THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE The theatre was built in 1876. Bombed in March 1945, just before the end of the Second World War, it was rebuilt following the original design, and reopened in 1955. The school of ballet was created by Jean-George Noverre in 1777. Since 1980, the school has occupied new premises not far from the Wiener Staatsoper. One of its rooms is named after Nureyev. |
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The architecture of the Sydney Opera house has become the symbolic image of Australia, in the same manner as the Eiffel Tower for France or Big Ben for England... This Opera House, with a form that resembles sails swaying in the wind, was designed by Danish architect Jom Utzon. The project took over twenty years to complete. During its construction, the builders met with technical difficulties, which nearly caused them to abandon the project. It took years to build and the cost was astronomical. Queen Elisabeth II attended the inauguration of the Opera House on October 20, 1973, where Prokofiev's opera "War and Peace" was performed. Built on Bennelong Point, this sailboat shaped complex is 185 meters long, 120 meters wide and extends into the port. The best viewpoint is certainly from Harbour Bridge or even from the air. Thanks to its four theaters, the Sydney Opera House is able to host 3000 artistic events per year. This Opera House is the second largest in terms of seating capacity, with 1547 seats and hosts both lyrical and dance performances. The stage is 12 meters wide, 7 meters high and up to 25 meters deep. The stage curtain is a tapestry that was created by Australian artist John Coburn and woven in a factory, located near Aubusson. It is called the Curtain of the Sun. Nureyev danced in Sydney for the first time in 1964 - Swan Lake, Giselle and Corsaire. Nureyev performed here in August 1977, with the London Festival Ballet in its new production of "Romeo and Juliet".
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