Discover something new - Sydney Opera House · Stones, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Shakin’ Stevens, PJ Harvey and others. Join him for a night of piano and sax, joined by guest

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Celebrate exceptional contemporary music with Vivid LIVE. Be swept away by the grandest of operas, Aida.Dance through the personal and profound at Gudirr Gudirr. Journey through the fantastical adventures of Wilde Creatures. Join us on a journey of discovery and dance at Sydney Opera House.

Welcome to What’s On

In this issue

3 Highlights4 Vivid LIVE12 Contemporary Music14 Musical 16 Dance17 First Nations18 Opera 20 Kids22 Classical Music28 Theatre29 Badu Gili30 Tours31 Shop32 Eat & Drink34 Sydney’s seal of approval36 Get Around

Ticket and Box Office informationTicket price referenced is the lowest available adult price. Lowest price may be restricted view. Concessions may apply. Eligibility for concessions will vary across events. Please check with the box office or visit the website. Information correct at time of printing. Artist lineup subject to change without notice. For performances commencing outside of general opening hours, please be aware the Box Office will remain open until 15 minutes after the performance start time.

Call us02 9250 7777

Visit our websitesydneyoperahouse.com

Visit the Box OfficeMon–Sat 9am–8.30pm Sun 9am–5pm

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Support us Did you know we’re a not for profit? Your gift will help us keep the Opera House open and accessible to everyonesydneyoperahouse.com/give

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Jun/Jul

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➀ Aida➁ Ballet Preljocaj’s Snow White➂ Wilde Creatures➃ The White Album Concert➄ A Night at the Speakeasy

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2–3

Lighting of the Sails Metamathemagical by Jonathan Zawada

25 May – 16 June Every night 6pm – 11pm FREE

Celebrated Australian artist Jonathan Zawada creates a site-specific artwork, transforming the Sydney Opera House sails into a series of kinetic digital sculptures.

The Night. Reimagined. Samsung Galaxy S9 | S9+25 May – 16 JuneFREE

Journey through a spectacular spiralling aperture-like installation, for the chance to see your AR emoji projected on to Sydney’s most iconic face – Luna Park.

Vivid LIVE

Vivid LIVE is the highlight of Sydney Opera House’s year round contemporary music program.

Come and share in this exceptional celebration of ambitious popular music, within the annual Vivid Sydney festival of light, music and ideas.

10th Anniversary, 25 May – 16 June

Explore the full line-up at sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive

4–5

Total Control & Friends ft. Native Cats, Greta Now & DJ Yoni

Sydney Opera House presents1 JuneStandard tickets from $32*

*Transaction fee of $5 - $8.50 applies per order, except Insider members.

Perhaps the greatest post-punk-post-everything band to ever play the Opera House, be there as these legends go all out for a furious farewell, with special guests Native Cats, Greta Now and DJ Yoni, before heading off overseas.

Astral People ft. Danny Krivit, Natasha Diggs & Lauren Hansom



Astral People return to the Studio in New York disco mode with New York's legend of The Loft Danny Krivit alongside the Queen of 45’s, Natasha Diggs and Sydney’s own globe-trotting wax specialist Lauren Hansom.

Solange

Sydney Opera House presents1 – 4 JuneOnly Australian showsStandard tickets from $79*


Leading a new musical evolution, the queen of RnB returns for her only Australian shows, performing hits from her number one album, A Seat at the Table.

Xylouris White



George Xylouris and Australian post-punk drummer from The Dirty Three, Jim White reunite for their third album, making their powerful Sydney Opera House debut.

Vivid LIVE

An Evening with Repressed Records ft. NASHO, Mick Turner, Hurtsville & Knitted AbyssSydney Opera House presents2 JuneStandard tickets from $32*


After presenting some of the biggest shows ever at Vivid LIVE over the years, Sydney’s underground institution flip it up for a canapé-friendly, harbour view setting featuring the best kept secrets in Australia.

