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A Possum Story

Michael Jagamara was born into and revelled in a time of great change and opportunities. Following the end of World War II, abstract expressionism had arrived in the Australian art world and Sidney Nolan completed his Ned Kelly series. Also in that year, in the north part of Western Australia, in an amazingly unread, event, at least 800 Aboriginal pastoral workers walked off the job and began one of the longest industrial strikes in Australian history.

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Michael Nelson Jagamara wearing a beige suit jacket over a blue and white checked shirt and wide brim hat, standing in front of an artwork in pastel colours.

Michael Nelson Jagamara

For those fortunate enough to meet him, he embodied the qualities of the quintessential bush gentleman. Dressed in his jacket and distinctive Akubra hat, he exuded a dignified presence, often sharing humorous anecdotes and stories. Whether in Papunya or New York, Alice Springs or Brisbane, Sydney or Vienna, Jagamara often struck up conversations with new friends and passers-by alike, introducing himself with a warm smile and a handshake, announcing, “Hello, I'm a famous artist!”

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Jagamara photographed in black and white sitting on carpeted steps in front of the mural 'Possum Dreaming'.

Five Jamie Oliver recipes we keep coming back to

In order to celebrate Jamie’s upcoming talk with Melissa Leong at the Sydney Opera House, we’ve asked our staff to share the Jamie Oliver recipes that they just can’t get enough of.

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A pile of roasted potatoes on a white plate on a dark tabletop, with a silver spoon resting on the side of the plate.

Transcendence: 50 Years of Unforgettable Moments

We cherish our memories of visiting the Sydney Opera House, whether that’s catching your favourite artist or being amazed by the stories told on stage. But what about the artists’ memories?

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Paul Kelly on stage on the Forecourt playing to a full crowd at night, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the background.

Sunday

Drama Theatre

2 – 14 Dec 2024

  • Theatre

After a sellout, rave-reviewed season in Melbourne, this lush, romantic, and transporting portrait of an Australian art icon – the irrepressible Sunday Reed – is having its Sydney premiere.

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Oscar©

Joan Sutherland Theatre

8 – 23 Nov 2024

  • Dance

Christopher Wheeldon’s Oscar© blends history and humour in an awe-inspiring production about Oscar Wilde, accompanied by Joby Talbot’s score. A sensational addition to The Australian Ballet’s repertoire.

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UNSW Sydney UTZON Lecture - Livestream (2023)

  • On-demand

Available worldwide from 17 Oct 2023Join Jan and Lin Utzon in conversation – as we journey through the legacy of their father, Jørn Utzon, the visionary architect of the Sydney Opera House, examining the architectural brilliance of the building that has inspired a nation.

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Joshua Bell brings life or death virtuosity to the Sydney Opera House

Fireworks are guaranteed when the Academy of St Martin in the Fields meets the thrilling vitality of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Bach and more in three exciting programmes led by the Academy’s Music Director, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, as part of the Sydney Opera House’s 50th Birthday Festival.

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An orchestra performing on stage in the Concert Hall as viewed from the back of the Hall.

Yallamundi Rooms

Meaning ‘storyteller’ in the local Sydney language, Yallamundi celebrates the Sydney Opera House connection to First Nations culture. As a meeting place for community celebrations, intimate gatherings and performances, the Yallamundi Rooms carry on the legacy of Tubowgule, maintaining a deep connection to the past, present and future of the Opera House. This event space is crescent-shaped and spans the entire northern end of the eastern podium to take advantage of spectacular harbour views. Oscillating fabric and brass panels thread their way along the southern side, complimenting the beautifully restored pink granite Terrazzo floor. The venue has retained significant features by both Jørn Utzon and Peter Hall, including the off-form concrete walls, white birch moulded timber “wobbly” panels and the terrazzo floor finish, to create a signature space within the Sydney Opera House. Yallamundi Rooms has a private entrance, foyer, cloaking and bathroom facilities along with an exclusive outdoor area, making it the perfect venue for many different celebrations. The venue can be booked as one whole space, or divided into three individual rooms for more intimate events and break out spaces. Make a functions and events enquiry.

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