"" Writer's Wanderings: Sydney--The Opera House

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Sydney--The Opera House


The distinctive design of the Sydney Opera House is recognized worldwide. Its architect, Jorn Utzon, received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest international award, in 2003 for his work. It took years to design and build (1957-1973) and is still being molded and designed and refurbished to fit Utzon's plans for the building and its surrounding area.

From a distance, I always thought the Opera House resembled a ship with many sails but as it is described, the roof consists of "sets of interlocking vaulted shells." Think of outdoor venues you may have seen with a stage and a "shell" over it but now imagine it in motion and a camera catching several images on one exposure. Whatever you think you see in its design, you come away with an appreciation for its complexity.

There is much history and many stories and personalities that make a backstage tour a must when visiting Sydney. On our last visit, we also took in an opera (in English thankfully since we are not opera buffs) and a play. There are several theaters or venues inside the opera house offering a variety of entertainment--not just opera.

Several restaurants are available for pre-show dining with Guillaume at Bennelong having the best views and equisite meals.

Up close or from across the harbor, the Sydney Opera House is a must see for any visitor to the city.

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