The temporary closure of the Sydney Opera House might be a "terrible circumstance", but chief executive Louise Herron is focused on the positives for its $200 million refurbishment, and the building's place in the heart of Sydneysiders.

After having its live shows and site tours cancelled until at least July due to the coronavirus outbreak, the NSW government-owned institution on Wednesday launched a digital season promising live recordings from its archive, podcasts, long-form articles and behind-the-scenes content updated weekly.