4 JUNE 2018
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Few cities in the world have a more iconic gateway than Sydney and its sometime controversial Opera House, writes Malcolm Ginsberg. It vies with the Statue of Liberty at New York, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and, the first of them all, the White Tower (Tower of London).
The Concert Hall in its glory
An international design competition was launched in 1955 and won by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, his the 218th submission of 233. In fact the design was initially rejected but eventually was the unanimous selection of the four man Opera House committee.
What followed was a cost and building overrun which, mixed with politics, in some ways developed into a farce. Utzon walked out of the unfinished project in 1966 and died in 2008 aged 90 never seeing the completed work. Instead of four years to build it took fourteen. The original cost estimate was AU$7m. The final bill would come to AU$102m and it was largely paid for by a State Lottery in just 18 months after the opening.
Carmen in the Joan Sutherland Opera Theatre in February
Paul Robeson was the first person to perform at Sydney Opera House. In 1960, he climbed the scaffolding and sang Ol' Man River to the construction workers as they ate lunch. One problem that is still with us is with the Joan Sutherland Theatre and its narrow wings off-stage. For certain ballets the performers have to be very careful when flying into this area. Netting is supplied to stop accidents.
When it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 it was only one of two in honour of a living architect. The Utzon Room, a small multi-purpose venue serves as a reminder of who conceived the unique shell-like sail concept. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – the symbol of Sydney.
To admire the Sydney Opera House you don’t have to go to an event. You can stroll around and perhaps stop for a beer or eat at one of the food outlets.
Note the headphones on the tour. They work very well
The tours themselves are well organised, but are pacey and do include quite a lot of steps. On the short version there are two video stops and the guides excellent and full of interesting facts. Except for the boxes in the actual opera theatre all the sight lines are good, the seats themselves designed in such a way that they acoustically act as if being sat on even when empty. During rehearsals the performers will not notice the difference regarding the sound effect. In recent times the stages have been full mechanised. Previously some of the sets had to be dropped in by a pulley system.
Bennelong Restaurant night exterior
Facing Circular Quay the Forecourt, a wonderful open air venue much used for pop concerts, and also for seeing in the New Year. There are six restaurants dotted around the building.
Eight million people annually visit the Opera House and its precepts making it one of the most popular attractions anywhere in the world. Well done Mr Utzon.
See also BTN 28 May - Sydney and IATA
Typical pop concert setting on The Forcourt
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