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0:00:40 > 0:00:45- Every New Year's Eve, the eyes - of the world focus on one city.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- It is one of the first to see in the - New Year with a fireworks display.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- More than a billion people - around the world...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- ..watch this breathtaking event.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- An extraordinary spectacle - in a fitting environment...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- ..with the striking harbour...
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- ..and the world's most famous - opera house providing the backdrop.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- I have already travelled - across the continent of Europe...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- ..and been enchanted - by magnificent views.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- This time I've travelled - to the other side of the world.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- Hello, I'm Aled Jones. My classical - journey has brought me to Australia.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- We've travelled through the heart - of European classical music...
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- ..and now we've arrived - in the New World.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- Perhaps Australia is famed for - its sport more than anything else...
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- ..but the arts are also adored.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- There is a love of classical music, - opera and ballet here.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- Many renowned classical musicians - have come from Australia.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- It's a popular destination - for touring performers.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- I've toured here twice.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Sydney is the setting - for the world-famous landmark...
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..that celebrates classical music.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- We saw two opera houses - on our European tour...
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- ..but this challenging piece - of architecture is breathtaking.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47- It certainly has an impact.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Sydney's iconic opera house - is a sight to behold.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- It's almost 40 years...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..since the inauguration - of the opera house.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- But the design is timeless.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- It still looks new, exciting - and completely original.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I can't think of another building...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..that is as eye-catching as this - from every direction.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- From the sky, - the sails look even more striking.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- It differs a great deal from - traditional European opera houses.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- It's even more dramatic up close.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- But it's not all show - - it's also a very busy place.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- Operas, plays, concerts and events - are all staged here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- It attracts more than - eight million tourists each year.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Here are some of - Sydney's highlights.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Sydney is - the largest capital in Australia...
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- ..and is still expanding - due to immigration.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- It is how - Australia evolved, of course.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- It's easy to understand the appeal.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- The harbour - is the focal point of the city.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- It extends for 20km.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- It is part of everyday life - for the residents of Sydney.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- Many of the city's workers - begin their day with a ferry ride.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- One of the harbour's - best vantage points...
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- ..is Lady Macquarie's Chair.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- It was carved from rock for Governor - Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth...
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- ..who enjoyed sitting here to survey - the glorious views of the harbour.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- As well as the exquisite views - of the opera house and bridge...
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- ..you can also see Kirribilli House - and Pinchgut Island...
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- ..which was once a prison - known for its paltry food supply.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- This is a prime venue in the history - of Australian classical music.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- The Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Many famous musicians - have studied here...
0:04:51 > 0:04:57- ..including Roger Woodward, - Richard Bonynge, Richard Tognetti...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..Simone Young, James Morrison - and Geoffrey Parsons.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- Paul Terracini, the composer - of this series' signature tune...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..was once a student here.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- The familiar name for Sydney's - college of music was The Con.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- It was opened in 1916 - and situated in a prime location...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..opposite the botanic gardens - and the opera house.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- The main Gothic structure - was a former stables...
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- ..referred to - as the Palace for Horses.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- It was designed by convict architect - Francis Greenway in 1815.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- He was exiled for forgery...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..and became Governor Macquarie's - principal architect.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- The Con's aim was to provide - musical tuition of a standard...
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- ..equal to that - of Europe's leading colleges.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- It was also the home - of Australia's first orchestra...
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- ..the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- A specialist high school - was added in 1918...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- ..before an opera school - in the mid-1930s.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- By the 1940s, - its reputation was so prestigious...
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- ..that many of Europe's leading - musicians took up posts there.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- Among them was composer - and conductor, Sir Eugene Goossens.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- He was lauded for turning The Con - into a world-class institution.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- In 1990 it was renamed the - Sydney Conservatorium of Music...
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- ..and amalgamated - with the University of Sydney.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- 10 years later the institution - was renovated and extended.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- It now houses - a new and impressive concert hall.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- This is the City Recital Hall, - Angel Place...
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- ..which has become - part of Sydney's history.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- This world-class venue is the first - purpose-built concert hall...
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- ..since the opera house - opened in 1973.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- It is home to the Australia - Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1975.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- It became world renowned - for its energetic performances...
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- ..and unique style.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- Richard Tognetti - became artistic director in 1989...
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- ..and since then, he has - pioneered its distinctive style.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Here they are - performing the work of Elgar.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- This is Introduction and Allegro - for Strings and Orchestra, Opus 47.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- The orchestra sets out - to appeal to a diverse audience...
0:08:00 > 0:08:06- ..but more importantly, it aims - to assist budding young musicians.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- APPLAUSE
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was - made a UNESCO World Heritage Site...
