Sydney Opera House

Angelina-We took a tour of the Sydney Opera House on September 3, 2018. It was absolutely fascinating and informational. Our tour guide was awesome and we learned so much about its history.

Mona-I have always wanted to see the Sydney Opera House, as I am interested in architecture. This work was designed by Jorn Utzon from Denmark in response to an International design competition held in 1956. The original submission went through many adaptations, and came to fruition beginning in 1959. The completed Opera House opened in 1973. The roof is constructed of pre-cast concrete sections, tensioned steel cable and covered in Swedish ceramic tiles. The tiles are a cream color, and amazingly enough only about five per year are replaced, so the roof is very sturdy, as well as attractive. The roof weighs 27,230 tons. It is amazing both inside and out, an Australian architect, Peter Hall was commissioned to design the interior, and the wood combined with the concrete and the colors of carpet all compliment one another for a grand effect. Each concert hall has a specific intention; music, voice, theater, etc.., and each is amazing. The original cost was estimated at $7.0 million, and it actually cost $102 million, paid for largely through the State Lottery. There were 10,000 construction workers, and no fatalities during the 14 years of construction. More than 8.2 million people visit the Opera House every year. The Opera House sits on Bennelong Point.

We had the pleasure of attending the theater in the playhouse on September 4th for a modern version of Moliere´s play, ¨The Misanthrope¨, it was a fantastic production, and, of course, quite an experience to be in the Opera House for it. What a privilege to have seen this marvelous sight, we would come back again and again if we lived here.