La Traviata, Opera on the Big Screen, Sydney Opera House

The thing I love most about Sydney is its endless stream of free outdoor events.

On Saturday night I took a visiting friend from overseas to the free outdoor screening of Verdi's La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House. Whilst those inside had paid up to $233 for seats inside, the general public could view a free simultaneous broadcast on a screen outside, sitting on the Opera House steps to the forecourt (the event was also broadcast to Melbournites gathered in Federation Square).



This attempt to bring opera to the masses worked brilliantly--all the free tickets were fully booked weeks beforehand.

Apart from an occasional Opera in the Domain (another free outdoor event held during the January Sydney Festival) I hadn't seen any full-blown operas. We were in for a treat.

The sets were amazing, the orchestra was emotionally uplifting, and the voices were powerfully impressive. Some of the high notes were so sweet and pure, you almost thought your lungs would burst.

A wonderful evening spent on an international landmark and a fantastic display of Aussie egalitarian hospitality.

Welcome to Sydney.


Sydney Opera House steps


Live interviews being broadcast


Watching ourselves on the screen
(yes, that's me with the camera)


The principal cast exited the Opera House
to take their bows outside, in front of the big screen