“I am delighted to announce the NSW Government’s investment to secure Sydney Opera House – The Opera, a new Opera Australia production which tells the story behind the building of this renowned Sydney landmark,” Mr Ayres said.

“A re-staging of Alan John’s contemporary Australian opera The Eighth WonderSydney Opera House – The Opera will be staged on the forecourt of the iconic site, with five performances set to take place under the stars in October and November 2016.

“This magnificent production will attract people from across Australia and around the globe to experience this unique celebration of our landscape, infrastructure, culture and creative talent. The production is expected to contribute an estimated $2.3 million to the NSW visitor economy.”

Opera Australia Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini AM, said, “I think this piece will strike a chord with audiences as they will connect to the fraught story of the building of a masterpiece that eventually achieved World Heritage Status. This will be a major event for Sydney.”

Alan John’s The Eighth Wonder enjoyed two successful seasons at the Sydney Opera House in 1995 and won a Helpmann Award for Best Opera in 2001.

Sydney Opera House – The Opera will be directed by David Freeman with Danish singer Adam Frandsen in the role of The Architect – Jørn Utzon.

Download a PDF version of this media release (PDF 187 kb)