ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Friday 14 November 2025
1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY
ARRIVE SYDNEY & PRIVATE RECITAL (Canapés Reception):
Guests arrive at the luxury 5-star InterContinental Sydney, set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851. It is conveniently positioned in the heart of Circular Quay and has panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.
In the early evening, we have the unforgettable opportunity of hearing an exclusive private recital in the beautiful setting of the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room, a prestigious venue with sublime views over the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour. On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drinks and canapés reception to meet our fellow guests and our Tour Leader, the distinguished tenor Andrew Goodwin, before enjoying this exclusive performance, only for guests of Hayllar Music Tours.
PRIVATE RECITAL - SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, UTZON ROOM
Following our recital, we enjoy a Q&A with the artists, hosted by our Tour Leader, followed by an informal drinks reception to chat with our artists and soak in the views, before strolling back to our hotel. The rest of our evening is free.
DAY 2 | Saturday 15 November 2025
2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY
GUIDED TOUR OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LUNCH & SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY (B, L):
This morning, following a delicious breakfast at our 5-star hotel, we stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden to the historic Government House.
In 1788, soon after a British settlement was established at Sydney Cove, the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales, Governor Arthur Phillip, laid the foundations of Sydney's first Government House. This building was located in Bridge Street (on the site of the Museum of Sydney). After nearly 50 years of serving as the colony’s political, ceremonial and social centre, the building had become worn and dilapidated and many submissions were made to the British government for permission and funding to construct a new building. In 1836 construction finally began on a new Government House. The new building was influenced in its location and architectural style by the existing Governor’s Stables, completed in 1821 (now the Conservatorium of Music). The building was designed by Edward Blore, at the time Special Architect to William IV, and responsible for completing parts of John Nash’s design of Buckingham Palace. The new Government House was built in the Tudor-Gothic style, featuring an imposing box-like form with castellated walls and towers.
We enjoy a private guided tour of this historic house, giving us a fascinating insight into the building’s history, and the historic events that have taken place here over the last almost 200 years.
Following our tour, we gather at one of Sydney’s finest dining establishments for a delicious lunch together. After lunch, we return to our hotel to rest ahead of this evening’s theatre performance.
This evening, in the Sydney Opera House’s Drama Theatre, we enjoy the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The Shiralee. The Australian epic The Shiralee comes to the stage for the first time, adapted by Kate Mulvany, in a wide-ranging and poetic story of life and love on the margins.
THEATRE PERFORMANCE – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DRAMA THEATRE, 7:30pm
The Shiralee
D’Arcy Niland, adapted for the stage by Kate Mulvany
Jessica Arthur director
Clemence Williams composer & sound designer
Kip Williams dramaturg
Starring Josh McConville, Kate Mulvany, Aaron Pedersen and Ziggy Resnick
Please note: This production contains strong language, mature themes including violence, alcohol and drug addiction.
Following the performance, we make our way back to the InterContinental Sydney for a restful night ahead of tomorrow’s activities or to enjoy a nightcap on the hotel’s rooftop Aster Bar.
DAY 3 | Sunday 16 November 2025
3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY
MORNING TALK, SIEGFRIED & DINNER (B, D):
This morning begins with an insightful talk on the opera we will hear this evening, Wagner’s Siegfried, from our Tour Leader, the tenor Andrew Goodwin.
Following our morning presentation, time is allowed for guests to get an independent lunch ahead of this afternoon’s performance. We then return to the Sydney Opera House for one last performance, a concert performance of Richard Wagner’s Siegfried, the third opera in his Ring Cycle, performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast under the baton of Simone Young.
A high point of artistic invention, Wagner’s Ring Cycle is one of the greatest works of music. Whether you are continuing the cycle or this is your first experience, Siegfried stands alone as a complete story that demands to be experienced live. An archetypal hero’s journey, this is a true epic, with every element of the human experience heightened and transposed into art.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL, 2:00pm
Richard Wagner Siegfried
Simone Young conductor
Simon O'Neill Siegfried
Anja Kampe Brünnhilde
Gerhard Siegel Mime
Wolfgang Koch Wanderer
Warwick Fyfe Alberich
Teddy Tahu Rhodes Fafner
Samantha Clarke Waldvogel
Noa Beinart Erda
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Following the conclusion of this epic operatic drama, we enjoy a delicious farewell dinner, to toast to our time in Sydney together.
DAY 4 | Monday 17 November 2025
TOUR ENDS (B)
Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.
