Sydney - Music & Opera

Sydney and music

Orchestras & Festivals

History

Every one recognises the Opera as the iconic monument of Sydney with its incomparable volumes making the building a masterpiece of international architecture. A legend tells that, in a recent past, some big stars of the Lyric art "tested" the most difficult roles in Sydney in front of a brilliant audience but very far from the Western journalists!

The Sydney opera is well reputed around the world. One of the most acclaimed soprano after the Callas era, Joan Sutherland was the incarnation of the Diva. She bring the Lyric Art to the highest as a proud ambassadress of her native city, Sydney.
It seems that there is a invisible link between the Australian city and the Opera, you can meet sometimes in completely unexpected fields. Gastronomy for example: Nellie Melba, another famous Australian soprano gave her name to the famous dessert “the Melba peach”!

Today, the Sydney Opera and Australia has a lot of great artists who perform on the international scenes. Sir Charles Mackerras, Yvonne Kenny, Deborah Riedel, Simone Young or LISA Gasteen are the perfect examples just like the composers Percy Grainger, Peter Sculthorpe or Ross Edwards.

Opera Australia
www.opera-australia.org.au
In 1997, Australia's two major opera companies – The Australian Opera and the Victoria State Opera – merged to “Opera Australia”. It is the third busiest opera company in the world. Opera Australia has attained international status with an expanding repertoire and with the commissioning of new works by Australian composers; it presents opera with a distinctive Australian accent of artistry and passion.

Sydney State Opera House
www.sydneyoperahouse.com
The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the modern world’s wonders and is therefore known all over the world.
The Sydney Opera House with its five halls and almost 1,000 rooms opened in October 1973.
The biggest hall is the Concert Hall with over 2,600 seats and the world’s biggest organ.
With its approximately 3,000 events and 2 million audiences a year, it is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.

Sydney Symphony
www.sydneysymphony.com
The Sydney Symphony – Australia's premier and largest orchestra – was established in 1932 and performs over 180 concerts each year, with special emphasis on premieres and first Australian performances. Several famous conductor like Antal Dorati, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sir Charles Mackerras and Edo de Waart led the Orchestra. Program highlights include masterworks by Mozart and Beethoven as well as guest performances by world class overseas conductors and soloists. The Sydney Symphony is resident at the Sydney Opera House and its Chief Conductor and Artistic Director is Gianluigi Gelmetti.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra
www.aco.com.au
Founded in 1975 in Sydney, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is a talented ensemble presenting chamber and orchestral music of the highest standard. The ACO’s unique artistic style encompasses not only the masterworks of the classical repertoire, but also innovative cross-artform projects and a vigorous commissioning program.
The ACO tours Australia extensively and also undertakes several overseas tours to Asia, Europe and the US each year.
The flexible and versatile “ensemble of soloists” with its artistic director and lead violin Richard Tognetti is designated as an international flagship arts company by the Australian Government.

Musica Viva
www.mva.org.au
Musica Viva Australia is the world's largest entrepreneur of fine ensemble music.
It offers concerts of the world's finest chamber musicians in different contexts like in informal inner city venues, in schools, in your conference, in rural regions or abroad. Through intimate concert experiences the organisation inspires Australian imagination and creativity.

Sydney Festival (January)
www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Established in 1976, the Sydney Festival is reputed to be Australia's largest and most attended annual cultural event. The programme combines outdoor and indoor presentations like concerts with the best international and national performing and visual arts. The indoor events take place in all the different theatres, galleries and concert halls throughout Sydney.

1788
Captain Arthur Phillip landed at Botany Bay in January 1788 and brought with him 730 convicts as well as military personnel. The settlers established themselves at Sydney Cove, north of the bay, and this is where the city of Sydney grew.
Phillip originally named the colony "New Albion", but for some uncertain reason the colony acquired the name "Sydney", after the (then) British Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney (Viscount Sydney from 1789).

1790s
There was a huge influx of military settlers.

1852
Sydney incorporated as a city

1850s
Because of the gold rush, the settlers poured out of the town in search of wealth and Sydney's importance diminished dramatically.

January 1st, 1901
New South Wales achieves federation and Sydney becomes its capital.
The Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Sydney.

1903
Sydney overtakes Melbourne as Australia's largest city.

1932
Opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

After WW II
European immigrants flood into the city, and Sydney spread rapidly westwards.

1973
Opening of the Sydney Opera House after 14 years of construction.

2000
The 2000 Summer Olympics take place in Sydney.

Today
Sydney has the second highest immigrant population of any major world city, with 45% of the population being either migrants or children of migrants.
The economy is doing reasonably well, though unemployment remains high.

