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Sydney Opera House Opening Concert (1973)

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‘Dich, teure Halle’

Clip description

Among the works performed at the official opening concert at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on 29 September 1973 was the celebrated aria from Act Two of Wagner’s opera Tannhauser (1845). ‘Dich, teure Halle’ was sung by Swedish soprano Birgit Nilsson.

Curator’s notes

by Vincent Plush

Some wags took the name of the aria – ‘Dich, teure Halle’, whose literal translation is ‘O Dear Hall of Song’ – to mean the cost of the Opera House, which at A$102 million (in 1973 figures) was the most expensive building of its kind in the world.

Birgit Nilsson was making her first (and last) appearances in Australia and her superlative performance remains one of the most spine-tingling moments in Australian music.

Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer ‘Dich, teure Halle’ from the music Sydney Opera House Opening Concert as a download.

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openoper1_bb.mp3

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. All rights are reserved.

When you access australianscreen you agree that:

  • You may retrieve materials for information only.
  • You may save, copy, print, distribute or download materials for your own personal use or for non-commercial educational purposes. Commercial exploitation of materials on this website is prohibited.
  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

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