Free open-air concert marks start of Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary year

The Sydney Opera House steps last night saw 100 choristers performing the first in a series of free open-air concerts celebrating the start of the venue’s 50th anniversary year. From the Steps: Voices at Dusk is a magical experience inviting people to gather to enjoy local community choirs performing in front of the Opera House sails each evening, at dusk, until 30th October.

Curated by Opera House resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM, the line-up includes performances by Sydney Choir Collective, The Australian Girls Choir, Phoenix Voices of Youth, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, and many more. On the final night, audiences can join in Big Heart Sing, a free public choir for singers of all abilities to share in the joy of community singing.

Weymark advised “It has been a privilege to bring together choirs from across NSW for this incredible event which puts choral music front and centre of the Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday celebrations. From large symphonic choruses to barbershop and from children’s choirs to gospel groups, audiences can revel in the diversity of Sydney and the richness of its community music-making. Starting this anniversary with voices coming together in song is such a strong message about the importance of singing and indeed, singing together.”

After each performance, audiences can watch a special new video work projected on the Opera House sails, from sunset until 11pm. From the Sails: Light Years is a 17-minute film projection that tells the extraordinary story of the Opera House and the artists who bring the building to life.

Over the next 12 months in the lead up to its 50th birthday in October 2023, the Opera House will open its doors to the whole community with an unmissable program of more than 230 events and experiences, supported by the NSW Government’s Blockbusters Funding initiative.

Images: 100 choristers from Sydney Philharmonia Choirs performing on the Opera House’s magnificent Monumental Steps, singing a collection of choral classics and commissions by Australian composers. Credit: Daniel Boud