The Majestic Sydney Opera House

Touring ballet, musical and theatre production companies from all over the globe have been coming to Australia's premier venue for performing arts for years now, the Sydney Opera House. But that's not simply because the Opera House is seen as a modern world wonder. This cultural center has also been home to Opera Australia, the Sydney Symphony and the Sydney Theatre Company. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in June 28, 2007. The Opera House's expressionist contemporary design is famous for its series of concrete shells found in its roof. These shells are made of 1.056 million white, self-cleaning tiles imported from Sweden.

Set in Sydney Harbour's Bennelong Point, the Sydney Opera House occupies over 1.8 hectares of land and is supported by 580 concrete piers placed 25 meters under sea level. The Opera Theatre and the Concert Hall are built inside the two biggest sets of shells. The shells are designed in such a way that complies with the interiors' height requirements, which rise from the entry points, rows of seats and down to the stage towers. The Bennelong Restaurant and the Monumental Steps can be found in the smaller set of shells.

The Sydney Opera House has been officially opened in October 20, 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Australia then. Millions of people went to witness the opening, which included a musical presentation of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and a fireworks display. Before the opening, there had already been two performances held at the Opera House. These were Sergel Prokoflev's "War and Peace" and a concert by the Sydney Symphony, singer Birgit Nilsson and conductor Charles Mackerras.

The Venues for Performing Arts

To provide the best accommodation to both performers and spectators, the Sydney Opera House has five theatres, two halls, souvenir shops, four restaurants and bars. Its five theatres - the Concert Hall, the Drama Theatre, the Opera Theatre, the Studio Theatre and the Playhouse -- have already been venues to some of the biggest theatrical productions and even to conferences, parties and weddings. The Sydney Opera House also holds performances by some of Australia's best performers including the Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonic Choirs and Music Viva Australia.

Known as the biggest interior venue in the Opera House, the Concert Hall is specifically designed for acoustic stage performances because of its white birch timber material, brush box finishes and high vaulted ceilings. It can seat over 2,679 people and it offers stage extensions for performances that need more stage depth. The Drama Theatre has a distinct design because of its 13.5-m wide and 4.8-m high proscenium arch. Although it is not as big as the Concert Hall, its size is most appropriate for smaller musical productions such as dance, drama and spoken word performances. It can seat over 544 people in 19 rows of white birch timber seats upholstered in tangerine woolen cloth. The theatre also has a twin concentric stage and an electronic flying system.

The Opera Theatre is the most appropriate venue for musical presentations including an orchestra. It has an orchestra pit that can accommodate over 70 musicians. With a seating capacity of 1,507, the Opera Theatre is perfect for annual performances of Opera Australia, Sydney Dance Company and the Australian Ballet. Located between the Drama Theatre and the Playhouse, the Studio Theatre has an intimate ambiance which is appropriate for contemporary and new music performances. The Studio Theatre is also perfect for spoken word performances and smaller theatrical productions. Another venue for intimate performances is the Playhouse. Most of the productions held here include those of Bell Shakespeare Company, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Festival.

Tours in the Sydney Opera House

The Opera House offers three guided tours to visitors who would like to learn everything about Australia's performing arts and its famous international landmark. The Backstage Tour is an exclusive ticket for tourists who would like to feel how it's like in areas accessible to the crew and performers only. Tourists are given access to the orchestra's pit, conductor's area, performers' dressing rooms and even the Concert Hall stage. This tour also includes a breakfast at the Green Room.

The Tour of the House includes tours to various theatres and the stories behind the House's revered stage and modern design. The Foreign Language Tour is offered to visitors from China, Korea, and Japan. This one-hour tour includes a guide who will tell stories and share secrets about the Sydney Opera House and the numerous performances held there.

An Opera House tour would not be complete without watching a few of the presentations. A few of the famous productions being held at the Sydney Opera House are the Australian Ballet's "The Nutcracker", Bell Shakespeare's "The Government Inspector", Opera Australia's "The Barber of Seville", and Sydney Symphony's "Tea and Symphony -- A Guide to the Orchestra." Visitors can purchase and reserve tickets at the Opera House's Box Office, call center or website.