From the moment I enter ‘Opera on the Harbour’ – a custom-built theatre located on the edge of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens (Cadi) – it’s a glamorous and surreal experience. Arriving early for Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly, I take a seat at the Northern Terrace bar to watch the sunset while indulging in a glass of wine. About an hour before showtime, I can feel the buzz in the air as more patrons arrive for pre-show drinks or emerge from one of the on-site pop-up restaurants. The vibe is electric as everyone starts to find their seats and the city lights in front of us begin to twinkle – an indication the performance is about to start. While the Sydney (Gadigal) skyline never gets old, there is something mesmerising about seeing it with a full-scale opera performance in its foreground. As the performers take to the raised floating stage, the orchestra take their seats beneath, and the setting makes you feel immersed in the experience immediately. Never did I imagine I would hear some of the world’s greatest opera voices sing out across Sydney Harbour (Warrane). As someone who has never seen an opera before, it’s an extraordinary introduction to the art. And one that everyone should experience once in their life.