Opera Australia’s new production of Rusalka is opera at its enchanting best.

Opera Australia’s 2026 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour kicks off a global celebration of Phantom’s 40th anniversary.

Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland TheatreDean Bryant, one of Australia’s greatest directors, coaxes magic out of Voltaire’s novella in an operetta that is both funny and meaningful

Bernstein’s crowd-pleasing comic operetta will have audiences laughing at the absurdity of extreme ideas.

The future of Opera Australia's iconic annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is uncertain following a funding dispute with its long-time patron, reclusive Japanese billionaire Haruhisa Handa. The 2027 season announcement omitted the beloved waterfront event and a major musical production, signaling potential financial strain. This dispute comes amid broader concerns about the sustainability of large-scale arts events in Australia. Opera Australia's decision to exclude the Harbour spectacle from its lineup raises questions about the organization's ability to secure funding for flagship projects. The conflict highlights the precarious balance between artistic vision and financial viability in the performing arts sector. With Handa's support critical to the event's survival, the situation underscores the challenges faced by cultural institutions reliant on private patronage. The omission of the Harbour opera from the 2027 season could have lasting implications for Sydney's cultural calendar and the organization's reputation. As negotiations continue, the arts community watches closely to see if a resolution can be reached that preserves this iconic event.