6–7

Mad Racket ft. Lord of the Isles live



Well rolled, well bowled. Be part of Sydney’s longest running dance institution as they dust off from the Marrickville Bowlo, to bring one of the best parties—period—back to the Studio for Vivid LIVE.

Ambient 1: Music For Airports Performed by Alaska Orchestra Written by Brian EnoSydney Opera House presents3 – 5 JuneStandard tickets from $39*


Rediscover Brian Eno's ambient classic as Alaska Orchestra reimagines Music for Airports in a mind expanding experience, looking out of the floor to ceiling windows onto the glittering water views of the Utzon Room.

No Mono

Sydney Opera House presents2 June Australian PremiereStandard tickets from $29*


Following their heart stopping first collaboration on #1 Dads’ ‘Return To’, see the recordbreaking duo premiere their debut album as No Mono, in a special one off performance and Australian premiere.

Mazzy Star

Sydney Opera House presents11 – 13 June Aus Debut, Only Aus ShowsStandard tickets from $79*


For their long awaited Australian debut, California’s underground psychedelic darlings premiere their haunting atmospheric sound with a full band, in the Concert Hall.

Vivid LIVE 8–9

Goldie’s Music Hall

25 May – 16 JuneFREE, 18+, Open 6pm til late

For this year’s Vivid LIVE bar takeover, Newtown’s bluesy local The Midnight Special reach back into the golden era of 60s and 70s funk, soul and R&B to transform the Concert Hall Northern Foyer into a gleaming world of black and gold glamour. Entrace located next to Drama Theatre.

Vivid LIVE

Vivid LIVE Audio Tour

12 JuneDeparts at 6pm Registration for the 12 June tour closes 11 June, 4pm.

Take a front row seat on the Western Broadwalk and listen to live visual descriptions of this year’s images projected onto the iconic Opera House sails. We invite visitors who are blind or have low vision and their companions to join us for a personalised live audio described tour of the Opera House’s Lighting of the Sails, Vivid LIVE’s most public event.

Vivid LIVE Backstage Tour

25 May – 4 JuneDeparts daily in English at 5.30pm from Stage Door

This two-hour evening VIP experience takes you on a journey behind-the-scenes with an intimate small-group, where you will explore the Intel Broadcast Studio and rehearsal spaces. Afterwards complete the experience with dinner in the Green Room – the exclusive domain of our crew and performers.

10–11

Camp Cope

Sydney Opera House presents25 JulyStandard tickets from $34*


Following a sold out national tour, the Melbourne power trio celebrate their fearless second album in one of their final Australian performances of the year.

Ben Howard

Sydney Opera House presents by arrangement with Secret Sounds26 – 27 JulyStandard tickets from $69*


Following a long four year wait, the Brit Award-winning folk outsider behind Every Kingdom makes his Opera House debut, with a full band.

Contemporary Music

The White Album Concert

Presented by Tim Woods and Phil Bathols28 – 29 JulyStandard tickets from $89*


After two sold out tours in 2009 and 2014, Chris Cheney (The Living End), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Tim Rogers (You Am I), and ARIA Award-winning solo artist Josh Pyke are reuniting for a 2018 tour in a nod to the 50th anniversary of the beloved Beatles album, backed by a 17-piece band.

Regina Spektor



After a long six year wait, New York’s Russian born indie iconoclast returns for a special solo performance in-the-round – featuring fan favourites, rarities, and perhaps a few new surprises.

Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite

Presented by Live Nation22 JulyStandard tickets from $122.35*


Grammy Award-winning artists Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite are bringing their second joint album, No Mercy in This Land, to the Concert Hall stage for a one-night-only performance.

Both Sides Now

Presented by Phil Bathols and Jeff Lewis15 JulyStandard tickets from $99*


Kate Miller-Heidke, Ella Hooper, Wendy Matthews, Kristin Berardi and Rachel Gaudry perform the unforgettable songs of inspirational singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, with a 12-piece band.

