Normally the biggest threat to Opera Australia’s splashiest event, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (HOSH) – which is presented on a huge stage over the water just offshore from the Royal Botanic Gardens – is a downpour of rain. But this year, two weeks before the HOSH production of La Traviata was due to open in March, the season had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the virus recedes in Australia, Opera Australia has confirmed that the production will finally hit the spectacular harbour stage in 2021, with the same singers originally cast in the leading roles.

The news comes as a result of the recent announcement by the NSW Government that seated and ticketed outdoor events can house audiences of up to 5,000 people, provided they can accommodate one person per two square metres.

Stacey Alleaume will make her role debut as Violetta in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, La Traviata in 2021

Speaking about the forced cancellation of the 2020 season, OA Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said: “It was entirely surreal...