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- ..and dubbed one of the indisputable - masterpieces of humankind.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- It succinctly sums up - this remarkable place.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- It was Eugene Goossens' idea...
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- ..to situate the opera house - at Bennelong Point.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- As the director - of the nearby Conservatorium...
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- ..it was his vision to make - Macquarie Street a musical hub.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- The idea came to him in 1947, - and during the ensuing years...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..he tirelessly lobbied - the New South Wales Government...
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- ..before finally convincing - the state's president...
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- ..that this was the perfect place - for the iconic structure.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- It is a very busy place nowadays...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..but when a competition - was launched in 1955...
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- ..to design a new opera house, this - was an architect's golden ticket.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- They received more than 200 entries - from 30 countries.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- A shortlist of 30 was drafted...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..although the winning architect - didn't feature.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- One of the judges, a Finnish - architect called Eero Saarinen...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- ..demanded - they re-evaluate the entries.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- It was the ambitious design of Dane, - Jorn Utzon, which excelled.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Here we are, inside - Jorn Utzon's glorious building.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- The way in which the structure - was completed is an opera in itself!
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Although Jorn Utzon - was a successful architect...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- ..he was unknown - outside of Denmark...
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- ..when he won the competition.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- He submitted sketches which is - the reason he wasn't shortlisted.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- The Finnish judge - realized his potential...
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- ..and convinced the other judges - that his was the best design.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- The prize money - was the princely sum of 5,000.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- The ambitious concept - had to be realized...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- ..but he had no idea - how to go about it.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Nobody had ever created Utzon's - adventurous sails design before.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- It was only after erecting the main - structure that a solution was found.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47- His inspiration came from the rocks - on the outskirts of Sydney Harbour.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- His concept was to shield - the design's practical features...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- ..within what Utzon called a podium.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- It was his vision that audiences - sat in an elevated position...
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- ..to view the performances.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Although the design - was complicated...
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- ..the engineers triumphed.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- They developed revolutionary - techniques to do what was required.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- With the spaces already carved out, - they began adding to the shell...
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- ..whilst being suspended by cables.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- They then attached the various parts - to the main structure.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- The air conditioning system - is inventive...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- ..using sea water - to lower the temperature.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- It was a challenge for - Australia to find the resources...
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- ..but the ceramic tiles - that cover the sails...
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- ..are the only items - to be imported.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- After the break, - we will take a tour of the inside.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Join me then.
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0:12:04 > 0:12:04- Subtitles
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- I'm in Australia...
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- ..visiting the iconic - Sydney Opera House.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- With such an intricate - and complicated design...
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- ..it's no wonder it took longer - than expected to complete.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Jorn Utzon, - the design's creator, resigned...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- ..as a result of cost cutting.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- His dream - had turned into a nightmare.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- In April 1966, he left Australia - and never returned.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- This is when the interior - was redesigned to enhance acoustics.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- They built - a separate concert hall...
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- ..which was different - from the original concept...
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- ..which was for - a multi-functional hall.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- The construction took 30 years - to complete, but it was a triumph.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- The architect, Utzon, was invited...
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- ..to redesign the interior...
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- ..although - he was too fragile to return.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- His son went in his place.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- He never saw - the completed building...
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- ..but he was pleased that so much of - the opera house had been a success.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- He also paid tribute to - the architects who succeeded him.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- What I like about the opera house - is its relaxed atmosphere.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- There is nothing stuffy about it. - It's a welcoming place.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- There is more to it - than just opera and classical music.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- Hundreds of visitors come here every - day from Europe, America and Asia.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Join me - on a behind-the-scenes tour...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..of the Sydney Opera House.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- This is the small studio - with a capacity of 300.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- It's used for all sorts of things.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- A design like this means an array - of events are held here...
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- ..from cabarets to cocktail parties.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- On a larger scale, - there is this concert hall...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..which has seating - for 2,679 people.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- I know - because I've counted each one!
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- As we've seen from - famous European opera houses...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..this wood is used - to improve acoustics.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- The first concert - was held here in September 1973...
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- ..by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, - conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Interestingly, it was a performance - of Wagner's music.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- I wonder what he - would've made of this place?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- These 18 circles - are called acoustic clouds...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- ..bounce the sound - back to the musicians...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..otherwise the sound - would escape into the ceiling.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Here's an interesting fact.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- Between the ceiling and the roof...
