Sydney Opera House Schedule:Looks strong at the close of 2012

Sydney Opera House looks to end year on a high.

Australia's Famed Sydney Opera House offers a strong closing line up to this calendar year. The world class venue constantly has great viewing and listening on tap. Graeme Murphy's Aida has already been featuring on the Harbor since July 17 this Egyptian experience will end on October 13 so not much time is left to see Murphy's work in the lights of Sydney.

Already in motion is Madame Butterfly-Puccini with the Japanese love play. This touching piece made its debut for the season on September 20 and culminates November 1. Set in Japan, two lovers Cio-Cio-San and Lieutenant Pinkerton are accompanied by a back drop of cherry blossoms as the story unfolds, a sight that has been audiences tickled by the colors. Led by director Moffat Oxenbould, Madame Butterfly is on course for even further great reviews.

Donizetti 's Lucia di Lammermoor rolls on the culture coming to Australia when it makes its first appearance on September 28 and will make the Opera House its home until November 2. Another story with the message of love permeating to the surface, Lucia di Lammermoor, is based on Sir Walter Scott's 19 century best seller, "The Bride of Lammermoor." A woman finds herself between two warring families and is also torn by her duty and her love for a man. The play itself features a wonderful solo flute and glorious singing from "Lucia," played by Emma Matthews. James Valenti plays Lucia's soul mate, Edgardo and he himself chips in with some fine performances. Audiences will have the pleasure of enjoying the work as it is conducted in both English and Italian.

Australian crowds have to look forward to a slew of other great acts. "Salome," by Richard Strauss is a one act opera fans can look forward to, that shoves off October 12 and ends November 3. Viewers can also look forward to exhibitions from the 2012 IFAC Australian Singing Competition finalist set to be contested October 25 and to cap off the year an opera gala is being held on New Year's Eve on December 31 with the la boheme gala on the same day headed up by Christian Badea.