Architecture

Some Highlights

Gardens, Beach & in the surrounding area

Sydney State Opera House
The Sydney State Opera House is both an in-depth and textured portrait of the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, as well as a narrative of one of the 20th century’s greatest buildings. You can chart the development of Utzon's ideas and their realisation in the platform, the concrete shells and the ceramic skin of the Opera House. Influenced by towering 20th century figures like LeCorbusier, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Mies van der Rohe, Antonio Gaudi and Picasso, the complex is utterly contemporary but the architect also drew many of his ideas from the architecture of the ancients.
About 6,200m² of French glass were used to build the complex and its roof is covered with over a million Swedish ceramic tiles.

Aurora Place
The two buildings – an office tower (44 levels) and an apartments skyscraper (17 levels) – were built by Renzo Piano Building Workshop in association with Lend Lease Design, Group GSA and HPA Architects between 1996 and 2000. Situated in the historical district of Sydney, the buildings were designed to be human and hospitable, like a vertical village. The use of fritted glass "skin" gives lightness to the building, and acts as a temperature regulator, thus saving valuable energy.
They seem to be sails that rise until they suddenly adopt the shape of an unfolding fan.

Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building with its elaborated Romanesque architecture was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper-sheathed dome. Glorious stained glass windows and an original 19th century staircase underline the splendour throughout the building.

St Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in Australia.
The present St Mary's is the second church of that name to occupy the site. The first one was of naive Gothic style built in 1821 and destroyed by fire in 1865.
The foundation stone for a new building, designed in Gothic-revival style by William Wilkinson Wardell was laid in 1868. St Mary's was declared complete in 1928. However, due to a lack of funds the two main towers were not constructed until 2000.

Sydney Football Stadium
Created between 1986 and 1988 by Phillip Cox, the stadium's main architectural feature is its saddle roof, which creates a bowl-like effect. The roof is translucent and the modern style stadium can hold almost 40,000 spectators.

State Bank Centre
Built in 1985 by Peddle Thorp and Walker Architects, the State Bank Centre is of modern style. It was required to be column-free what was achieved by the use of two shear walls that supported all the structure south of the tower. These pilaster-walls were designed as an architectural feature of the building to be appreciated at street level.
Hanging steel mullions of 18m long were used to support the glazed facade to Martin Place.

Town Hall
Sydney’s Town Hall built in 1868 is a fine example of Victorian architecture and features a clock tower while the interior contains a concert hall with an impressive 8,500-pipe organ.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Nine years after the start of construction, the bridge was inaugurated in March 1932.
The bridge linking the North and the South is the largest steel arch bridge in the world being 134 metres high, 49 metres wide with a curve of 503 metres.
One of the pylons houses a museum from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Sydney.

Sydney Aquarium
This magnificent aquarium displays the richness of Australian marine life. Three 'oceanariums' are moored in the harbour with sharks, rays and big fish in one, and Sydney Harbour marine life and seals in the others. The transparent underwater tunnels are eerily spectacular.

Centrepoint Tower
The Centrepoint Tower’s construction took six years and it was inaugurated in September 1981.
With a height of 205m, it is one of the safest buildings in the world. The tower has a 162,000 litre water tank at the top that acts as a stabiliser on windy days.
There are two levels of restaurants which rotate slowly.

ANZAC Bridge
The bridge was renamed ANZAC Bridge to honour the memory of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in World War I.
It is the longest cable-stayed span bridge in Australia. The construction lasted from 1992 until 1996.

Darling Harbour
Formerly a dockside area, the small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site and leading convention and exhibition centre. Many children's attractions, and not to miss: the “Cockle Wharf” restaurant and cafe.

Fort Denison
Fort Denison is a famous historical landmark in Sydney Harbour, which was used in the early days of settlement as a place of punishment and confinement for the convict population.

The Rocks
The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and it is of enormous historical significance. Without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings, the old district was transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. It is one of the most visited parts of Sydney and there is usually free entertainment, often with outdoor concerts and street theatre.
There is also the colony's first windmill, Sydney's oldest remaining pub built in 1844, the Sydney Visitor Centre and on weekends, the Rocks Market.

Parcs et Jardins
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is the nation's leading zoological garden, featuring Australia's finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species. Situated on elevated land along the waterfront you have a beautiful view on Sydney Harbour overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of Australia's most famous beaches well-known for its great sandy beach, as well as its surf. It is a modern and trendy resort with numerous cafes and restaurants.

Botany Bay National Park
Situated south of Sydney on Botany Bay, the beautiful National Park offers plenty of fabulous walking trails around the bay.

