Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

The champagne’s flowing, the paella simmering, the arias soaring and the starry harbour views nothing short of mind-blowing. Whisper an apology to the poor old Opera House and pull up a garden-fringed chair, because this is one night of alfresco Spanish seduction to seriously test where your cultural loyalties lie.

After last year’s La Traviata the Opera on Sydney Harbour is back with George Bizet’s heated love quadrangle Carmen. And this time the spectacular is going next level.

We’re talking thunderous pyrotechnics, glass-shattering overtures and a global cluster of opera stars including mezzo soprano Milijana Nikolic as the fiery femme fatale — all beneath an elaborate bloodstained stage floating atop Sydney Harbour.

But at your place by the water’s edge you’ll be (just) far enough removed to enjoy a slightly less debaucherous range of operatic treats. The whole area will become an exotic Spanish fiesta for the affair: head to the Garden Bar for a sizzling Spanish BBQ, get cosy in the Southern Terrace or acquaint yourself with a specialty paella food station.

And if you really want to make the most of your good shoes, add a drinks and dining package complete with interval cocktails and a lavish Spanish banquet in the exclusive Platinum Lounge.

Now that’s going to the opera.