Riedel Communications Powers Handa Opera On Sydney Harbour

Riedel Communications played a critical role in powering the 2025 season of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (HOSH), Opera Australia's spectacular annual open-air production.

Riedel has been HOSH's trusted communications and networking partner since 2021, streamlining connectivity across every facet of the production. This year's show, Guys & Dolls, featured a fully networked Artist system, with Riedel's Managed Technology division providing the backbone of site-wide communications, data transmission, and CCTV coverage, all under some of the most challenging environmental conditions in live performance.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour, HOSH is a technical feat as much as a cultural event. The site is transformed from public parkland into a purpose-built, 3000-seat pop-up amphitheater complete with a raked stage floating on the water, FOH towers, back-of-house infrastructure, and hospitality venues.

"In all, this year we had around 100 personal comms operating during every performance," said Roo Smith, Senior Project Manager at Riedel. "That includes Bolero wireless beltpacks for most of the stage crew, some dedicated wired, digital PunQtum beltpacks for the six follow-spot crew, as well as the two-way radios used by people like security and house staff."

Riedel's design proved resilient even amid interference challenges common in RF-dense areas like Sydney Harbour. Bolero dynamically hops frequencies to avoid disruption, and the deployment of a trunked radio system and exclusive RF licensing helped reduce interference, ensuring smooth operation of all critical comms and wireless production tools.

The entire HOSH site was constructed in just four weeks. Riedel infrastructure supported the network backbone, enabling seamless integration of eighteen 2300 Series and three 1200 Series Riedel SmartPanels and Artist intercom systems, unifying show control, internet access, security systems, and cashless payment services across the venue. One of the key advantages of Riedel managing the entire network and associated cabling was the ability to streamline setup across departments. Instead of separate cabling runs for audio, lighting, and comms, Riedel’s unified network design enabled all teams to share fibre infrastructure and connection points, significantly improving efficiency.

To withstand the harsh marine environment, Riedel installed heavily armoured fibre lines connecting the floating stage to shore via a service tunnel. This build protects against razor-sharp oyster shells, barnacles, pooling water, and salt-laden mist — all common challenges on the harbour.

"We have usually 20 CCTV cameras around the entire site, and they're especially vulnerable to the conditions. By the end of the season, we’d be down to about 10 or so. Riedel came up with a more reliable CCTV system, which is, of course, also part of the whole site network," said Pablo Puig, Production Manager, Opera Australia. "If we have a medical emergency in the audience, or any kind of issue that needs locating fast, the CCTV is the best find out what’s going on and guide staff to help."

The relationship between the team from Opera Australia and Riedel has grown into a deeply collaborative one, with both teams working closely to anticipate challenges, respond quickly to emerging needs, and continually refine processes to support the production’s complex requirements.

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