One of the world’s most iconic sights turns 50 next year. But she doesn’t look it.
The Sydney Opera House, a building derided by critics when drawings were first unveiled, will celebrate its half-century birthday the weekend of October 21-22. The Opera House has a series of events planned for October to celebrate, including a dance program called Message in a Bottle that features songs from Sting, a new indigenous restaurant by First Nations Chef Mark Olive, performances by ne of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, St. Martin’s in the Fields, and the unveiling of a new First Nations public artwork featuring more than 100,000 oyster shells.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Sydney four times over the years, and had the thrill of attending the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in this wondrous city. No matter how many times I go, I always get a thrill from seeing those giant white shells glistening in the sun alongside Sydney Harbour.
The Sydney Opera House. Tourism Australia Photo
Sydney Opera House By The Numbers
SOH is a 22-story architectural marvel, with more than 10,000 pipes in the Grand Organ. Okay, it was also 1000% over budget, but that doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
Did you know if all 14 of the Opera House’s giant stylized, sail-shaped shells were combined it would create a solid sphere?
Sustainability and SOH: Fifty years ago, visionary Opera House architect Jørn Utzon embedded sustainability principles such as an innovative seawater cooling system planning for a 250-year lifespan. The SOH achieved a 6 Star Green Star Performance rating from the Green Building Council Australia, and Carbon Neutral certification in 2018 under Climate Active – five years ahead of schedule.
Preparing SOH for the next 50 years: The SOH has extensive plans and ambitious global goals set for the future across restoration, sustainability, accessibility, environmental, Indigenous heritage, economic, educational sectors and more.
Innovations in the building of the SOH: The road to creating a World Heritage-listed masterpiece and symbol of modern Australia was not without conflict, politics, creative differences and more turmoil.
More incredible SOH facts and little-known pieces of history can be found here.
Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, Australia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Canadian Angles
Canadian singer and songwriter Bryan Adamsperformed at SOH, dedicating a record to the performance
Opera singers Joyce El-Khoury and Wallis Guinta both performed at SOH
Canadian visits to Australia are up to 70% pre-pandemic levels
49% of Canadians say they hope to take a trip down under in 2023.
