Sydney’s iconic Opera House turns 50 and will host a month of events to celebrate.
The majestic Sydney Opera House was opened on 20 October, 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II. The beautiful building, with its reflective shells, has been the stage for many performers, from singers, orchestras and even beauty competitions. Did you know that Austrian former actor and Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, won his final Mr Olympia bodybuilding title in 1980 in the Concert Hall?
Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon but completed by an Australian architectural team headed by Peter Hall, the Opera House receives over 10.9 million visitors annually. This year, it will open its doors for a month-long celebration of 50 years of bringing people together.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields with JB. Image credit: Benjamin Ealovega
Opera House Director of Programming Fiona Winning said this anniversary marks a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the Opera House as they have never done before.
“Our October Birthday Festival invites everyone to experience the wonder of the Opera House and the art and artists who make the building sing,” Ms Winning says. “The Opera House belongs to us all, and this festival is a joyous occasion for our community to come together and celebrate five decades of this extraordinary building.”
To get the party started, Opera House has prepared 50/50, 50 consecutive days of films, including rare and unseen pieces selected from the archives of the Opera House. The movies are available to the public for free via Stream on its website.
First Nations artist Megan Cope has transformed the Opera House site with her thought-provoking piece and by using tens of thousands of kinyingarra (oysters in Jandai language) shells to create her immersive sculptures.
Opera House ‘Open Day’ in 2015. Image credit: Benjamin Ealovega
Image credit: Jon Super
The vibrant line-up also includes performances from one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and offer offers an opportunity to hear Jan and Lin Utzon, who are travelling from Denmark for an in-conversation reflecting on the legacy of their father.
On 1 October, the Opera House Forecourt will become a catwalk for the public to parade on and dance to the rhythm of live music while enjoying photography by local artists.
The whole family is also invited to enjoy Dimanche, from 12 October—a dynamic physical theatre and puppetry show in the Playhouse.
A free Open House Weekend (from 21 to 22 October) will welcome thousands of visitors. This will be the first open day held in almost eight years, and it’s an exclusive and unmissable opportunity to explore stages and behind-the-scenes areas.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a historical celebration of one of Australia’s icons.
For the full program, visit the Opera House site: sydneyoperahouse.com.