Here are our Top 5 picks for Vivid Sydney
The annual Vivid Sydney event is returning from 22 May to 13 June, and will bring with it culinary experiences, artistic excellence, parties and performances you won’t want to miss.
The Lighting of the Sails: Opera Mundi
Renowned French artist Yann Nguema will be projecting his work Opera Mundi across the Opera House sails this year. Yann’s projections bring a ‘unique fusion of science, music, and computer programming.’ The work will be accompanied by music from Romanian classical and electronic composer Mischa Blanos, and is an ode to the transformations in nature, land, sea and sky that inspired Opera House architect Jørn Utzon. See it from Circular Quay or take a walk along the Harbour Bridge to view the projections.
Vivid LIVE
The Vivid LIVE program will welcome more than 50 international and Australian artists to the Opera House, bringing contemporary music, art and cinema. Highlights include Arnhem Land five-piece rockers King Stingray, indie-pop singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley, and psych-noise duo Party Dozen. Experimental composer and multi-instrumentalist Oren Ambarchi will perform, while R&B neo-soul singer and multi-instrumentalist PA777IENCE will join First Nations rapper and producer Miles Nautu for a standout double bill. These artists are just some of the homegrown acts set to take to the stage. See the Vivid website for dates, bookings and costs.
The Laser Lightfall
A free outdoor laser spectacular will ignite the sky over Cockle Bay. The Sydney Laser Show will run over 23 nights, from 23 May to 11 June, with four shows an hour from 6pm to 11pm. ER Productions says the new performance will be spectacular. “Over seven minutes, beams build from single colours into an evolving celestial web before erupting into a vibrant finale that runs continuously each evening across the festival,” they posted on socials.
The living, breathing web of lights will be accompanied by a sweeping, propulsive score by Sonar Music.
Art After Dark and Biennale of Sydney closing night party
A free party sending off Biennale of Sydney’s Art after Dark will be held at the White Bay Power Station on 12 June. Running from 4pm to 11pm, the event will have innovative music from across the globe running all night. Not only will you be celebrating Vivid at the hottest new entertainment centre in Sydney, the party will be closing out the 25th Biennale of Sydney, marrying two iconic events. Vivid Sydney will also present New York ambient techno trio Purelink on 29 May, and French-Senegalese singer-songwriter Anaiis on 5 June at the power station as part of Art After Dark.
A preview render of Yann Nguema’s Opus Morandi across the Opera House sails
“I can’t wait to serve up something delicious and be part of the energy, flavour, and fire that makes Vivid Sydney such an unforgettable event.”
Laura Sharrad, MasterChef contestant and winner
Vivid Fire Kitchen and Saltbush & Starlight
Vivid Fire Kitchen and its Opera House sister, Saltbush and Starlight, will bring culinary delights and performances to Vivid. While the Fire Kitchen will move to Barrangaroo Reserve this year, the event is still free. MasterChef contestant and winner, Laura Sharrad will cook at the Vivid Fire Kitchen. “There’s something so powerful about cooking over open flame – it brings people together, sparks creativity, and celebrates the raw beauty of great ingredients,” Laura says. “I can’t wait to serve up something delicious and be part of the energy, flavour, and fire that makes Vivid Sydney such an unforgettable event.”
Saltbush & Starlight will feature a three-course dinner from First Nations chef Mark Olive, aka The Black Olive, following a tour of the heritage architecture. While dining, you’ll experience a celebration of native ingredients and culture paired with drinks and an immersive overhead projection inspired by Olive’s menu.
VIVID SYDNEY
22 May to 13 June
vividsydney.com
