Events
The Philanthropy team organise a number of events to connect Sydney Opera House patrons and donors with exciting activities and fundraising initiatives at the House.
Past events have included:
Donor Insight Event
On Tuesday 7 September Sydney Opera House donors were invited to meet our performing arts team and gain an insight into the roles and behind-the-scenes activity of our Director of Performing Arts, Rachel Healy, as well our Heads of Art form and to learn more about their visions for the House.
During this unique event each Head of Art form outlined what was coming up in the fields of music, drama, dance, contemporary culture, performances for young audiences, education and public programs.
The event, hosted by CEO Richard Evans in the Utzon Room, concluded with a Q & A session, which gave our donors the opportunity to ask questions about the processes involved in developing the broad range of work presented by the House.
Symphony Under the SailsTM
We were thrilled to host a fundraising event during the world-renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra's visit in October last year. The exclusive cocktail party was a unique opportunity to meet the stars of the Orchestra - with all funds raised supporting our World Orchestras Program, which was developed to bring the world's best orchestras to Sydney Opera House.
Hosted by Richard Evans, Sydney Opera House CEO, the event was held in the Utzon Room following the Orchestra’s performance on Thursday 8 October. Members of the Orchestra joined guests, including Maestro Vladimir Jurowski, Principal Conductor, and Vadim Repin, violin soloist. While guests enjoyed a variety of delicious canapés created by celebrity chef Matt Moran in conjunction with Opera Point Events, they also heard from Maestro Jurowski himself during an In Conversation session hosted by special guest Leo Schofield AM.
Juliette Binoche and Akram Khan – In-I Fundraising Dinner
In February, Academy Award-winning actor Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Chocolat) joined internationally acclaimed dancer Akram Khan (Sacred Monsters) for a truly remarkable theatrical dance collaboration called In-I.
On Tuesday 24 February, Sydney Opera House Chief Executive Officer, Richard Evans, hosted an exclusive and intimate Sydney Opera House In-I Fundraising Dinner in the Utzon Room, where guests enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine with the stars of In-I.
Celebrity guest chef, Matt Moran, provided a culinary insight to the menu, after which guests were joined by Juliette Binoche. An exclusive ‘In Conversation’ session between Juliette Binoche and Sydney Opera House Head of Theatre and Dance, Wendy Martin, followed the meal and allowed guests a unique insight into Binoche’s creative force.
The event was a huge success, raising funds and generating awareness for Sydney Opera House’s Annual Giving Program, while also providing a wonderful networking opportunity for all attendees.
Dress Rehearsal performance – Le Grand Cirque: Aerial Dreams
In January 2008 our donors were invited to attend a dress rehearsal performance of Le Grand Cirque: Aerial Dreams.
On Monday 5 January, donors were granted special access to watch the performers’ amazing abilities and precision skill as they rehearsed the show in the Concert Hall.
We received wonderful feedback from donors who attended and look forward to sharing a similar experience with them in the near future.
“‘Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the dress rehearsal of Le Grand Cirque.
Thank you to all involved for the opportunity to see such a wonderful show.”
"Absolutely loved the performance - thought it was wonderful.
Great to be able to see a dress rehearsal. Thank you very much.”
Contact the Philanthropy team for more information.
Email:annualgiving@sydneyoperahouse.com
Tel: +61 2 9250 7077
Fax: + 61 2 9241 2244
Image credits:
- In-I Fudnraising Dinner - Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House.
- Sydney Opera House CEO Richard Evans welcoming Juliette Binoche to the In-I Fundraising Dinner.
- Le Grand Cirque: Aerial Dreams performer.
- Cyrus Meher-Homji from Universal Music presenting Maestro Mehta with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Israel Philharmonic Fundraising Dinner.
- Virginia Hyam, Head of Contemporary Culture at Sydney Opera House, providing donors with insight into her role.