Recent Event Highlights: Official Opening Ceremony with Queen, Sydney Opera House Appointed, First Test Concert in Concert Hall, Opening Ceremony, Stage II completed., Stage I completed, and 16 more...
Created by thecyclingarchaeologist on Nov 2, 2010
Last updated: 11/02/10 at 10:36 PM
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The Premier and Minister for the Arts, Mr Bob Carr, announced that in an endeavour to reflect the Government's commitment to open and accountable administration, all the construction records of the Opera House, irrespective of their age, were to be open to the public.
A car park for 1,100 cars is built under the Royal Botanic Gardens by Enacom in association with the Department of Public Works. The Car park is opened by the Premier of NSW, Mr John Fahey
The final cost of the Opera House is $102 million (excluding cost for the organ and car park.)
Official opening with her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II overseeing the proceedings.
First public concert in Concert Hall with Birgit Nilsson singing Wagner with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under Charles Mackerras.
Responsibility for the Opera House is given to the Sydney Opera Trust and the Minister of Cultural Activities, George Freudenstein.
First test concert in Concert Hall with Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Bernard Heinze.
The Premier, Sir Robert Askin, heads the Sydney Opera House Official Opening Committee.
Hall, Todd and Littlemore submit "Review of Program" and suggest major changes to the use of halls.
The Government pays Utzon's representatives $160,000 in return for 130 architectural drawings for Stage III.
Replacements for Jørn Utzon announced a panel consisting of:E.H. Farmer, Government Architect, Peter Hall, Design Architect, D.S. Littlemore, in charge of supervision, and Lionel Todd, in charge of contract documents.
Newly elected Premier, Robert Askin transfers power over payments from the Opera House Committee to the Minister of Public Works, Davis Hughes.
Stage II commences — Construction of the shell roofs and some subsidiary work is carried out by MR Hornibook (NSW) P/L
Premier J. J. Cahill dies of myocardial infarction on 22 October 1959 at Sydney Hospital.
Work begins on the foundations. The work on Stage I — the building of the upper podium — is to be carried out by Civil and Civic P/L.
Demolition of the Bennelong Point Tram Depot commences.
Jørn Utzon visits Sydney to discuss the proposed building.
Out of 233 entries from 32 countries, Jørn Utzon wins first prize.
The Premier J.J. Cahill announces that the Government of NSW will hold an international competition for the design of an opera house. It is to be suitable for many kinds of performing arts with two halls (one to seat between 3000-3500 people) and the other to seat 1200. There is also to be a restaurant and two public rooms for meetings.
Eugene Goossens, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra calls for "a musical centre housing a big hall for a symphony orchestra, a small hall for chamber music and a fine home for an opera company".

