What’s on in summer

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Bennelong Point, Circular Quay; box office
9250 7777
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

CONCERT HALL
Christmas at the House
18 – 20 December
Popular TV personality Jonathan Biggins hosts this years’ Christmas concert which the whole family will enjoy.

New Years Eve Gala
31 December
Featuring Opera Australia’s renowned performers including Elvira Fatykhova, Jacqueline Dark, Julian Gavin and José Carbó. You will also be perfectly placed to see Sydney’s spectacular fireworks display.

Balé de Rua
8 January – 17 January
Balé de Rua is Portuguese for “street ballet”. This is a sensational dance and percussion performance.
Opera Australia’s Tosca
From 8 January - 27 March
Cheryl Barker stars in the title role of Opera Australia’s first new production of Puccini’s Tosca in almost thirty years.

UTZON ROOM
Mahmood Khan Funk (MKF)
18 December
MKF is an Indian vocal driven western sound headed by legendary singer/songwriter Mahmood Khan, known for his work with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. See him play with his twelve-piece band. 
drama theatre

Optimism
12 January – 14 February
Tom Wright offers a new adaptation of Voltaire’s, Candide, in this exploration of the Australian ‘no worries’ mentality.

OPERA THEATRE
The Sleeping Beauty
4 – 23 December
Stanton Welch’s production is a fresh take on this beloved fairytale. 

PLAYHOUSE
Peter Helliar’s Dreamboat Tour
5 January – 17 January
Don’t miss this live show from one of Australia’s best-loved stand-up comedians.

The Studio
Drag! Camp as Christmas
1 - 6 December
Sydney’s drag superstars put on a glittering performance that is sure to be a fabulous yuletide celebration.

PERFORMANCE

Company B Belvoir
25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills; 9699 3444
http://www.belvoir.com.au

That Face
6 February - 14 March
An enthralling tale of the struggle between wayward parents and their rebellious children.
lyric theaTRE
Star City Casino, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont;
1800 700 700
http://www.starcity.com.au

Mamma Mia
Until 7 February
This popular musical is based on ABBA’s greatest hits. Let out your inner ‘Dancing Queen’!

SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY
The Wharf, Pier 4/5
Hickson Road, Walsh Bay; 9250 1777
http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au

The Mysteries Genesis
Until 19 December
This will be the first Main Stage performance for The Residents – a cast of nine actors employed by STC.

EXHIBITIONS

ART GALLERY OF NSW
Art Gallery Road,
The Domain, Sydney; 9225 1744
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Dobell Prize for Drawing 2009
Until 31 January
One of Australia’s most prestigious drawing awards.

Rupert Bunny: artist in Paris
Until 21 February
View the rich and striking paintings of this Australian artist who found much acclaim overseas.

6 Photographers
5 December - 21 February
Featuring the works of Gordon Andrews, Max Dupain, Kerry Dundas, Hal Missingham, Axel Poignant and David Potts.

AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
6 College Street, Sydney;
9320 6000
http://www.australianmuseum.net.au

Amazing Backyard Adventures
5 December - 18 April
Designed to encourage budding young scientists to ‘see the unseen’ in the natural world around their home.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009
Until 24 December - 26 April
An exhibition of 95 of the world’s best wildlife images. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by the Natural History Museum, London and BBC Wildlife Magazine

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Darling Harbour; 9298 3777
http://www.anmm.gov.au

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids
19 December – 23 May
Have you ever wondered about the origins of mythological beings? This exhibition will amaze you.

HYDE PARK BARRACKS MUSEUM
Queen’s Square, Macquarie Street;
8239 2311
http://www.hht.net.au

Citizen Soldiers
Ongoing
Featuring relics of volunteer life – rare photographs, uniforms, regalia, rifles, bayonets and memorabilia.
Convict hulks: Life on the prison shipsongoing
A comprehensive exhibition about the fascinating history of convict hulks in Britain and its colonies.

Irish Orphan Girl
Ongoing
Features the poignant traces of Irish orphans who came to the Hyde Park Barracks between 1848 and 1850.

JUSTICE AND POLICE MUSEUM
Corner Albert & Phillip streets, Circular Quay;
9252 1144

Femme Fatale: the female criminal
Ongoing
Get an insight into how Australian authorities have dealt with female criminals since convict times.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
140 George Street, The Rocks; 9245 2400
http://www.mca.com.au

Take your time: Olafur Eliasson
From 10 December
The first large-scale exhibition of works by this Danish-Icelandic artist to be presented in Australia.

MUSEUM OF SYDNEY
Cnr Bridge & Phillip streets, Sydney; 9251 5988
http:// www.hht.net.au
Martin Sharp
Until 14 March
A unique exhibition of artworks inspired by Sydney and drawn from the artist’s own collection and family archive.

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM
500 Harris Street, Ultimo; 9217 0111
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com
The 80s are back
From 12 December
An exhibition that remembers this over-the-top decade.

EVENTS

2009 Sydney New Year’s Eve
Sydney Harbour
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson.com
31 December
Bring in the New Year with fireworks on Sydney Harbour.

Carols in the domain
The Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens
http://www.carolsinthedomain.com
19 December
Enjoy a cast of singers performing Christmas favourites.

Chinese new year festival
Various venues http://www.cravesydney.com
February 12-28
The largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.

Sony Tropfest
Various venues including the Domain
http://www.tropfest.com
21 February
Australia’s most prestigious short film festival.