Arkady Shilkloper plays his three-metre-long alphorn atop the Sydney Opera House as part of the 2013 Sydney Festival

© Mark Metcalfe/Getty Image

Sydney Festival gets underway

For Sydneysiders, there are few better ways to usher in the new year than by enjoying the sights and sounds of the annual Sydney Festival, and 2021 is thankfully no exception, with the event kicking off today and running until January 26. Though events are understandably smaller and socially distanced, this year’s schedule is focusing on the ‘recovery and rejuvenation of Australian arts’ after a tumultuous 2020.

The event itself has been commissioning new local art over its 44-year history and has welcomed many memorable international guests, too. Today’s homepage, for instance, focuses on a highlight from 2013 when Russian multi-instrumentalist and composer Arkady Shilkloper was invited to play his three-metre-long alphorn from the top of the Opera House’s sails. It was just one of many performances in the city, also wowing crowds at the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Bronte Beach. This year there is yet another wide array of events including art installations, dance theatre and even a circus!