The Opening Concert of the Sydney Opera House part 3

One of the most famous nights in Australian music occurred in September 1973 when Sir Charles Mackerras conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the first concert to be staged in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. In front of a packed, emotion-charged house, the great Australian conductor made a triumphant homecoming in an all-Wagner concert that sent the critics searching for superlatives.

Featuring the greatest Wagnerian soprano of the twentieth century, Birgit Nilsson, as soloist, the concert provided an electrifying opening for the iconic building.

Here is an excerpt from the concert, which for the first time is now available on CD and bonus DVD from ABC Classics.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Sydney
• Opera
• House
• Wagner
• Sir
• Charles
• Mackerras
• Birgit
• Nilsson
• Symphony
• Orchestra
• Classical

[michaelbla]

she was invited time and again to sing at the opening of the opera house, but as the date changed so much she was not actually available when the house eventually opened and nilsson sang instead!

[belcunto]

Does anyone know if the late Dame Joan sang at this concert, and if not, why? I love Birgit Nilsson, but Australia had a very special soprano of her own back then.

[Dogaradodia]

Certified Intergalactic!