George Michael: Listen to Your Heart



Celebrate George Michael’s iconic songs with an incredible 31-piece orchestra lead by John Foreman OAM, and some great Australian voices including Rob Mills, Hugh Sheridan, Casey Donovan, Andrew De Silva and Bobby Fox.

12–13

Musical

Assassins

Sydney Opera House presents7 June – 1 JulyStandard tickets from $49.90*


Catch this, strictly limited season of Sondheim & Weidman’s multi Tony Award-winning musical. David Campbell shines as John Wilkes Booth, leading Lee Harvey Oswald, and seven other assassins, bound together by their uniquely subverted versions of the American Dream: to shoot the President. Almost frighteningly topical, this is Sondheim at his best – a must see for all musical theatre fans.

John Cameron Mitchell The Origin of Love – Songs and Stories of HedwigPresented by Sydney Opera House in association with David M. Hawkins6 JulyStandard tickets from $59*


Put on some make-up, turn up the 8-track and pull the wig down in a collective quest for love and identity. John Cameron Mitchell, the Tony Award-winning, Golden Globe nominated co-creator of the cult classic musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, brings rock ballads and stories from his groundbreaking past to life.

Patti LuPone: Don’t Monkey with Broadway

Presented by The Music House23 JuneStandard tickets from $75*


Multiple Tony and Grammy Award winner, Patti LuPone, explores her life-long love affair with Broadway. Experience indelible interpretations of classic Broadway show tunes by Richard Rogers, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and more.

Funny Girl – The Musical in Concert

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra12 – 14 JulyStandard tickets from $79*


The bright lights of Broadway will shine on the Opera House when SSO presents the hit musical Funny Girl in concert. Featuring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Dami Im, Maggie McKenna, Caroline O’Connor, Megan Washington - among others - who will each night share the iconic role of Fanny Brice on stage.

14–15

Dance First Nations

Dark Emu

Presented by Bangarra Dance Theatre14 June – 14 JulyStandard tickets from $81*


Compelling contemporary dance, soul stirring soundscapes and uniquely Australian stories: Bangarra returns in 2018 with the world premiere of Dark Emu. This powerful new work, directed by Stephen Page, explores the vital life force of flora and fauna. Following 2017’s sell-out Bennelong, tickets for Dark Emu are going fast. Book now!

Ballet Preljocaj’s Snow White

Sydney Opera House presents6 – 10 JuneStandard tickets from $59*


International dance sensations Ballet Preljocaj bring their wickedly dark re-telling of the classic tale for a strictly limited season. White tutus give way to sumptuous, avant-garde costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier and classical ballet surrenders to modern choreographic magic.

Gudirr Gudirr

Sydney Opera House presents the Marrugeku production27 – 30 JuneStandard tickets from $39.90*


Fusing performance art, Indigenous dance, aerial gymnastics and Malaysian martial arts, Gudirr Gudirr is a powerfully emotive and profoundly personal solo work by celebrated Australian dancer-choreographer, Dalisa Pigram.

The Song Keepers in Concert: The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s ChoirPresented by Andrew Kay and Desert Song Festival22 JuneStandard tickets from $89*


Experience the unique and moving sounds of sacred music in ancient and living Indigenous languages together with new music from recent collaborations with other Central Australian and international Choirs.

16–17

Opera

Lucia di Lammermoor

Presented by Opera Australia28 June – 27 JulyStandard tickets from $75*


Family honour, love and madness come together in this spectacular piece for a sensational soprano. Australian-born Jessica Pratt has joined the ranks of Nellie Melba and Joan Sutherland as one of just three Australians to sing the title role on the hallowed La Scala stage. Now, she returns home to make her Sydney Opera House debut in this legendary role.

Rigoletto

Presented by Opera Australia6 July – 24 AugustStandard tickets from $75*


Rigoletto serves his master with sharp wits and averted eyes. He’s hideous, hated, untouchable. In this shimmering world of secrets and seduction, can he keep the one he loves most safe? This much-loved production of Rigoletto returns to the Sydney Opera House stage, complete with its glamorous La Dolce Vita-inspired sets and costumes and scene-stealing car.

