Inside The World’s Busiest Performing Arts Center

Story and Photos by Dawnelle Salant

A trip to Sydney would not be complete without a visit to one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House. Sitting on a stunning harbor, the Opera House’s daring architecture sets it apart from all other performing arts centers. On any given day, the platform surrounding the world famous structure is filled with tourists taking endless photos from every possible angle. But don’t be fooled. As wonderful as the Opera House looks from the outside, it’s only half the picture. The Opera House is even more enchanting on the inside.

Don’t make the mistake of viewing this Australian icon only from the outside. There’s a reason it’s known as the busiest performing arts center in the world; the myriad of performances that take place within its walls. One of the best ways to sneak a peek at the interior is to take in a show. The Opera Theatre has a capacity of 1,507 and seats range in price from only $52 (partial view) to $230 (Australian Dollars). The Concert Hall, Drama Theatre and the Playhouse also offer performances year round. There’s much more to the Opera House than just opera!

If you don’t have the time or money to take in a show, join a guided tour. The one hour tour leads you through the highlights of the performing arts center and lets you experience the magic that is the Sydney Opera House. Tours cost $26 ($23 if you book online) and leave every half hour from 9-5. But get there early – in the afternoon some of the theaters are closed to the public for matinee performances.

When my mother and I arrive in Sydney, one of the first things we do is head straight to the Opera House and sign up for a tour. Our guide is an energetic young man who is devoted to his job, and obviously lives for the performing arts. He takes us straight to the Opera House and we enter the dark room in silence.

This theater is unique for several reasons. The first thing our guide points out is the small stage. He goes on to tell us that it is so small that when a ballet is being performed, someone must wait in the wings to catch the ballet dancers if they go too far, and push them back onto center stage. The black walls and ceiling peak my interest as well, and I soon find out that they are there for a reason. Once the lights go down, there is nothing to distract the audience from what is taking place on stage.

The Concert Hall is perhaps the most visually impressive. The world’s largest mechanical organ graces the back wall, and the interior is finished entirely in timber. In the Concert Hall; it’s all about sound. The white birch and brushbox act as a sponge, absorbing the sound. A concertina effect on the ceiling and zig zag protrusions on the box seats help to perfect the acoustics.

On the day of our tour, we’re blessed by the classical music gods as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is rehearsing and we’re allowed to sneak in and listen. The entire group stands as still as statues as the Orchestra picks up their instruments. When music fills the air, it literally takes my breath away. The sound is exquisite – I’ve never heard such clear, pure music before. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs here on a regular basis, with seats ranging in price from around $40 - $100 (Australian dollars).

After our tour is over, we decide to pay a visit to the box office and see if there are tickets available for performances during our stay in Sydney. I must admit I’m not a huge fan of opera – the last concert I attended was the Black Eyed Peas – but the Opera House has cast a spell on me, and the tour leaves me wanting more. We manage to get two tickets for a showing of Turandot, one of Puccini’s famous operas. The tickets are $96 each for seats on the first level at the end of a row. I consider it a bargain.

The evening of the opera, all dressed up with somewhere important to go, I begin to question my cultural intentions. I’m fairly sure that I’ll be hopelessly bored throughout the three hour performance. My mother agrees, but maintains that it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Walking up the steps of the world famous building, I feel more important than I could ever imagine. We have a drink at the Opera House bar, (bring cash – they don’t accept credit or bank cards), and suddenly the bell is ringing for us to take our seats. Any doubts I had about the opera are erased immediately upon the raising of the curtain. The elaborate and detailed costumes make me feel as if I’ve been rushed back in time to ancient Peking.

From the moment the first opera singer opens his mouth, I’m captivated. Each and every one of the performers puts incredible effort into each note, and their strong voices fill the theater with emotion. It’s so much more powerful than I had imagined. Although the opera is sung in Italian, surtitles are visible above the stage and every once in a while I pry my eyes from the stage in order to follow the story. By the time the opera is over, I nearly have tears in my eyes.

The Sydney Opera House has lived up to its reputation. Besides giving me an unforgettable evening, it’s opened up a whole new genre of music to me. I’m already planning my next visit to the Opera!

For More Information

Visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com to find out what’s showing, book tickets for the guided tours and all performances. If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay in Sydney, try Victoria Court Hotel in Potts Point. Close to the Opera House and overlooking historic Victoria Street, Victoria Court is no ordinary hotel. Each room is unique and decorated with Victorian charm. Marble fireplaces, four-poster beds and a courtyard complete with a bubbling fountain give the hotel the character that most chain hotels are lacking.

Breakfast is included; for reservations, visit www.victoriacourt.com.au.