Overview
Still coming down from its 40th birthday extravaganza, the Opera House has just announced the full line-up for its summer 'playground', with Neil Finn and Architects of Air as the star attractions.
Finn will hit the Concert Hall stage on March 22, with a full band and a repertoire of old and new tunes. His first solo album in ten years, Dizzy Heights, is due for release on February 7, 2014. Produced by David Fridmann (Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips), it takes Finn's songwriting into unexplored frontiers, with creative textures, striking string arrangements and soaring soundscapes.
Between January 3-27, Architects of Air (who treated us to Mirazozo in 2011) will transform the forecourt into a multi-sensory experience, with their massive inflatable sculpture EXXOPOLIS. 53 metres long and nine metres high, it's an immersive luminarium, comprised of tunnels and domes, and filled with light and sound. Architectural inspiration includes Gothic cathedrals, Archimedean solids and Islamic stylings.
There'll also be larger-than-life magic performances from The Illusionists 2.0; a return of cabaret-burlesque-circus company La Soiree; a fresh program of live music, from Grizzly Bear to Neko Case to The National; and live entertainment for children and families.
Plus, between December and March, the Opera House and surrounding spaces will be transformed into the 'ultimate summer playground'. The Western Foyers will be turned into a pop-up paradise, with concept bars, restaurants and cafes, while the forecourt will host a revolving fleet of gourmet food trucks offering both sweet and savoury goodies.
"It's been a huge year at the Sydney Opera House," said CEO Louise Herron AM. "Like the rest of Sydney, we are looking forward to getting into the summer spirit, kicking back and having some fun. The Opera House will be packed with entertainment, seven days a week for every member of the family, from 4 to 94. So come and join us."