Blur frontman Damon Albarn’s planned concert at the Sydney Opera House tonight has been cancelled due to the venue being shut down amid an ongoing emergency operation in the city.
The Opera House was evacuated after news emerged that an armed man had taken a number of hostages at a Martin Place café, in Sydney’s central business district. An extensive police operation has resulted in a large lock-down of Martin Place, disrupting public transport systems.
It is unclear exactly why the Opera House was evacuated.
“In light of the situation in the CBD today, we have decided to cancel tonight’s performances at the Opera House,” the Opera House said. “This is to minimise pressure on transport networks and to provide as much notice as possible to staff and patrons.”
As well as Albarn’s planned show in the Concert Hall, the Australian Ballet’s The Nutcracker in the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company’s Switzerland in the Drama Theatre have been cancelled.
Albarn will now play two shows tomorrow at 7pm and 9.30pm. Ticketholders unable to attend can request a full refund from the Opera House. Details here.
