Us Sydney-siders are spoilt for choice in the summer. We’re already delighted by the variety on offer at the upcoming Sydney Festival, and the Summer at the House schedule is brimming with highlights.
From family-friendly musicals and installations, to live shows by some of the world’s most renowned musicians, the Opera House is playing host to some unmissable events— here are our picks of what to check out from December 2013 right up until March 2014…
EXXOPOLIS by Architects of Air
Enter into a surreal inflatable city, where you can explore a labyrinth of tunnels and domes built to inspire awe.
Over fifty metres long, and nine metres high, EXXOPOLIS is a colourful, multi-sensorial experience that will take place in the Opera House Forecourt.
This will be Architects of Air twentieth ‘luminarium’ experience, to celebrate their twentieth year of creating ‘luminariums.’
The concept of a luminarium is similar to that of an aquarium — but with air instead of water, giving you a good idea of the kind of otherworldly experience you can expect!
Garden Bar
The Bondi boys behind The Corner House, Anthony Kaplan, Brent Mills, and Simon Beckingham, are operating the Garden Bar as part of the Summer at the House celebrations and with waterfront morning yoga classes from YogaBeyond, Toby’s Estate coffee, Botanica cold pressed juices, and brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails all being served throughout the day, it’s set to be one seriously fabulous summer spot.
The bar itself is a lush green garden with live music that will operate as the ultimate kid’s playground (complete with a sandpit) by day, and a relaxed garden party vibe by night. It will be open from 9am til late, seven days a week on the Western Broadwalk of Sydney Opera House from the 7th of January until the 27th of January 2014.
Neil Finn
Iconic singer-songwriter Neil Finn will take to the Opera House stage to support his latest album, Dizzy Heights.
The legendary performer will be playing hits from his time in Split Enz and Crowded House , as well as his own solo catalogue.
Supported by a full band, Neil Finn, who has been labelled “one of the pop world’s most reliable songwriters,” is sure to put on an emotional and magical show.
La Soirée
An exciting combination of cabaret, burlesque and circus sideshow, La Soirée is sure to get your senses tingling with their somewhat naughty performances.
Expect the unexpected, as this group of troubadours make it their job to amuse and excite.
A cross between the Village People and Dita Von Teese, La Soirée will showcase a tantalising assortment of performances from hula hooping, to acrobatics and unicycling, as well as huge dose of comedy to boot!
Music
Not only will Neil Finn be at Opera House, delighting ears and eyes, but so too will a whole range of local and international musicians.
Some of our favourites include:
CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers — Legendary disco and RnB performers CHIC and Daft Punk collaborator Nile Rodgers will perform three decades worth of hits. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes!
Grizzly Bear — The ambient New York quartet, known for their emotional ballads (and song ‘Two Weeks’ appearing on every second film trailer since its release!) are set to hit the Opera House stage for a night of epic, multi-layered songs in what is sure to set a beautiful tone for the program.
Yo La Tengo — With thirty years of being the epitome of indie-rock perfection under their belt, Yo La Tengo are to celebrate their anniversary in style at the Summer at the House. Splitting their catalogue into two halves over two nights — the soft, and the searing, prepare to have your heart broken and mended again by this iconic alternative band.
The National — They’ve already sold out one performance at the Opera House forecourt, and to placate fans who misses out on the first show, The National are set to perform a second concert for the scores of adoring fans. Expect melancholy rocks ballads galore at this one!
For the Kids
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: We all remember this nursery rhyme from our childhoods, and it’s time to recreate the memories for your kids. Audiences will join the performers in a musical quest to find a bear, in a show that is set to delight adults and children alike.
Circus Under My Bed — A young girl dreams of finding a circus underneath her bed; your kids will love this journey of discovery and fun!
Angelina Ballerina — Despite being a mouse, Angelina Ballerina is beloved by children, and is set to renew the fervour as she performs her brand new ‘mousical.’
The 13-Storey Treehouse — Visit Andy Griffith’s world of 3D machines, monster mermaids and gorillas, as the popular book of the same name is recreated on stage. The bizzarre happenings will be right up every kiddies’ alley!
All of this fun- and more- will take place this summer to the delight of young and old alike! Prepare to indulge in delectable street cuisine from food trucks parked outside the Opera House, pop-up bars, restaurants and cafes in the Opera House foyers will plate up tasty delights and the chefs at the Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen will be serving up Brunch in the House.
For more information and to purchase tickets to events, visit the Summer at the House website