Sydney Opera House's Historic Concert Hall To Close For Renovations

The Sydney Opera House's famous Concert Hall is set to close for two years while the venue undergoes major renewal works. 

Funded by the NSW Government, it's understood the refurbishment of the Concert Hall, the largest project to be undertaken as part of the Opera House’s $278.5 million renewal plan, will include improvements to acoustics, stage and backstage areas, theatre systems and accessibility in and around the venue. 

The project will commence in February 2020 and is expected to take two years to complete.

“The renewal of the Concert Hall is a defining project in the history of the Opera House, which will help to prepare Australia’s icon for the next generation of artists, audience and visitors," NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, said.

"It is wonderful to see such momentum in planning for this major upgrade and to welcome such an experienced and skilled team to deliver these important works.” 

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM added, “The Concert Hall is our largest internal venue and the heart of the Opera House, welcoming a wide variety of artists and audiences for classical and contemporary music, circus, talks, cabaret and school spectaculars.

“The Concert Hall works will treasure the magnificent Concert Hall for future generations while preparing it to meet the community’s evolving needs. We are thrilled to be working with the experienced team from Taylor and to be welcoming back Waagner-Biro Stage Systems to oversee the Concert Hall theatre systems upgrades. The Opera House’s renewal is now in full swing.”

It is currently unclear how the renewal works will impact significant events such as VIVID Live which has held gigs at the venue in recent years for the likes of Solange, DREAMS, Underworld and The Cure this past May, while other recent headline shows at the Concert Hall include Nick Cave, Iggy Pop and Death Cab For Cutie.