Aida



The grandest opera of them all: an epic story of love and betrayal, triumph and treason as two ancient powers go to war. Opera Australia’s new production smashes the limits of traditional stagecraft, using cutting edge digital LED technology to transform Sydney’s most famous stage into the splendour of Ancient Egypt.

Great Opera Hits



Relax on a winter afternoon as the sun sets across Sydney Harbour. Listen to famous arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi performed by some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, accompanied by piano.

18–19

Kids

Tribunal

Presented by Sydney Opera House and PYT | Fairfield 6 – 7 JulyStandard tickets from $36*


Welcome to the Australian Truth and Reconciliation Tribunal we’ve never had. Direct from a sold out season at Sydney Festival 2018, this participatory performance puts Australia’s colonial past and refugee policies on trial. Tribunal is a powerful piece of political theatre where the truth can be told, connections can be made, and intimacies shared. Recommended for ages 12+

The Hunting of the Snark

Presented by Sydney Opera House, RGM Productions and Alice House Theatre17 – 22 JulyStandard tickets from $27*


All aboard! Children, animals and silly people are welcome on the voyage to find the mythical snark! Enter the wonderful world of Lewis Carroll and get ready for this side-splitting, fast-paced musical comedy adventure that will have the whole family clapping their hands and stomping their feet. Recommended for ages 6+

The Great Illusionist

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Het Filiaal Theatremakers 21 – 29 JulyStandard tickets from $25.50*


Jump into this enchanting tale of a young boy who longs to be an illusionist. Packed with cleverly executed illusions and tantalising tricks, it proves there’s more to magic than meets the eye! This rich, multilayered production is sure to captivate the whole family.Supported by Performing Arts Fund NL. Recommended for ages 8+

Wilde Creatures

Sydney Opera House presents a Tall Stories and Nica Burns Production 7 – 14 JulyStandard tickets from $25*


Come on a fantastic journey through palaces, forests and beyond in this exciting new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s fairy tales. Multi award-winning theatre company Tall Stories (Olivier-nominated producers of The Gruffalo) return with original live music, imaginative storytelling and a generous dash of comedy. Recommended for ages 5+

20–21

SSO Fellows – Mahler in Miniature



A thrilling concert featuring some of Australia’s brightest young orchestral talents in a rare and intimate performance of Mahler and Ives. An ensemble of just 15 musicians will bring fresh intimacy to a composer known for his larger-than-life music and Ives’ famously enigmatic The Unanswered Question.

Anne-Sophie Mutter plays Tchaikovsky

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra14 – 16 JuneStandard tickets from $69*


The “queen of the violin” returns to Sydney to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in a concert conducted by David Robertson. Audiences will also be treated to the sweeping, Russian Romantic sounds of Kalinnikov’s first symphony filled with memorable melodies and opulent orchestral colour.

Classical Music

Last Night of the Proms



Wear your red, white and blue, grab your flag and your friends and indulge in the best of British including Rule, Britannia!, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance and be part of Sydney's biggest choir as you join with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to sing Jerusalem.

Thomas Hampson



Experience one of the voices of our time in this charismatic performance by Thomas Hampson with a program of Mahler, Schubert, Rossini, Copland and more as a part of the 2018 Utzon Music Series.

ChorusOz Saul

Presented by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs10 JuneStandard tickets from $75*


A king, his successor and a friendship transformed into a deadly rivalry. Handel’s Saul is a grand and gripping drama set against a backdrop of arias and spectacular instrumental fireworks. Experience the splendour of the 700-strong ChorusOz choir in this one-off performance.

22–23

SSO Percussion Stars – Tea & Symphony

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra15 JuneStandard tickets from $43*


Bring together the SSO percussionists, an amazing array of instruments and a world of cultures and you’ve got one captivating concert! Featuring sounds from West Africa, Japan, Hungary and more.

