1981

The Festival of Sydney experienced a series of firsts in 1982 that would go on to become frequent occurrences in programs for years to come, the most beloved being Opera In The Domain. The Australian Opera and the Festival joined forces to present a free performance of Verdi’s La Traviatai in The Domain. This was the first time Dame Joan Sutherland had sung in a free outdoor performance – but certainly not the last.

The fourth Festival of Sydney saw a new spin on New Year’s Day, as they hosted the largest Highland Gathering and Games in the Southern Hemisphere. Another new feature of the program was Dancexplosion 1980, with dance companies from around Australia performing their latest works in a series of premiere performances.