In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the illustrious Sydney Opera House is set to launch “50/50” – an enticing selection of 50 films spanning its rich half-century legacy.
From 3 September to 22 October 2023, audiences globally can relive the Opera House’s unmatched history with free access to a series of iconic performances, enthralling documentaries, insightful discussions, and riveting live streams.
Stuart Buchanan, the esteemed Head of Screen at Sydney Opera House, reflected on the mammoth task, stating, “Tracing the footprints of the Opera House across five decades has been a fascinating voyage. Watching its cultural transformation, discovering treasures long buried in the archives, has been an experience nothing short of magical.”
The 50/50 series promises a journey through time, highlighting visionary artists and groundbreaking performances that have etched their marks since the venue’s 1973 inception. Among these are timeless acts from Opera Australia, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, legends like Dame Joan Sutherland, Peter Allen, and Iggy Pop, alongside modern icons such as Khruangbin, The National, and Sampa the Great. Additionally, viewers will be treated to six rare documentaries that weave the story of the Opera House’s evolution.
Notable features include:
- A dive into the past with ‘Gala Opening Concert with Sydney Symphony Orchestra’ and ‘Opera Australia – War and Peace’ from 1973.
- Gurrumul’s heart-rending 2014 performance, showcasing his Yolngu culture in harmony with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
- Iggy Pop’s unforgettable 2019 night where he revived hits from ‘Lust For Life’ and ‘The Idiot.’
- Peter Allen’s captivating 1977 performance, his inaugural at the Opera House, highlighted by Grammy-winning ‘I Honestly Love You.’
- The 2023 streaming premiere of ‘Bangarra Dance Theatre, Yuldea,’ a testament to heritage and history.
- ‘The Fifth Façade – the Making of the Sydney Opera House,’ a delve into the mind of its architect, Jørn Utzon.
- The London Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 comeback, spotlighting Sir Simon Rattle’s last Australian appearance.
- A cosmic evening from 2015 with Stephen Hawking, virtually interacting via hologram technology.
All these and more await viewers, promising a nostalgic rollercoaster. Grab your free tickets at Sydney Opera House 50/50 and be part of this monumental celebration!