Hyde Park
Developed in 1810 by the Governor Lachlan and named after its counterpart in London, it was as an exercise and recreation area for his 73rd regiment and the officers until 1825. Today, Hyde Park is a small but beautiful park with lovely tree-lined promenades, lots of grassed areas, statues etc. In the park you will also find the impressing ANZAC War Memorial which is a wonderful piece of architecture designed in Art Deco style by Bruce Dellit.

Mrs Macquaire's Chair
It is a stone chair that was created for Elizabeth Macquarie's – the wife of Lachlan Macquarie who governed between 1810 and 1821. From there, you have one of the best views of Sydney.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Situated east of the Opera House, you can find around 7,500 varieties of plants and several varieties of native birds in the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can walk to a sort of rain forest vegetation, huge gardens with big green carpets and there are many animals to be found. Nice view over the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In the Surroundings
Blue Mountains
An hour's drive from Sydney, you will find this natural wonder which was listed World Heritage in 2000: The mountains get their hazy cobalt tint from the eucalyptus oil released by thousands of gum trees. You can find limestone, fascinating rock formations, numerous lookouts, caves, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and swimming holes in the region.

Jenolan Caves
Discovered in 1838, the Jenolan Caves are New South Wales's most impressive limestone rock formations. The labyrinth of age-old limestone tunnels and underground rivers is around three hours' drive away from Sydney.

Hunter Valley
This picturesque area just north of Sydney is a wine-lover's paradise, with more than a hundred wineries open to the public, all within two hours' drive of Sydney.

Royal National Park
Established in 1879, it was the second national park to be declared in the world. The Royal National Park with picturesque lookouts, secluded beaches and idyllic streams is just a short ferry ride away from the Sydney suburb of Cronulla.

Food & Drink

Traditional customs

In its origins, Australian cuisine is a mixture of English food and ingredients found in Australia. After WW II, Mediterranean cuisine from the refugees is integrated and in the 70s, also Asian food as Asia is the closest neighbour.
Australian cuisine is big-flavoured, fresh and thoroughly natural.

Vegemite
This dark brown, salty and bitter food paste is mainly used as a spread on sandwiches and toast, though occasionally used in cooking. It was invented in 1923 after war had disrupted the supply of imported yeast spreads. It is made from leftover brewers' yeast extract, various vegetable and spice additives.
The brand is now owned by Kraft Foods but only popular in Australia and New Zealand.

MEATS AND FISH
Kangaroo
The kangaroo meat is tasty, tender and low in fat. Historically, native indigenous Australians ate kangaroos. Today, it is still served in some restaurants but there is considerable consumer resistance to eating the flesh of an animal which is seen as "cute" and as a national symbol.

Emu
Low fat and heart healthy meat.

Barramundi
The freshwater fish's white flesh is delicate, mild-flavoured, and relatively boneless with a sweet, buttery taste. A barramundi weighs about 60kg and is 2m long.

Yabbi
Small freshwater lobster.

Sydney rock oysters
Sydney Rock Oysters' shells can grow to 8cm in length.

DESSERTS
Violet Crumble
The Australian chocolate bar invented in 1913 is a crumbly honeycomb-like substance coated in chocolate.

Tim Tams
Tim Tams are an approximately cuboid chocolate biscuit made by Arnott's. They are claimed to be Australia's favourite chocolate biscuit.

Pavlova
It is a light and fluffy meringue dessert named after the ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova.
Pavlova is traditionally decorated with fresh fruit and whipped cream or with grated peppermint crisp.

ANZAC biscuits
First of all, this variation of Scottish oat cakes was called “Soldiers’ Biscuits” as they were thought to have been made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers of WW I. After the Gallipoli landing they were named ANZAC Biscuits. The tough biscuits became popular during the food rationing of World War II. Today, they are still carried by trampers as a food of last resort.

Lamingtons
Lamingtons are a type of sponge cake squares, coated in a layer of flavoured gelatine, chocolate icing or strawberry jam and desiccated coconut.
They are named after Lady Lamington, the wife of the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901.

Vanilla slice
This type of cake consists of a thick custard sauce, which is traditionally flavoured with vanilla, and which is sandwiched between flaky puff pastry and iced with either vanilla or raspberry glaze.
It is commonly sold in milk bars and cake shops in Australia and is often referred to as a “Snot Block” due to the consistency of the custard.

Damper
A damper is a traditional Australian bread, made without yeast, and commonly made on a campfire in a cast iron camp oven.

Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (February)
The festival runs for about four weeks in locations throughout Sydney. It presents music, theatre, an art show and the last day concludes with a parade. To quote the promoters: "The Parade is the world’s most glamorous civil rights demonstration and Australia’s cheekiest night of the year.”

