These are all the Opera Australia Sydney productions you need to see before the year ends

Opera Australia is dazzling audiences right through to the end of 2025 with a season of unmissable classics, bold musicals and New Year’s Eve showstoppers. Here’s your guide to the shows worth booking now.

Opera season in Sydney doesn’t slow down as the year winds to a close—in fact, it only gets more exciting. From timeless classics staged under the sails to one-night-only spectaculars, Opera Australia’s 2025 calendar is packed with productions that deserve a spot in your diary. Here’s your guide to the must-sees running between now and New Year’s Eve.

Carmen: until September 19

There’s a reason Carmen keeps drawing crowds around the world—it’s fiery, seductive, and impossible to resist. Opera Australia’s production delivers all the passion and danger of Bizet’s masterpiece, in a fresh, up-to-date new production. And don’t worry, some of the most recognisable melodies in opera remain in the show. If you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re running out of time. Intrigued? You can read our review of the new Carmen production: Opera Australia’s Carmen is fresh, crisp and resonates with today’s women

Where: Sydney Opera House

The Marriage of Figaro: until August 27

Mozart’s mischievous comedy about love, lust, and mistaken identities is one of the greatest operas ever written. Elegant, witty, and a chaotic whirlwind, this production is a sparkling reminder of Mozart’s genius. International singers Gordon Bintner and Michael Sumuel make their Australian debuts alongside Australian singers Kiandra Howarth, Siobhan Stagg, Emily Edmonds and Jane Ede. As for the costumes, historical fashion specialist Jenny Tiramani dresses the cast in silks and blues that are true to 17th-century design and details.

Where: Sydney Opera House

La Bohème: August 23-September 20

Puccini’s La Bohème is the opera that inspired Rent and continues to capture hearts more than a century later. Set in 1930s Berlin, a painter, a musician, a philosopher and a poet are having a night on the town. Expect sweeping arias, atmospheric staging, heartbreak and a bittersweet story that lingers long after the final note.

Where: Sydney Opera House

Rent: September 27-November 1

Broadway’s cult musical takes over the Opera House stage in spring, bringing its rock-opera energy and East Village grit to Sydney. A groundbreaking story of love, friendship and defiance, Rent is raw, powerful and perfect for audiences who like their musicals with a pulse. Plus, it’s a multi-Tony Award-winning musical—you can’t go wrong.

Where: Sydney Opera House

Great Opera Hits: August-March

Think of this as opera’s greatest playlist, performed live. Listen to famous arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, Verdi and more, performed by some of Opera Australia’s finest singers while the sun sets. The relaxed 90-minute concerts gather the genre’s most iconic moments into a performances designed to thrill both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers alike.

Where: Sydney Opera House

Mozart Requiem: October 4

Haunting, magnificent and Mozart’s final gift to the world, Requiem in D Minor remains one of the most moving pieces of music ever written. For one night only, Opera Australia presents this masterpiece in a performance from Opera Australia Orchestra and Opera Australia Chorus. They’ll also dazzle with other orchestral works from The Marriage of Figaro, Tchaikovsky’s Russian Dance and more.

Where: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, NSW 2000

The Opera Gala Concert: December 31

Sydney loves a big finale, and this New Year’s Eve Gala is the ultimate celebration of opera’s grandeur. Expect a star-studded cast, a handpicked program of crowd favourites and the unmatched atmosphere of ringing in the new year at the Sydney Opera House. You’ll hear all the biggest arias, watch the 9pm fireworks during the interval and can continue the night at the Midnight Party (tickets required). It’ll be your most glamorous New Year’s Eve ever.

Where: Sydney Opera House

Madama Butterfly on New Year’s Eve: December 31

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly closes out 2025 with a heart-wrenching story of love, sacrifice and betrayal, told through some of the most breathtaking music in opera. Watch Cio-Cio-San, a woman who dreams of a bigger life, and Pinkerton, a man whose callous pursuit of her ripples into sweeping tragedy. Followed with Sydney’s world-famous fireworks, this production is a once-in-a-lifetime way to see out the year.

Where: Sydney Opera House

Sydney’s Opera Australia season is closing 2025 on a high note, with a mix of bold musicals, timeless classics, and gala celebrations. Whether you’re an opera devotee or simply curious, these productions offer unforgettable nights out in the city’s most iconic venue.

For more information, visit opera.org.au

Sydney Opera House

Address: Bennelong Point, NSW 2000
How to get there: Buses, trains and ferries run to Circular Quay, which is a six-minute walk away from the Sydney Opera House. There is parking available at the Opera House, in the 24-hour car park located underneath the building; access is via 2 Macquarie Street (Northern End).

sydneyoperahouse.com

City Recital Hall

Address: 2 Angel Place, NSW 2000
How to get there: City Recital Hall is a short walk away from the Wynyard light rail stop, Wynyard and Martin Place train stations, and various bus stops along Martin Place. Parking is available nearby at 123 Pitt Street.

cityrecitalhall.com