Classical Music

Verdi’s Requiem



Verdi’s awe-inspiring Requiem lends the drama of opera to a deeply personal expression of grief. He never intended this powerful and moving music for church use but as a public memorial to one of Italy’s national heroes, the poet Manzoni. This choral masterpiece will take you on a journey of powerful emotion.

A Night at the Speakeasy



Enter the shady world of a 1920s speakeasy in a transformed Concert Hall. The mood will be set with the sound of Foxtrot, Charlestown and Tango, as well as Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing ‘live’ with George Gershwin in Rhapsody in Blue.

Ensemble Offspring



Feel the vibrations in this exciting set of colourful percussion solos performed by Ensemble Offspring’s Artistic Director and leading percussionist Claire Edwardes with Associate Artist Georgina Oakes. Featuring gongs, drums, metals and even recited text, these original Australian works are beguiling and sonically stimulating.

Steven Isserlis plays Shostakovich

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra1 JulyStandard tickets from $49*


The ACO welcome their long-time friend and world-renowned cellist Steven Isserlis back to Australia for a program directed by Richard Tognetti, featuring Shostakovich’s monumental First Cello Concerto and Haydn’s ‘London’ Symphony. The concert also features two world premieres from Australia’s own Elena Kats-Chernin and America's Samuel Adams.

Omega Ensemble – Fairy Tales

Presented by Omega Ensemble17 JuneStandard tickets from $99*


Enter a world of magical moments and refreshing musical interpretations in a celebration of music old and new, exploring Schumann’s Fairy Tales, along with Samuel Hogarth’s brand-new Trio and Bruch’s 8 pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano.

Stephen Hough plays Rachmaninoff

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra4 – 5 JulyStandard tickets from $39*


One of the world’s greatest pianists Stephen Hough makes his return to Sydney to perform Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic Paganini Rhapsody. A dazzling event that also includes Mendelssohn’s

‘Reformation’ Symphony.

24–25

Classical Music

Pictures at an Exhibition

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra18 –21 JulyStandard tickets from $39*


Exhilarating music from two Russian masters and the Australian premiere of a new American violin concerto. The “monstrously talented” violinist Benjamin Beilman makes his SSO debut with Jennifer Higdon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning concerto.

Stephen Hough plays Rachmaninoff – Tea & Symphony

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra6 JulyStandard tickets from $43*


Enjoy a delightful morning of music shared with friends over a welcoming cup of tea. Move your spirit and engage your senses with Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Rhapsody and a Mendelssohn’s ‘Reformation’ Symphony.

Kingdom Hearts Orchestra World Tour

Presented by La Fee Sauvage7 JulyStandard tickets from $109*


Discover the official Kingdom Hearts video game concert produced under the supervision of game director Tetsuya Nomura himself, and with music program supervised by original composer Yoko Shimomura.

István Várdai



Witness the dazzling skill of one of the world's most awarded cellists as he performs a virtuosic program of Ligeti, Bach and Kodály as a part of the 2018 Utzon Music Series.

Young Performers Awards

Presented by Music & Opera Singers Trust Ltd24 JulyStandard tickets from $29*


Three gifted musicians battle it out for the coveted title of Young Performer of the Year, where each Finalist will play an exhilarating concerto accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the baton of celebrated conductor Dr. Nicholas Milton.

ANAM Artists



Celebrated alumni from the Australian National Academy of Music come together to perform in a superbly crafted quintet featuring piano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon. Join Ensemble Penegrine as they present this exclusive performance exploring Mozart’s finest quintet.

26–27

Theatre Badu Gili

The Long Forgotten Dream

Presented by Sydney Theatre Company23 July – 25 AugustStandard tickets from $109*


This stunning new Australian drama has attracted a star-studded creative team including director Neil Armfield and Wayne Blair in the lead role. Evoking our windswept coast and reaching into far corners of the world, this monumental epic tells a moving, captivating family story with humour and even a little magic.

