In this March 28, 2020 photo, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are seen before they are plunged into darkness for the Earth Hour environmental campaign. (PETER PARKS / AFP)

SYDNEY - The Sydney Opera House reopened to audiences on Sunday evening, for the first time since March when it was forced to close due to the pandemic, breathing life back into the country's struggling performing arts sector.

A special Jazz performance at the Sydney Opera House followed by a theatre production marked the start of the summer season

A special Jazz performance on Sunday evening, followed by a theatre production on Monday, marked the start of the summer season, which was to feature local artists and performers in lieu of international talent ruled out by COVID-19.

An easing of COVID-19 regulations in the State of New South Wales,  which on Monday reported just one local case, meant that the iconic venue could function at half capacity with hygiene and social distancing measures in place.

In announcing the summer program last month, Opera House CEO Louise Herron said that an online program offered during the pandemic had proved popular, but could not compare with the experience of live performance.

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"Since closing in March due to COVID-19, we have continued to connect artists with audiences through the digital program From Our House to Yours, with close to six million views and listens of free on-demand content to date," Herron said.

"But there's nothing like live, in-person experiences, so we're delighted to be welcoming the community back to the Opera House with an exciting range of performances, events and a new one-hour tour."

The summer calendar includes plays, First Nations culture and storytelling, comedy, jazz, children's entertainment and a range of independent local musicians.