Memorable Encounters....The Sydney Opera House
While I was growing up and dreaming of far away adventures, the Sydney Opera House was always at the back of my mind. I have wanted to visit and see all of its glorious peaks since I was a child, and this past January I found myself not only seeing it from the harbour, but experiencing the play Amadeus in person.
According to the opera house web site: "The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. A World Heritage-listed masterpiece of “human creative genius,” it exists because a few brave people dared to think differently.
From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. When the Opera House opened its doors in 1973, changing the image of Australia, a new era of cultural discovery and community engagement began.
Five decades later, we stand as an important community meeting place, the nation’s busiest performing arts centre and an integral part of Sydney through our contribution to culture, heritage, sustainability and tourism."
Yes, you read right, this is the 50th anniversary of the Opera Houses existence. The opera house is located in Sydney Harbor, and rests on Bennelong Point in New South Wales, Australia (as if I had to write that!) Bennelong is the name of one of two Aborigines who served as liaisons between Australia's first British settlers and the local population.) I've read that it is one the most-photographed building of the world, (yes, I can see that!) What I love about it, especially since I'm a sailor, is that it has white sail-shaped shells as the roof structure. It just glistens in the sun. I spent 4 days photographing the Opera House from as many angles as I could!!!
Fun facts that I didn't know, and were informed on one of our tours, is that the original estimate of construction ballooned from an estimated $7 million to $102 million! The Danish architect Jorn Utzon was the winning entry sponsored by the New South Wales government in 1956. Even though construction began in 1959, problems arose from the innovative design, which resulted in countless delays. The grand opening, of this grand Opera House, was on October 20th, 1973, fourteen years later!
It has two main theaters, and three other theaters of different sizes and configurations for stage plays, film screening and small musical performances. We were in the largest one with a 2,679 seat capacity. It also houses restaurants and a professional recording studio. Before the play we ate outside at the Portside restaurant overlooking the harbor, which was awe inspiring, especially after the enormous cruise liner departed. I would have loved to eat at the Bennelong Restaurant, inside the Opera House, but that proved to be way outside our culinary budget! (The fun facts were brought to you by Britannica.)
For me, being in front of the Sydney Opera House meant that one of my life long dreams had been fulfilled. I may not have the spectacular images I've seen on-line, but my photographs reflect my vision and my perspective on one of the most iconic buildings I have ever seen. Enjoy!!!!
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
This is the first of my blogs detailing my trip of a lifetime....stay tuned for more!
Photographs taken with a Nikon Z6II, Z lenses and the Google Pixel & Pro cell phone.
