‘Handa Opera is similar to Bregenz, but with a much better view!’

If you can tear yourself away from the sun and champers of the Opera House, there’s plenty more to enjoy around town. The lean, keen Australian Chamber Orchestra has an excellent international reputation and for the last 30 years has blossomed under the savvy and elegantly hip direction of Richard Tognetti, an outstanding violinist and passionate surfie (that’s Aussie slang for someone who rides a surfboard). The ACO is soon to take up residence in a specially refurbished wharf in the burgeoning Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, where neighbours will include other major players: Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra, the national Indigenous dance company. Early music fans, meanwhile, can enjoy the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra or sample Pinchgut, a baroque opera company that regularly punches above its weight thanks to inspirational artistic director Erin Helyard.

Most of the smaller ensembles play at City Recital Hall in the CBD’S Angel Place, a purpose-built venue that boasts the finest acoustics in the country (the planners consulted William Lyne, Aussie ex-director of Wigmore Hall, aiming for an acoustic as grateful as the London venue). ‘It’s one of my favourite recital venues, and home to Musica Viva, the largest – and best run – chamber music organisation in the world,’ says Piers Lane. ‘And Sydney boasts the Goldner String Quartet, who have made many recordings with me for Hyperion. Sydney? What’s not to like?’ Further information:

Opera Australia