4 operas perfect for first-timers
Are you ready to take the plunge and experience your first opera? Or are you a seasoned fan, wanting to introduce somebody special to the greatest art form of all?
We have some great operas, many perfect for first-timers, playing at the Sydney Opera House this summer. Here’s a guide to some of our picks for opera newbies.
Puccini
Madama Butterfly
3 January – 25 March 2026
Sydney Opera House
The tearjerker that stays with you.
This is opera at its most devastating: stunning music, aching emotion, and a story of love, betrayal and heartbreak that unfolds with hypnotic beauty.
Why go: You want to feel something — deeply. It’s the kind of show that lingers long after it ends.
Puccini
Turandot
15 January – 27 February 2026
Sydney Opera House
Epic spectacle. Alternate-reality fantasy. One of the most famous arias of all time.
If you’ve ever heard Pavarotti hit that high note in ‘Nessun dorma’, this is that opera, and the live version is pure goosebumps. Expect monumental sets, massive choruses, and a story about power and transformation that still hits today.
Why go: You want a night that feels huge, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Humperdinck
Hansel & Gretel
27 January – 28 March 2026
Sydney Opera House
A darkly enchanting fairytale with a score that glows.
This production leans into the story’s shadowy edges — think whimsical-meets-eerie, with a touch of Tim Burton energy — all wrapped in a lush, sophisticated score. It’s charming, funny, a little wicked.
Why go: You enjoy imaginative worlds, beautiful music, and a fairytale with a twist.
Opera Up Late
Sat 21 February 2026, 9:30pm
Sydney Opera House
Opera… without the rules.
Late-night vibes, unexpected performances, a sense of play — this is where opera lets its hair down. Think cabaret energy with world-class voices.
Why go: You’re curious, social, or just want something different (and fun) to kickstart a night out.