Daily sails lighting at sunset and 7pm*

Located on the Podium at the top of the Monumental StepsFREE

Badu Gili is a free daily experience that explores Australia’s ancient stories in a spectacular seven-minute projection, illuminating the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sail year-round at sundown and 7pm.

*7pm viewing will not run during Vivid Sydney

28–29

Shop

Sydney Opera House Shop

The Sydney Opera House Shop offers a wide range of Sydney Opera House inspired gifts and souvenirs including the new Utzon Collection and Bausele Watch range. Items such as the embossed Minskat

Tours

Backstage Tour

Daily at 7amTickets: $175

Sweep back the curtains and explore behind-the-scenes with an intimate small-group Backstage Tour. Journey through rehearsal spaces not open to the public, breakfast in the exclusive domain of our performers, and be tantalised with insider secrets from our expert guides.

Junior Adventure Tour

7 – 22 July, 10amTickets: Adult $32, Child $22

The Junior Adventure Tour is filled with interactive activities and games for the whole family: Explore with our expert guides, and inspire your inner performer to become a Sydney Opera House star.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Daily 9am-5pmTickets: Adult $40, Concession $32,

Child $22

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world most recognisable landmarks and this is your chance to truly get up-close on a one-hour guided tour. Available in English, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin. 30 minute tours available in Korean and Japanese.

Tour and Dine

DailyTickets: Adult $71, Concession $63

Combine inspiration with indulgence on this iconic Australian experience. On this tour you will step inside the Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of this vibrant performance space, steeped in culture and history. Then relax by the harbour in true Sydney style, as you enjoy Australian-inspired cuisine at Opera Bar.

Located at the Welcome Centre and Entry Foyer. Now available online at sydneyoperahouseshop.com

leather pouch, premium quality stationery, and the iconic Sydney Opera House Lego set are all perfect gifts to take home or send to loved ones.

30–31

Eat & Drink

Opera Bar

Indulge on meat, cheese and wine from the Meat & Cheese room, fresh seafood from the Raw Bar and a modern Australian menu by Matt Moran.

Located on the Lower Concourse.

Portside

Relish the uninterrupted views across Circular Quay and Daniel Stewart’s new à la carte menu. Enjoy casual dining including children’s meals, or a grab-and-go option for pre-theatre goers. Located under the Colonnade on the Western Broadwalk and inside the Western Foyers.

Bennelong

Australian produce and wine take centre stage at Bennelong. With one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore, at the helm, Bennelong showcases the flavour, diversity and quality of Australian produce. Entry via the Box Office on level 1.

The Lounge enabled by Samsung

The Lounge is a place for visitors to relax, eat, drink and learn more about the Opera House, our Resident Companies and Renewal projects through innovative Samsung technology. Located in the Box Office on level 1.

Theatre Bars

Our Theatre Bars are the place to meet and mingle with friends and family before a show. Enjoy refreshing drinks from the premium beverage list and snack on the delicious and convenient food options, whilst taking in some of the best views of Sydney Harbour. Located in the Theatre Foyers and opens 90 minutes before a show.

NAIDOC Week8 – 15 July

To celebrate NAIDOC Week this July, our restaurants are offering native inspired dishes such as beetroot and potato lemon myrtle spiced crisps, seared kangaroo loin and apple flan with Quandong compote. Special offers available at Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen, Bennelong and Portside.

32–33

Sydney’s seal of approval

Read more on sydneyoperahouse.com/backstage Chat to the seal on Facebook Messenger m.me/sydneyoperahouseseal

Are there many seals in Sydney Harbour at the moment? It’s a little hard to say, but over the winter months, we may get reports of six or so, and the numbers seem to be on the increase. There is a small group of long-nosed and Australian fur seals below Macquarie Lighthouse on the ocean side of Watson’s Bay, and there seem to be more sightings in the harbour.

