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Published: November 9th 2007
Well I have been very excited about this backstage tour of the Opera House for my whole trip Not only had I been fortunate enough to have enjoyed the tour from the inside, with Annette, but now I was actually going to get to see behind the scenes too!
The early morning started off a bit eventfully as I could not actually get into the building where I was expecting to gain entry! It was nearing the 7am meeting time and it was important to be on time, fortunately a secruity guard took pity on me and pointed me to the Stage Door where the other five visitors were waiting We were each given a security badge to wear for our trip and Adam our guide introduced himself It was not possible to take pictures in certain areas but I did manage to get some good shots I think
Adam showed us first the main artery of the Opera House where the huge trucks arrive with the scenery and props for all of the various theatres and the opera house and concert hall. There are massive lifts for moving everything into place over 400 people work in the building full time
Back Stage Opera House
Five Manual Organ in the Concert Halland it seems a hive of activity It was the main reason we had to arrive so early for our tour because by 8.30am we would not have been able to gain access to many areas as there is so much going on all the time!
We then went on to the stage of the Concert Hall from where the performers meet We had a performers eye view from the stage and a great view of the amazing 5 manual organ (wish I could have had a go!) and even stood on the conductors podium!
We were then taken to the Conductors Room just off the stage complete with shower, Steinway Grand Piano and couch!! Vladimir Ashkenazy has just been appointed prinkcipal conductor and artistic advisor for January 2008 and he had been conducting the previous evening. Wow!
Next we went to see one of the many rehearsal rooms before going into the Opera House itself again from the orchestra pit! It was so crowded in there and the noise is so loud up to 95 decibels when the orchestra is at full pelt some of the musicians cannot play all the time for health reasons every night!! Again we
Back Stage Opera House
Close up on the Concert Hall Stage were able to stand at the conductors podium and see what it was like to be in the driving seat, amazing!! We saw how sets are moved onto and off the stage and how little room there is to operate everything They are hoping to increase the size of the Orchestral Pit in the Opera House by digging down beneath the stage and then extending it at a cost of about $600million The Opera House would have to be closed for a couple of years to do this work maybe in 2010
Leaving the Orchestral Pit it was time for Breakfast in the Green Room a place where both employees and performers can all meet together and it made a great conclusion to our informative and most enjoyable mornings tour of this facinating building. Fantastic!!
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Wendy
non-member comment
Opera house Tour
So glad the tour lived up to your expectations. Bet you never thought you would be conducting from the stage! It all looks so interesting and your pics are very informative. Nearly time to leave Oz now but you still have Hong Kong on the way home. Luv Wendy x