Opera

Turandot

Opera performers in blue costumes on stairs during Turandot show in Sydney.

Stage performance of Turandot in Sydney with cast in elaborate costumes.

Flexible cancellation

Get full refund for a small fee if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Duration

2 hr 25 min - 2 hr 45 min

Riddles, revenge, and Puccini’s soaring ‘Nessun dorma’ light up Sydney! With Rebecca Nash & Anna-Louise Cole as Turandot, this spectacular opera is a season must.

4.4/5

(2,119)

Jeffrey

Feb 2026

Verified booking

We thought the theater was great. We also thought the musical presentations, both singers and orchestra, were spectacular. However, we were very disappointed in the costumes and surrounding decorations. We saw Turandot in New York approximately a year ago and thought the scenery and overall presentation were spectacular. Unfortunately, those features were very dismal and diappointining in this presentation. Perhaps the very bland setting, costumes and scenery was an intentional desision for some "artistic" reason. If that is the case we thought it was a very significant mistake. Sorry to give negative comments but we thought the wonderful musical presentation deserved a better setting.

Steven

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The Sydney Opera House is the iconic building not just in Australia, it is one the most unique in the world. When my wife and I first visited Sydney a couple of years ago, we hadn't made any plans to see a performance in the opera house, we just thought we would check the place out. We were overwhelmed by it and promised ourselves that if we ever had the opportunity to return we would definitely get tickets for the opera. 3 years later it happed! To be in the famous Sydney Opera House and watch a stellar performance of Puccini's Tarundot will always be one of those events that never leaves us. If you have the opportunity, DO NOT MISS IT.

Pedro

Feb 2026

Verified booking

A stunning night at the opera. The music and performances were absolutely fantastic, and the production had real power from start to finish. Hearing “Nessun Dorma” in context was the highlight for me — it hits so much harder when you’ve followed the whole story, and it was genuinely amazing live. I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 mainly because this was a modern adaptation. It was done well and looked great, but personally I’d still prefer to see a more traditional/original staging. Still, an incredible experience overall and well worth seeing.

Helen

Feb 2026

Verified booking

My best friend and I were fortunate enough to enjoy the Saturday matinee on 21/2/26 as a belated birthday present. Everything about the performance was outstanding. Loved the lead singers, Anna -Louise Cole and Diego Torre were amazing, loved the orchestra, loved the chorus...we were moved to tears by the finale. This was a return to the opera since Covid days and what a wonderful experience. We only wished we could have applauded more often.

Roger

Mar 2026

Verified booking

A Stella performance of Turandot in one of the world's great buildings was the highlight of our visit to Sydney. It has been a longtime ambition to enjoy an opera at the Opera House and this exceeded all of our expectations. Amazing soloists, brilliant cast members, a wonderful orchestra and a sensational stage set made for a most memorable evening. Thanks to all involved, we have a memory to last a lifetime. R&H. Ascot, UK

Helen

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Young Woo Kim was absolutely fabulous. Had never heard of him before but his performance was electric and so beautiful, that left you spellbound!!! The supporting cast were excellent too, as well as the Stage sets and the Orchestra. Wish I could afford to see it all again! Well done to the Creatives too to make it a very memorable night! Thank you all so much for the enjoyable experience.

Puccini’s legendary Turandot returns to Australia, blending myth, danger, and romance in an unforgettable opera spectacle perfect for drama lovers.

Two powerhouse sopranos, Rebecca Nash (Met Opera) and Anna-Louise Cole, headline alongside acclaimed tenor Young Woo Kim, directed by Ann Yee.

Themes of courage, ancestral trauma, and sacrificial love unfold through monumental sets, hypnotic visuals, and Puccini’s Nessun dorma.

This grand new production lights up the Joan Sutherland Theater for a limited season, with four renowned conductors leading Puccini’s biggest choral score.

A rare operatic collaboration of scale, featuring Australian and international talent, don’t miss this fable of fire, ice, and impossible riddles. Book your Turandot Sydney tickets today!

