HIGH SCHOOL | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Program Overview
Performing at Sydney Opera House is an honor reserved for elite student performers. Selected Finalists experience music in new ways during their international performance adventure.
2019 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House
July 31-August 5, 2019
Please Note: Due to planned renovations, Sydney Opera House will be closed for most of 2020. High school performers interested in an international performance opportunity are invited to apply for the 2020 High School Honors Performance Series at the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. Limited Rolling Admissions are available for the 2019 Sydney Opera House program; please contact our team for more details.
The High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House builds upon the heritage of the Carnegie Hall Series and challenges accomplished 9th-12th grade musicians at one of the world’s most recognized and revered performance institutions: the Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House. Selected Finalists will spend six days in Sydney, where they will study under master conductors, experience the highlights of “the Harbour City”, and get to know accomplished musicians from around the world.
Program Highlights
- Perform as part of the Honors Choir, Honors Band, or Honors Orchestra at Sydney Opera House.
- Work with master conductors and build your performing resume.
- Rehearse and interact with other Finalists from across the world.
- Celebrate your accomplishments on a Finalist Celebration Cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Experience the highlights of Sydney, including a day trip into the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia’s famed animal species, such as kangaroos, emus, and koalas.
Sample Itinerary
(tentative and subject to change)
Day 1
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
- Morning: Arrive in Sydney (note: depending on your city of origin, you may need to leave home as early as Monday, July 29, to arrive in Sydney for the start of the program)
- Afternoon: Meet your Chaperone and explore Sydney, including a stop at Bondi Beach
- Evening: Hotel check-in and welcome meeting
Day 2
Thursday, August 1, 2019
- All Day: Blue Mountains day tour (ride the steepest passenger railway in the world, drive to Echo Point to view the Three Sisters rock formation, visit a wildlife park, and more)
Day 3
Friday, August 2, 2019
- Morning & Afternoon: Seating and rehearsals
- Evening: Explore and take a walking tour of Sydney's famous historic district, the Rocks
Day 4
Saturday, August 3, 2019
- Morning & Afternoon: Rehearsals
- Evening: Finalist Celebration Cruise on Sydney Harbour (includes breathtaking views of your performance venue!)
Day 5
Sunday, August 4, 2019
- Morning: Final rehearsal
- Afternoon: Concert prep and sound check
- Evening: Opera House performance
Day 6
Monday, August 5, 2019
- Morning: Farewell and return to the airport
- Afternoon: Depart for home
Scholarship Opportunities
The Honors Performance Series is dedicated to bringing together talented student performers from across the world. Need-based partial scholarships are available to ensure that performers of all economic backgrounds may apply for this unique performance honor at Sydney Opera House. Please contact us at +1 (800) 503-0807 to learn more.
The Series is additionally proud to share a number of fundraising ideas with selected performers, including our Gift of Performance E-Card, which many Finalists have used to raise their full program cost! Click here for more details.
Program Components and Cost
What does the cost cover?
- All rehearsals, including equipment and sheet music
- All production and services for the Sydney Opera House performance
- All shown activities, including sightseeing, celebration, and other activities
- All ground transportation during the program, including transfers between the assigned airport and hotel (flights to and from Australia are the responsibility of the participants; additional information about the option to participate in a group flight will be distributed to Finalists after acceptance)
- Exposure to and learning from world-class conductors for the program duration
- Student chaperones, city touring guides, and program staff
- Five nights’ lodging in a centrally located, student-friendly hotel with staff onsite to ensure a good stay
- A 24-hour staffed emergency office to handle any unexpected circumstances
- Around-the-clock access to one of our George Washington University Hospital doctors on call for US-based medical support during the program
- Extensive traveler insurance while on the program
2019 Vocal Finalists
$2,499
2019 Instrumental Finalists
$2,549
Payment Plan for Selected Finalists
If selected, performers have the option to satisfy the full program expense at once or may follow an optional payment plan:
- $295 US deposit due with application (all but a $10 US application review fee is returned to the applicant if not selected)
- November 30, 2018: $325 US due
- December 28, 2018: $325 US due
- February 1, 2019: $325 US due
- March 1, 2019: $325 US due
- April 1, 2019: $325 US due
- May 3, 2019: $325 US due
- Final Payment Deadline (June 7, 2019): Any remaining balance due
Benjamin Northey
Australian Conductor and Composer
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
1359 Broadway, Suite 1504, New York, NY 10018
+1 (800) 503-0807
honors@honorsperformance.org
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