What Is It? Where Is It?

If you are among the few likely to identify this world-famous building from this minimal clue … congratulations!

Thanks to my wife Alicia and I being on an around-the-world trip doing so mostly on other people’s money, we had the opportunity to visit this building in 1979. Recently, neighbors of mine here in the community where I now live since returning to my native territory here in eastern Pennsylvania, Harris and Pat … were showing a group of us pictures taken during some of their world travels, in this instance, the year was 2010.

Here’s the full picture of the Sydney Opera House, located “down-under” in Sydney, Australia! Isn’t it a wonderfully unique building to look at?

The proposed construction of a new theatrical and concert facility in Sydney was first put forth in the late 1940s, with an international design competition finally announced in 1955. Two years later, Danish architect Jørn Utzon was announced as winner –– his winning design resulted in what you see above.

The opera house sits on Bennelong Point, which originally was an island but now simply an extension out into Sydney Harbor, and an easy walk from the downtown business area of Sydney. Adjacent to it sits the Royal Botanic Garden and not far away on the other side— as you see in the photos — is the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Excuse me, Sydney Harbour Bridge … we’re in British territory.

Construction of the building got underway early in 1959; however, before long — due mostly because the government began pushing to rush the project along — difficulties began arising, brought on because of structural design issues remaining unresolved and other related problems such as incomplete architectural drawings. Soon, work was running a full year behind schedule. All of this eventually led government leaders to gain the impression that Utson’s designs were impractical, leading to the architect’s resignation in 1966.

The project was completed by an Australian architectural team and the building was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973.

There are five performances venues within the building, the largest being the Concert Hall, capable of seating 2,679 persons and is the home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, as shown here in performance. (I remember Alicia and I attending a performance in the Opera House, if my memory from 44 years ago is accurate, it was in this hall listening to this orchestra.)

The next largest is the Joan Sutherland Theatre, seating 1,500 and named for the famed Australian operatic soprano. The Drama Theatre can seat 500 and is used for smaller theatrical and dance presentations. The remaining two venues are the Playhouse with 400 seats and the Studio, a flexible space handing up to 400 persons in various configurations.

Looking at the shells which comprise the roof of the various sections, they appear to have a smooth surface yet are actually covered with these glazed ceramic tiles. On the right, a close-up look from the inside at the internal steel framing for the glass curtain walls.

Then, back inside, a look at the foyer of one of the theaters, providing those attending a performance with a wonderful view of the Sydney Harbor and the Harbor Bridge.

Finally, in 1999, the Opera House management brought about a reconciliation with original architect Jørn Utzon and bring him back on board as a design consultant. His first action was the re-design of a space that would be named the Utzon Room and feature this colorful tapestry designed by Mr. Utzon, titled Homage to Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.

And that’s a story from “down under” … from the land of kangaroos and koala bears!

While Australia in most ways is an independent nation, it still retains ties with Great Britain or what is called The Commonwealth and many of its citizens retain a fondness for the British Monarchy, at least while Queen Elizabeth II was living (we’ll have to see how or what changes occur now that the younger generation has taken over in London.)

I will note that in my two visits there, even way back 40+ years ago, there were comments and an impression in some quarters which called Australia a part of America, it just happened to have a British accent!

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