Sydney Opera House

Sydney is a fantastic bustling city featuring arts and culture and a hopping nightlife. I had a fantastic time when I visited a while back. Sydney and the energy of its people reminded me of New York City (where I grew up). The iconic Sydney Opera House opened in 1973. It houses two main performance halls as well as a restaurant. It is known for its unusual interlocking vaulted shells which are surrounded by terrace areas and pedestrian concourses.

Australia’s annual festival Vivid Sydney is coming up on May 24 2024. It runs through June 1, 2024. This year’s theme (its 14th year) is Vivid Sydney, Humanity. See the latter part of this article for more info about the festival.

Sydney Opera House

Visit the website to read the fascinating story about Jørn Utzon, the original architect who designed the opera house. He departed before the project was completed. Architect Peter Hall was later brought in to complete the project. The magnificent structure was included in the National Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2005. In addition to being an architectural wonder of the world, the Sydney Opera House is THE place to enjoy a live performance. So, treat yourself.

The Music at the Sydney Opera House

Of course, the legendary venue is home to the Australian Opera and the Sydney Orchestra. Its very first production was Prokofiev’s War and Peace performed by the Australian Opera. Find out more about the opera productions on https://opera.org.au/sydney/

Acclaimed jazz greats such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald have graced the stage, along with contemporaries Bob Dylan, Sting, Prince and many many more. The well-known South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela made his famous forgiveness speech on the steps of the opera house. Today the extraordinary venue features all types of music – classical, modern as well as musicals, dance, and comedy.

backstage tour

Enjoy a behind the scenes pass with the Backstage tour which runs Thursdays, through Mondays. The small group is led through the venue and tours the rehearsal spaces, as well as the orchestra pit, and more. CICK HERE for more info.

Don’t miss visiting the opera house when you are in Sydney. Find out more about this UNESCO heritage site, or visit the NSW’s Yiribana Gallery to learn more about Australia’s first people and their stunning contemporary art.

Vivid Sydney Annual Festival

I would be remiss if I did NOT spotlight Vivid Sydney, an annual celebration of creativity that literally transforms specific areas of Sydney and the harbor. It began in 2009 as a small week-long light show and quickly evolved into a massive three-week long festival attracting millions of people each year. Highlighting Sydney’s landmark buildings via spectacular light shows, the festival blends the arts with technology and music, as well as featuring culinary chef driven pop-ups.

Today’s 3D projections reflect onto Sydney’s majestic urban landscape, and of course onto the acclaimed opera house. This year’s theme (its 14th year in 2004) is “Vivid Sydney, Humanity,” revealed Festival Director Gill Minervini. “Humanity is at the core of everything we do, and this year Vivid Sydney is diving deeply into what makes us uniquely human.” If you are an art lover, you may want to plan your travels, so you will be in Sydney during this special event. Or if you happen to be visiting Sydney Australia…this just might be for you.

Visit the website for info, and be sure to starting planning early. https://www.vividsydney.com/

Find out more about Australia as well as the Sydney Opera House on its tourism website – https://www.australia.com; https://www.sydney.com; https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

CLICK HERE for additional info about Arts & Entertainment throughout the world