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After more than two years of extensive upgrades, the Sydney Opera House will unveil its world-class concert hall, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the landmark's World Heritage listing.
- The concert hall upgrade has taken two-and-a-half years, partly due to the pandemic
- The renovation was carried out to ensure conservation of the original interiors
- CEO Louise Herron says in the past performers had been disappointed by the experience at the landmark venue
The upgrades are set to transform the live experience for both performers and audiences with 18 acoustic reflectors and diffusers to improve sound, better accessibility with a new lift and passageway and new stage risers to increase intimacy between artists and audiences.
It will also be easier for performers to glide through the air with the new theatre flying system, allowing for more ambitious performances.
"It's hard to describe what an exciting moment this is for us," Sydney Opera House CEO, Louise Herron said.
"Artists and audiences are set to experience world-class acoustics in a venue that is more accessible, safer and better equipped to present the full breadth of 21st-century performance."
"Musicians across the world dream of playing here but all too often the experience has fallen short of expectations — with this upgrade we have corrected that imbalance."
This two-year concert hall upgrade, which was the final project in the NSW government's $300 million 'decade of renewal' for the landmark, will be completed ahead of the 50th anniversary of its World Heritage listing.
"The concert hall is the beating heart of the Opera House," Minister for the Arts, Ben Franklin said.
"The NSW government is proud to have supported this important project, which will secure our nation's most significant cultural icon for the next generation, with a positive and lasting impact on the community for years to come.
"The Opera House's largest venue will now be equipped to present diverse and dynamic performance, particularly in time for the Opera House's 50th anniversary starting in October this year."
All upgrades were carried out in line with the Opera House's Conservation Management Plan to ensure respect for the original interiors, designed by Peter Hall, the architect who completed the Opera House after Jorn Utzon departed the project.