Sydney Opera House Getting Acoustic Makeover

The first such undertaking since its 1973 opening

Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most famous music venues, has long had a problem. Everyone loves the building, but not everyone loved the way it sounds, especially in its largest venue, the Concert Hall, Some felt that the acoustics lacked power; actor and director John Malkovich quipped (of the old design) that "an airplane hangar would sound better".  

After 43 years of mixed reviews, the Concert Hall is getting a major upgrade. The air-conditioning is being replaced, better access and more room to accommodate wheelchairs. The biggest change will be to how the hall sounds: the stage will be lower, the walls beneath the boxes will tilt differently and new acoustic reflectors will replace the plastic ‘donuts’ that have been hanging above the stage since the Opera House opened in 1973.

TRIVIA:

​​The Concert Hall Grand Organ is believed to be one of the largest mechanical organ in the world, with 10,154 pipes ranging in size from as small as a drinking straw to as large as a telegraph pole. It took 10 years to complete.

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A sneak-peek at the acoustic improvements

Renewing the Joan Sutherland Theatre 

The Exterior: Conserving a Concrete Masterpiece

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Read more here about the transformation including how lasers help design the acoustic space.

Images and material from ​www.sydneyoperahouse.com

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