Royal Easter Show (March)
The Show combines exhibits, competitions and entertainment over two weeks at the Sydney Showground, the Sydney Olympic Park. There are street performances, stage shows, dance, live music, comedy and poetry. There are also commercial exhibitors who launch their products – from garden products to jewellery.

Hunter Valley Harvest Festival (April)
This is the time of the year when the wine industry hits top gear. You can enjoy activities happening throughout the region from wine-tastings to tours of the wineries or partaking of a Harvest lunch or dinner. Besides wine, you can also find arts, olives, chocolate and beer.

Sydney Film Festival (June)
The Sydney Film Festival is in its fifth decade and is growing each year. The 2006 programme will include 200 movies over 15 days.

Biennale of Sydney (July)
Held every two years in Sydney, this international showcase of contemporary art ranks in the top three leading international festivals of that kind. Its aim is to encourage new levels of enthusiasm for different creative expression.

City to Surf (August)
From humble beginnings back in 1971, the City to Surf has grown to be the must-do footrace in Australia and the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney Design (August)
Being one of the world’s longest running design festivals, it shows over 50 exhibitions, events and talks in 24 venues. For a couple of weeks in August, the festival offers architecture walks around Sydney, debates on urban design, a behind-the-scenes look at successful industrial and product design studios etc.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (December)
For 60 years the Sydney to Hobart blue water yacht race has attracted interest from all over the world.

Things to Do

Hotels

Restaurants

Museum of Sydney
The Museum of Sydney is built on the ruins of the house of Australia's first governor-general, Governor Phillip. The Museum of Sydney explores colonial and contemporary Sydney through objects, pictures and new digital media techniques.

Art Gallery NSW
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/home
The mission of the Gallery is simple: to acquire and present to the public the finest works of art available, with emphasis on the artistic traditions of Australia.
There are seven major collections: Australian, Aboriginal, Asian, European, Contemporary, Photography, Drawings, …

Autralian Museum
The Australian Museum has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous studies research, community programs and exhibitions. Established in 1827, it is Australia's first museum.

Museum of Contemporary Art
www.mca.com.au
It is Australia’s only museum collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world. With a continually changing program of exhibitions there's always something new, exciting and inspiring to see at the MCA.

National Australian Maritime Museum
www.anmm.gov.au
The Australian National Maritime Museum has thousands of exhibits depicting Australia's history - from ancient times when Aboriginal people trapped fish and traded with Asian neighbours, right up to the present.

Sydney Tramway Museum
www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au
Founded in 1950 and situated in the southern Sydney suburb of Loftus, it is Australia's oldest tramway museum and the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Sydney Observatory
www.sydneyobservatory.com.au
Having been in use for over 140 years, the Sydney Observatory is the oldest observatory in Australia. It preserves the history of astronomy in Australia including that from the Aboriginal perspective. Besides, it offers a 3-D Space Theatre and sessions where you can see the sky at night through historic and modern telescopes.

SHOPPING
Queen Victoria Building
Described as "the most beautiful shopping centre in the world" by Pierre Cardin, the Queen Victoria Building was completely refurbished as a shopping centre in 1984, and includes more than 200 shops. Nevertheless, it retained the turn-of-the-century charm dating from the constructions time in 1889. Opened every day, the shops with old-world shop fronts are located on three levels.

Centrepoint Tower
There are plenty of shops to keep you entertained in the Centrepoint Shopping complex at the base of the Tower.

Sydney Central Plaza
Sydney Central Plaza is right in the heart of the city. There is a Grace Bros department store on eight levels which is more like a showroom than a store, such is the breadth of its range of products. Moreover, there is one level for a wide range of fashion shops and another filled with an array of different food and speciality stores.

David Jones department store
Established in 1838, it is Sydney's oldest department store and the only one to still be trading under its original name. By 1887 the store had been redesigned to become a department store, imitating those seen overseas, and sold an enormous range of goods. Today the store perpetuates its founder's aim to sell the best and most exclusive goods and to carry a stock that embraces the everyday wants of mankind at large.

Westfield Black Label shopping centre
Situated at Bondi Junction, their emphasis is on service and unique brands which reflects Sydney’s upsurge in independent stores which are owned and operated by individual design labels.

MARKETS
Paddy's Markets
The Paddy’s Markets are Sydney's biggest markets. The stalls stock new items, albeit cheap or discounted. The very fresh fruit and veg is plentiful and at excellent prices.

Rocks Markets
Taking place every weekend from 10am to 5pm, the Rocks Markets mainly trade in good quality crafts, home wares, arts and collectibles.

