NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said, “The addition of subtitles in Simplified Chinese is a significant opportunity to further promote one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor opera events, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, to our largest international visitor market, China.”

“Close to 70 per cent of all visitors from China undertake a cultural experience when visiting Australia and featuring subtitles in Simplified Chinese will be a major drawcard for Chinese visitors looking to experience an iconic Australian event in their own language.”

Opera Australia Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini said, “The extraordinary growth in international visitors, particularly from China, has prompted this innovation for opera in Australia. We believe that Turandot is the perfect production to launch this initiative.”

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is a grand cultural event, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

In 2016, Chinese-born director Chen Shi-Zheng will present a new vision for one of opera’s most loved works, Turandot. Growing up in China, Chen studied traditional Chinese opera and developed a significant reputation as a singer and actor before moving to the United States in 1987.

Set in Imperial Peking the production will feature an international cast, bold and exotic themes, extravagant dance numbers and powerhouse performances including one of the most famous arias of all time, Nessun Dorma.

Chen Shi-Zheng’s take on Turandot will be one for the history books, with his innate understanding of Chinese and Western artistic approaches combining to deliver an exciting spectacle not to be missed.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Turandot will run from 24 March 2016 until 24 April 2016.

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