The Sydney Opera House unveils historic upgrades
After being closed for two-and-a-half years of extensive renovations, the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall is finally ready to reopen to the public.
Since closing in 2020, the venue has seen hundreds of construction workers, acousticians, and experts in architecture and heritage help deliver one of the biggest upgrades in nearly 50 years.
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the community back to the renewed Concert Hall,” Louise Herron AM, the CEO of Sydney Opera House, said in a statement.
“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.”
With more $190 million invested into the renewal project, improving acoustics and accessibility have been two major priorities.
The old acrylic ‘donuts’ hanging above the stage have been replaced with magenta ‘acoustic petals’ - matching the Concert Hall seats - while a new lift and passageway now allows for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to access all levels, including the Northern Foyer and its stunning harbour views.
A state-of-the-art sound system and acoustic diffusion panels have also been installed throughout the venue, along with automated stage risers and other technology to make putting on a performance - whether it be an orchestra or musical - that much easier.
Its reopening marks the final project in the Opera House’s Decade of Renewal, which has seen the World Heritage-listed building fitted with a range of improvements and new venues, all without interfering with the original concrete and structures.
The venue will reopen to the public from July 20, marked by the return of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing Mahler’s Second Symphony.
Images: Lisa Maree Williams (Getty Images), Daniel Boud, Anna Kucera