Glebe Markets
These traditional alternative markets sell clothing, arts, crafts, edible goodies and some pretty neat second-hand goods. The markets are open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday.

Sydney Fish Markets
This permanent market at Blackwattle Bay is an awesome spectacle. The 65 tonnes of fresh catch that passes through these markets daily is filtered out to the restaurants, suburban retailers and households from the early hours of each weekday morning.
The markets are open to the public daily from 7am to 4pm.

The Sofitel Wentworth Sydney *****
61-101 Phillip Street
Tél.: +61 2 9230 0700
Fax : +61 2 9228 9133
E-mail : H3665@accor.com
Sofitel Wentworth is situated in the heart of the financial district and is close to the Sydney Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, the shopping malls, the restaurants etc. This hotel is an icon of elegance and hospitality.
With sophisticated interiors and impeccable attention to detail, the hotel is one of Sydney's premier meeting spots.

Swissotel Sydney on Market Street *****
68 Market Street
Tél.: +61 2 9238 8888
Fax : +61 2 9238 8877
E-mail: ask-us.sydney@swissotel.com
Swissotel Sydney is situated in the inner city and its Australian maple wood furnishings gives a feel of comfort and style. The rooms are bright and offer magnificent views of the city skyline.

Carlton Crest Hotel Sydney ****
169-179 Thomas Street
Tél.: +61 2 9281 6888
Fax : +61 2 9281 6688
E-mail: res@carltoncrest-sydney.com.au
Situated in the heart of Sydney's entertainment and theatre district, this hotel has a unique rooftop sky garden which offers expansive views over Sydney.

The Sydney Boulevard Hotel ****
90 William Street
Tel.: +61 2 9383 7222
Fax : +61 2 9357 1547
E-mail: reservations@boulevard.com.au
Centrally located, it is close to all major attractions and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the picturesque Harbour.

Vibe Hotel Goulburn Street ****
111 Goulburn Street
Tél.: +61 2 9282 0987
Fax : +61 2 9211 1806
The hotel has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and is located within easy walking distance to Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Theatres and the Central Business District. Offering an award wining restaurant and a beautiful rooftop garden it is the ideal environment for both business and relaxation.

AMP Tower / Centrepoint
The revolving restaurant offers a great view over Sydney and serves unique food like camel, kangaroo, and emu.

Shiki
Clocktower Square
Cnr. Argyle and Harrington Sts
Tél.: +61 2 9252 2431
Fax : +61 2 9247 8351
Located in The Rocks, Shiki is Sydney's longest established Japanese restaurant. You'll find traditional sushi, sashimi, tempura and teryaki as well as some surprising Japanese twists on Australian seafood.

25th Floor
90 William St
Tél.: +61 2 9383 7222
Fax : +61 2 9356 2115
The 25th Floor Restaurant with a romantic and elegant atmosphere and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings is one of Sydney’s hidden treasures. Offering spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, the restaurant serves modern international cuisine with an Australian touch.

Arena
212 Bent Street
Tél.: +61 2 9361 3833
Fax : +61 2 95198544
Situated in a multi-level complex with contemporary architecture, large outdoor balconies, warm and chic interiors, “Arena” serves contemporary cuisine. Referred as stylish, elegant, comfortable, accessible and striking, it is one of Sydney’s most popular destinations.

Bayswater Brasserie
32 Bayswater Road
Tél.: +61 2 9357 2177
Fax : +61 2 9358 1213
The Bayswater Brasserie with a 22-year-old tradition helped to define the term “Modern Australian Cuisine.” It is an oyster bar being familiar but at the same time elegant and contemporary.

Blue Diamond Charters – Sunseeker
Level 5, 200 George Street
Tél.: +61 2 9251 1200
Fax: +61 2 9251 1414
The restaurant on the stylish motor yacht is absolutely luxury. Tastefully fitted out in teak and leather with open plan entertaining on three levels.

Blue Orange Restaurant
49 Hall Street; Bondi Beach
Tél: +61 2 9300 9885
This restaurant with a distinct seaside flair serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cuisine is Australian combined with African, European and Middle East flavours.

Bellevue Restaurant
159 Hargrave Street; Paddington
Tél.: +61 2 9363 2293
Fax : +61 2 9363 7427
With a history dating back to the 1800s, this smart refreshingly decorated restaurant with a skylight roof giving lots of natural light has a very polished menu. The Bellevue Pub with its warm and cosy atmosphere is one of Sydney's most beloved pubs.

Bills
433 Liverpool Street
Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
Tél.: +61 2 9360 9631
This cosy sun-lit corner cafe in Darlinghurst is prized for its amazing breakfasts.