House is on a scheduled tour or if you have purchased a ticket to a performance or event in one of the many spaces. You can walk the entire perimeter of this immense structure and go up the stairs at the front which are a very popular photo location.
Can I wear jeans to Sydney Opera House? ›
WHAT DO I WEAR? There is no particular dress code for Sydney Theatre Company. We encourage you to dress for comfort. Some people do dress up for a special occasion, some come straight from work, and others are more casual.
Can you bring a purse into the Sydney Opera House? ›
Larger items – including handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks, umbrellas, suitcases and prams – are not permitted inside the venues and must be cloaked. Cloaking is at the discretion of Opera House venue security staff and all items will be visually inspected.
Weekday and matinee performances are generally where you'll see more casually dressed opera-goers in business casual or jeans and a nice blouse or button-up.
What are three interesting facts about the Sydney Opera House? ›
5 Things You Never Knew About the Sydney Opera House
- The first performance was given by the activist Paul Robeson. ...
- The venue was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. ...
- There is a net installed above the orchestra pit (after a live chicken once fell in) ...
- There is a fine-dining restaurant, Bennelong, inside the opera house.
Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its unique and innovative design represents a breakthrough in modern architecture. The iconic sail-like structures have made it a symbol of Sydney and modern Australia as a whole.
Why did it take 14 years to build the Sydney Opera House? ›
Utzon, who resigned midway, never saw his design completed. Executing Utzon's vision was a huge challenge. Construction, expected to take four years, eventually required 14 years and 10,000 workers to complete.
What can be found in the Sydney Opera House? ›
Concert Hall: With 2,679 seats, the home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and used by a large number of other concert presenters. It contains the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ, the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world, with over 10,000 pipes.
Where to sit in the Sydney Opera House? ›
Best Seats in the Theatre: Opt for the middle seats in rows D to H of the stalls section if you're looking for a great view of the stage.
What land is the Sydney Opera House on? ›
The Opera House stands on Bennelong Point, known to the traditional custodians, the Gadigal, as Tubowgule. The Opera House continues this legacy today by embracing and celebrating the culture of First Peoples.
What is the Sydney Opera House surrounded by? ›
The Sydney Opera House is surrounded by water; it's kind of like the Harbour is our backyard! Like all backyards – it's a place that we are responsible for looking after.
