Sydney Opera House

The Philanthropy Team arrange a number of events to connect Sydney Opera House patrons and Annual Giving Program donors with exciting activities and fundraising initiatives at the House.

Past event highlights include:

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 appreciation of their contribution to the 2008 Annual Giving Program, all of our donors were invited to attend a dress rehearsal performance of Le Grand Cirque: Aerial Dreams in the early New Year.

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.”

Teddy Tahu Rhodes In Conversation

Following the performance given by Teddy Tahu Rhodes and The Grainger Quartet in the Utzon Room on Sunday 19 October, audience members, including Utzon Room series subscribers and donors, were treated to a unique, free of charge, ‘in conversation’ session featuring Teddy and Sydney Opera House Chief Executive, Richard Evans. Teddy and Richard talked about growing up in Christchurch and singing in their school choir together. 

The opportunity not only allowed guests to engage with an international opera star in an intimate environment, but also gave them the opportunity to ask a range of questions, providing for a very entertaining evening.

Israel Philharmonic Fundraising Dinner – Dinner with the Maestro

On Sunday 27 July as part of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s visit to Sydney Opera House, Chairman Kim Williams AM and Chief Executive Richard Evans hosted a fundraising dinner at Guillaume at Bennelong. 

Approximately 80 guests were joined by Maestro Zubin Mehta and members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, for a meal created especially for the occasion by Executive Chef Guillaume Brahimi and accompanied by Hungerford Hill wines.

Cyrus Meher-Homji from Universal Music presented Maestro Mehta with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Australian Music Industry. In his acceptance speech, Maestro Mehta spoke of his affection for Sydney Opera House and how much he is looking forward to returning with the Israel Philharmonic in the future. The event, the first fundraising event of its kind at Sydney Opera House, raised much needed funds for Sydney Opera House’s World Orchestras Program, which aims to bring at least one outstanding world orchestra to the House every year.

Insight Event: Jan Utzon

In early March we celebrated our donors' continued support for Sydney Opera House's Annual Giving Program with a reception hosted by new CEO, Richard Evans. Richard welcomed Jan Utzon to discuss his memories of Sydney Opera House's early days and his current building projects at the House. Current and prospective donors enjoyed an intimate and heart-warming insight into Jan's family and working life and enjoyed the opportunity to personally meet Richard Evans.

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.
• Jan Utzon at the Jan Utzon Insight Event.