This is the story of a Japanese girl who marries a US naval officer while he is on shore leave. With their child she waits expectantly for his return – but when his ship arrives, he is accompanied by his new American wife. Striken by grief, Butterfly commits suicide, choosing to die with honour rather than live with shame.

What is opera to you? The rush of adrenalin as a soprano or tenor’s voice soars, the roar of the chorus, the larger-than-life costumes and scenery, the moving stories, or just the whole sense of occasion? Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is all this, and more, so come down to the water’s edge and let the story begin.

We’re on a naval base somewhere on the Pacific rim. A young officer acquires a bride to keep him company during his tour of duty. It’s clearly a financial transaction rather than a love match but on their wedding night the stars come out, their eyes meet and magic happens. We dare you to hear Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton’s exquisite love duet and remain unmoved, especially when it takes place on a balmy summer’s evening against the backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

The stars will be there, for real. Magic too?