What can you tell us about the seal that’s taken up residency at the Opera House over the past few years? He’s been a regular visitor since 2014, he’s a long-nosed fur seal and looking at his size, it’s probably a sub-adult or an adult male and his body condition is good. The fact that he’s coming back to the site and given we can be confident that it’s the same animal, it’s a really good reflection of the people that are viewing him.

Do these seals help the biodiversity of the harbour and if so, in what ways? Predators are certainly important in maintaining biodiversity. They might prey on other key species like squid and octopus for example, which might benefit the crayfish population. Ultimately having more animals in the mix or more individuals or different species is really important in maintaining those different interactions that can occur—otherwise you might have crayfish populations

increase disproportionately for example. Having that important balance of predators to keep those other populations in check is very important for a healthy situation.

Would they eat seagulls? Probably...if they could catch them. They typically only prey on things when they’re in the water. It’s unlikely they would try anything when they’re on land, which they use to rest and breed.

Sydney Opera House Seal

1. Install the Facebook Messenger app on your phone.

2. In the app, search for ‘Sydney Opera House Seal’.

3. Start chatting. Arf arf!

Wanna talk?

The Sydney Opera House has welcomed VIPs and celebrities from the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince to Sam Smith—but since 2014, one furry guest has caught the attention of locals and international visitors alike. The northern VIP steps of the Opera House, otherwise unoccupied for the majority

of the year, is the favourite sunbathing spot of a wild long-nosed fur seal, affectionately called ‘Benny’ (named after Bennelong Point).

Benny has inspired a new Facebook chat bot launched this May, giving him a voice for the first time. Along with giving insider scoops and

unique experiences, the Sydney Opera House seal bot also aims to inspire and educate the public.

We sat down with Andrew Irvine, the Unit Supervisor of the Marine Mammal Department at Taronga Zoo, to find out more about the much-loved mammal.

34–35

Get Around

Sydney Opera House is proudly owned by the NSW Government

Media Partners

Principal Partner

Major Partners

Partners

ThanksGet Around

Getting here

Public transport Sydney Opera House is situated close to the public transport hub of Circular Quay. We recommend that you use public transport wherever possible.

Car Wilson Parking is a public car park serving Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay visitors. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Accessible Parking Accessible parking spaces are available at Wilson Parking for RMS Mobility Parking Permit holders. Car spaces on Level 6 also have direct wheelchair access to lifts. When you arrive All ticketholders must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection by Sydney Opera House security staff before entering the venue as a safety precaution and condition of entry.

Find out more at sydneyoperahouse.com/visit

LOWER LEVEL

Forecourt

Stairs down to lower level for access to Sydney Opera House ShopRestaurants, cafes and barsPublic liftATM

WELCOME CENTRETour meeting point

Sydney Opera House Shop

Opera Kitchen

Car Park access

Car Park access

To Circular QuayShops, Trains & Buses,Museum of Contemporary Art, Royal Botanic Garden, Museum of Sydney and Art Gallery of NSW

Public lift toall venues

WESTERN FOYERSThe StudioPlayhouse

Portside SydneyWestern Foyer Box O�ce

ATM

Concert Hall

Theatre Bar

Bennelong

Badu Gili

DramaTheatre

UPPER LEVELAccess toMAIN BOX OFFICE

Opera Bar

Access toMAIN BOX OFFICEGuided ToursConcert HallJoan Sutherland TheatreUtzon RoomStage DoorPublic lift

GROUND LEVEL

Joan Sutherland Theatre

Theatre Bar

Utzon RoomSouvenir Photo DeskSydney Opera House ShopThe Lounge enabled by Samsung

Entrance to Goldie’s Music Hall

Expand Your HorizonsWin two Business Class flights to Paris with Etihad Airways

In collaboration with

Enter now at sydneyoperahouse.com/etihad

Documents

Discover something new - Sydney Opera House · Stones, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Shakin’ Stevens, PJ Harvey and others. Join him for a night of piano and sax, joined by guest