When you think about Sydney, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Probably the famous Opera House, which is Sydney’s most famous landmark. But did you know that its construction was expected to last 4 years, but took 14? Or that it involved 10,000 construction workers? If you want to learn more about this beautiful building, just keep on scrolling.
1. The internationally famous Opera House was designed by a Danish architect Jørn Utzon. There was an international design competition in 1956, where 233 possible Opera House designs were submitted. Utzon won the competition and received ₤5,000 for his work.
2. The construction began in 1959 and took 14 years to complete.
3. Paul Robeson, an American concert artist and stage and film actor, was the first to perform at the Opera House. In 1960, he climbed the scaffolding and sang “Ol’ Man River” to the construction workers as they ate lunch.
4. The Opera House was opened on October, 20th 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II.
5. Once during a concert in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, chickens and one bird walked off the stage and landed on top of the cellist. After that “accident,” a net was installed above the orchestra pit.