“The Opera House is a World-Heritage masterpiece of human creative genius,”

—Louise Herron, CEO, Sydney Opera House

While the Sydney Opera House is World Heritage Listed and one of the world’s most famous buildings, its Concert Hall was widely regarded to be compromised, technically and acoustically.

Designed 60+ years ago, the hall was fitted with ageing theatre technology and presented difficulties for contemporary stage crews. Several front-of-house areas had very poor accessibility, with some levels impossible for mobility restricted patrons. In 2012, the SOH management announced that it would undertake a ‘Decade of Renewal’ leading up to the building’s 50th anniversary.

ARM came to the SOH project having recently completed the sensitive rejuvenation of Melbourne’s Hamer Hall and the heritage icon, The Shrine of Remembrance. The SOH job was to fix the shortcomings and convert the mid-century Concert Hall into an uber-flexible 21st century venue, suited to the full panorama of contemporary performances and events.

The project included:

• Complete acoustic reconstruction and enhancement: new over-stage retractable/variable reflectors, acoustic diffusing box fronts, operable in-wall reflecting shelves and fully automated acoustic drapes that quickly transform the auditorium from ‘acoustic’ mode to ‘amplified’ mode. The new acoustic reflectors comprising 18 new petal-shaped reflectors are finished in a magenta colour that references the original seat fabric introduced by Peter Hall. These new reflectors provide direct and early reflections to the musicians on stage and the choir, while also pushing the acoustic energy out into the auditorium
• Wing redesign and rebuilt Stage, adding automated stage risers for orchestral layout: expanding the size of both thereby increasing access for crews and performers. The stage itself was lowered by 400mm and completely rebuilt with the introduction of the automated risers. This allows the ideal ‘horseshoe’ tiered risers for the orchestra to be automatically deployed at the touch of a button.
• New theatre machinery and flying equipment over stage providing state-of-the-art capacity for quick changeover and extensive variety of performance types.
• Access to all foyer levels via a new passageway cut through the eastern foyer staircase, leading to a new lift connecting entry, northern foyer, circle and upper circle. The new passageway and lift in the Northern Foyer transform the visitor experience for people with restricted mobility. The new pathways allow direct access to all where previously you had to climb 50 risers in two flights of stairs. This provides equality in access to one of the most picturesque spots in the SOH with fantastic views over the Harbour.

See what musicians and acousticians say about the new reflectors.