The last time Francesca Zambello directed Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, the 2012 debut of the now annual waterfront spectacular, soprano Emma Matthews closed Act 1 by soaring into the night sky suspended from a gigantic chandelier as fireworks exploded around her.

We'll have to wait to see what showstoppers Zambello has up her sleeve for her new harbour production, West Side Story. But there will be fireworks. There are always fireworks.