Sydney Opera House unveils live performances

Sydney – The Sydney Opera House has unveiled its newest collection of performance films recorded live during its 50th anniversary year. Live at Sydney Opera House captures exhilarating moments from the Concert Hall to the Forecourt, including Australian trio Camp Cope’s final ever show, a serenading Arlo Parks, the world premiere of queer rock opera Bark of Millions, a celebration of First Nations culture and music in DanceRites and more – all available to watch now for free via Stream.

Sydney Opera House Head of Screen, Stuart Buchanan says:“The Screen program works to amplify the live experience at the Opera House and extend its warmth and creativity to all audiences, no matter their location. During its 50th birthday year, the Opera House saw an incredible range of contemporary voices and performers take to stages across the venue.

“From sold-out Concert Hall shows to community-led dance competitions on the Forecourt and comedy nights in the Playhouse, there was something for everyone and now these wonderful events are freely available for audiences across Australia and the globe to enjoy on Stream.”

Highlights of the program include: 

• Camp Cope – the influential Australian trio farewelled their fans with one last epic performance in the renewed Concert Hall. The band’s drummer Sarah ‘Thomo’ Thompspn said: “We are so excited to announce that our final performance at the Sydney Opera House will be available for you to watch from home on January 30, 2024. It was such a special night with the room being filled with people from all around Australia, as well as people who traveled from all over the world, and we are so happy that it was captured to share with you. Camp Cope fans have always been the reason we have loved playing live, and this night was no different. You made it a show (and career) we will never forget. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support over the past 8 years, none of this could’ve happened without you.”
• DanceRites 2023 – Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance competition returned to the Opera House Forecourt for two joyous days of dance, music and culture as hundreds of First Nations performers came together to celebrate and share. Sydney Opera House Head of First Nations Programming, Michael Hutchings said: “Over the past nine years, DanceRites has grown into one of our country’s most joyful First Nations cultural events. It’s an important moment for First Nations dance groups and communities across Australia to showcase their diverse cultures and storytelling traditions – that go back thousands of years – through the powerful mediums of dance and song.”
• Jamie Oliver – Legendary chef, TV star, child health campaigner and author returned to a sold-out Concert Hall to speak with Melissa Leong about his career, inspiration and what keeps him motivated. Jamie said: “Every time I visit Australia it feels like a big old hug – it’s a real home away from home for me. I can’t wait to sit down with you all for good chats about good food and good times, have a laugh, and take some questions from the audience. And, it is such a privilege to be at the Sydney Opera House, what a setting.”
• Bark of Millions – Taylor Mac’s spellbinding world premiere of the queer rock opera Bark of Millions stunned audiences with its groundbreaking exploration of 55 original songs to mark the years since the Stonewall Uprising. The critically lauded work reunited Mac with Matt Ray to create both a celebration of, and a gift to, the queer canon, expanding the archive for generations to come.
• Arlo Parks – the bedroom pop sensation serenaded adoring audiences in the Concert Hall with her dazzling brand of tender indie soul. Of the show, Arlo Parks said: “Honestly, it’s probably the most iconic venue I’ve ever played…in terms of cultural significance, the Opera House is the one. It’s the biggest honour, 15-year-old me wouldn’t believe it – Bob Dylan, Kraftwerk, Bjork, Patti Smith – all of my heroes have been on that stage. To play a venue like that half way across the world, to feel the way the music has travelled – it’s overwhelmingly beautiful.”

The latest collection of extraordinary live performances beautifully captured live performance films also includes William Barton, Sunny Kim, Rove McManus, Martha Marlow and Future Islands.
EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Live at Sydney Opera House – New Stream Release
WHEN: 30 January 2024 – December 2024
WHERE: Stream
TICKETS: FREE

Photo — Jess Gleeson