Hugo, Tibbie and Jade with Opera Australia soprano Daria Masiero (alternating the role of Turandot) on the stage of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Turandot.Photograph: Keith Saunders
Opera Australia are teaming up with the RSPCA to put on a special pooch-friendly performance of their harbourside production of Turandot on Sunday April 3 – well, sort of: Opera Australia principal artist Simon Kim will sing the aria 'Nessun Dorma' (possibly the best-known and best-loved aria in the canon, thanks to Pavarotti's FIFA World Cup performance in 1990).
Dogs and owners are encouraged to dress up for the occasion – or raid a special dress-up box on site, filled with costumes from the OA closet – and pose for a pic in the Opera Australia photo booth.
Ten especially dapper dogs will be selected for an on-stage fashion parade, from which three finalists will be chosen for a portrait on top of the dragon. The winner takes all: glory, a luxury doggie hamper, and two tickets to Turandot.
The event is free, but gold coin donations taken on the day will go to the RSPCA for their work with animals and promoting animal welfare.
When: Sun Apr 3 from 11am
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie's Point – you cannot miss the Turandot stage.
Why: For the glory, for the gold-coin donations and good vibes; for tickets to the actual Turandot.
More: Head to opera.org.au/turandog for more information.