The story

In ancient Peking, Princess Turandot guards her heart with lethal riddles: answer wrong and lose your head. When the mysterious Calaf dares to solve them, centuries-old wounds, acts of sacrifice, and questions of love ignite. Puccini’s lush score heightens every twist. But will Turandot’s icy armor crack, or will the game turn deadly once more?

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

2,119 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
1.3K
595
45
20
141
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, South Korea and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Roger
Mar 2026
Verified booking
A Stella performance of Turandot in one of the world's great buildings was the highlight of our visit to Sydney. It has been a longtime ambition to enjoy an opera at the Opera House and this exceeded all of our expectations. Amazing soloists, brilliant cast members, a wonderful orchestra and a sensational stage set made for a most memorable evening. Thanks to all involved, we have a memory to last a lifetime. R&H. Ascot, UK
Gregory
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Opera singing quality - wow Orchestra accompaniment - wow Background stage - wow Don’t get why ping, pang, and pong are dressed like IT professionals Don’t get why the king is dressed like retired apple programmer Don’t get why tall guy who announces the oath (wearing white gloves) why wasn’t he the king The creative modern interpretation of the show was a buzz kill
Craig
Mar 2026
Verified booking
We enjoyed the new production and the staging which was quite different from previous productions we attended. We thought the large chorus was a bonus and they sang beautifully.
Andrew
Mar 2026
Verified booking
This was the first opera my family had ever watched - and it was fantastic. Also brilliant was the continuous screen translation which allowed you to follow the story.
Elizabeth
Mar 2026
Verified booking
The two leads were brilliant, Puccini's music stirring and the chorus and choreography enthralling. Australian opera at its best. I'm glad I saw it before I died!!

Show details

Categories: Opera, Classic, Drama

Audience: Suitable for all ages

Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theater

Find the best seats in the house with the Joan Sutherland Theater seating plan

Theater facilities: Restrooms, bar, cloakroom, restaurant, lounge, elevator

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, companion seating, hearing assistance, accessible parking spaces

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles:

Rebecca Nash as Turandot (Jan 15–Feb 10)

Anna-Louise Cole as Turandot (Feb 13–Mar 27)

Young Woo Kim as Calaf (Jan 15–Feb 10)

Diego Torre as Calaf (Feb 13–Mar 16)

Rosario La Spina as Calaf (Mar 21–Mar 27)

Maria Teresa Leva as Liù (Jan 15–Feb 10)

Jennifer Black as Liù (Feb 13–Mar 27)

Richard Anderson as Timur

Gregory Brown as The Emperor

Shane Lowrencev as The Mandarin

Annabelle Chaffey & Leah Thomas as Handmaidens

Conductor:

Henrik Nánási (Jan 15–Feb 10)

Nicholas Milton (Feb 13–Feb 27)

Andrea Battistoni (Mar 4–Mar 13)

Tahu Matheson (Mar 16–Mar 27)

Director & choreographer: Ann Yee

Set designer: Elizabeth Gadsby

Costume designer: David Fleischer

Lighting designer: Paul Jackson

Video designer: Andrew Thomas Huang

Additional tips

This show is suitable for all ages. Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied at all times.

Content warning: The production contains adult themes. Viewer's discretion is advised.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Keep in mind that the theater is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Turandot

Q: How much do the Turandot Sydney tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Turandot playing in Sydney?

A: The show is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 2 hours and 25 minutes, including one intermission.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: In ancient Peking, Princess Turandot tests suitors with deadly riddles until a stranger solves them, setting off a battle between love, pride, and destiny.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There’s no strict age limit; it's suitable for all ages, but children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied at all times.

Q: What language is the opera performed in?

A: Turandot is sung in Italian, with English surtitles displayed above the stage.

Q: What is the most famous aria in Turandot?

A: The opera features Puccini’s iconic aria “Nessun dorma”, one of the most celebrated tenor pieces in the world.