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- ..there is enough room to - accommodate a two-storey building.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- The panels are made of plywood, - which can be moulded into shapes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- This hall is the home - of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- They hold - more than 100 concerts a year.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- They are rehearsing - for tonight's concert.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Normally - I wouldn't be allowed in here...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- ..but we've been granted special - permission, so let's listen.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- The Sydney Symphony was founded in - the '30s as the ABC Radio Orchestra.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- It was a small ensemble - used for broadcasts.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- But since those early days...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..it's now one of - the world's largest orchestras...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- ..with 100 musicians.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- It has attracted many - of the world's leading conductors...
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- ..the latest being Vladimir - Ashkenazy, another who loves Sydney.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- He is conducting the orchestra.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- This is Maninyas: Concerto for - Violin by Australian, Ross Edwards.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- It is a pity that Utzon - never saw his creation at work...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- ..because this place is incredible.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- It stays true to Utzon's design, - although it has been altered...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- ..for the challenging acoustics.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- At the back of the hall - is the large organ...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- ..the largest of its kind - in the world.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- There are 138 pipes visible, - though there are 10,000 in all.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- It took 10 years to build.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- It is completely exceptional.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Jorn Utzon said - he wanted the opera house...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- ..to resemble a large cathedral...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- ..giving anyone who climbed - the stairs a thrilling experience.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- He certainly succeeded.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- I'm now in the opera theatre...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- ..the home of - Australian opera and ballet.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- It is the busiest place - in the building.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Utzon had intended it to be - a smaller hall...
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- ..to fulfil - a less prominent role.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- Because of that, it falls short.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- However, it functions effectively, - though it can be quite a squeeze.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- Compared with Europe's opera houses, - this is small...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..so the performers - don't always have to wear a mic.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Only the purity of their voices - can be heard.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Some of the opera world's finest...
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- ..have performed on this stage - over the past 30 years...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- ..including Dame Joan Sutherland.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Following her death in 2010...
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- ..there is talk of naming - the theatre after the singer...
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- ..who I was privileged - to work with.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- Opera is a complicated - and costly business.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- The sets have to be elaborate.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- For Madame Butterfly, - the entire stage turned into a lake.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- ITALIAN OPERA
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- When it all comes together, - it's wonderful.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Here's a taster - of an Opera Australia production.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- The storage space isn't big enough - to hold large sets...
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- ..so everything is carried in - and assembled in situ.
0:19:34 > 0:19:40- It's little wonder that operatic - productions require clever planning.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Until recently, the opera house's - warehouse trucks...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- ..had to drive - in front of the building.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- Now, there is a purpose-built tunnel - keeping the practicalities hidden.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- Utzon wanted to leave as much - as possible to the imagination.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- ITALIAN OPERA
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- This is where preparations for - the productions are carried out.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- The area is called Surrey Hills.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- The Opera Centre - is responsible for the staging.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- The Australian Opera Company - began in 1956...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- ..with a season of Mozart operas.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- It was a huge success.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- Initially, the company - was funded by a trust.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- The first few years - were difficult...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- ..not because of production costs...
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- ..but because it was costly - to take the productions on tour.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- Here in the centre, you get an idea - of what it takes to stage an opera.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- There are - costumes and wigs to prepare...
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- ..as well as designing and painting - the set and the stage.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Organizing just one production - is a mammoth task.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Last season, Opera Australia - staged Puccini's Turandot...
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- ..and Madame Butterfly...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, - Verdi's Aida...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, - Strauss's Salome...
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- ..Erich Korngold's Die Tote Stadt - and three Mozart operas.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- The Magic Flute, The Marriage - of Figaro and Cosi fan Tutte.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- It's hard work - just to pronounce them!
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- I've been privileged - to have performed here...
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- ..and it was - an incredible experience.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- Let me take you behind the scenes - where only the performers go.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- This is the red room - - the name is self-explanatory!
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- This is where the Sydney Symphony - Orchestra convene before a concert.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- I'm sure there's a great vibe in - here minutes before a performance.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- This is the drama theatre.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- What a wonderful place.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- This is - a very traditional theatre.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- The stage has a depth of 14 metres - with two rotating circles.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- A computer system - changes the sets quickly.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- It's used by - the Sydney Theatre Company...
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- ..and touring companies.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- This is central passage.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- You can see why - the Sydney Opera House...
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- ..is one of the busiest - performing venues in the world.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- This is the Playhouse - where plays are staged.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- It was the former home of - the Australia Chamber Orchestra.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- The audience - is seated close to the stage.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- These are the dressing rooms.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- They are quiet places - before a performance.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Being here brings back - very happy memories for me.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- Let's take a look inside.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Like hundreds of other stars, - I've been lucky to experience...
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- ..the thrill of performing at the - world's most incredible opera house.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- We head to Melbourne next...
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- ..to explore the life - of composer, Percy Grainger...
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- ..before we return to Sydney - to end our classical tour.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29- See you then.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02- .