The Opera House

The extraordinary story of the building that symbolises Australia — the people, the secrets, the scandals and the sheer genius

De: Peter FitzSimons

Narrado por: Adrian Mulraney

'The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building.'
- Louis Kahn, US architect

If only these walls and this land could talk ...

The Sydney Opera House is a breathtaking building, recognised around the world as a symbol of modern Australia. Along with the Taj Mahal and other World Heritage sites, it is celebrated for its architectural grandeur and the daring and innovation of its design. It showcases the incomparable talents involved in its conception, construction and performance history.

But this stunning house on Bennelong Point also holds many secrets and scandals. In his gripping biography, Peter FitzSimons marvels at how this magnificent building came to be, details its enthralling history and reveals the dramatic stories and hidden secrets about the people whose lives have been affected, both negatively and positively, by its presence.

He shares how a conservative 1950s state government had the incredible vision and courage to embark on this nation-defining structure; how an architect from Denmark and construction workers from Australia and abroad invented new techniques to bring it to completion; how ambition, betrayal, professional rivalry, sexual intrigue, murder, bullying and breakdowns are woven into its creation; and how it is now acknowledged as one of the wonders and masterpieces of human ingenuity.

In The Opera House, Peter FitzSimons captures the extraordinary stories around this building that are as mesmerising as the light catching on its white sails.

An amazing story well told!

This is a fascinating story of creativity, talent, politics, egos, and a magnificent building. Peter FitzSimons tells the story in a compelling way; filled with drama and humour. Adrian Mulraney is an excellent narrator, bringing Aussie attitudes to life.

Fascinating &Complex History of a Masterpiece

This book was particularly interesting to me because I had the incredible privilege to sing Benjamin Britten's War Requiem at the Sydney Opera House in an international music festival in 1993. Although the building fascinated me, I had no idea how complicated it's genesis was. While this book is quite long and there were many people involved in the project, I thought the author did a good job of making the saga comprehendable. He also captured Australian character and values in an entertaining manner. For me, this book was worth the time invested.

Excellent read from a truly great historian

Another triumph from Peter Fitzsimmons. Really well told and as usual thoroughly researched. An exposé of the politics of pettiness by the Askin government and the narcissistic Minister Hughes.

I need a return visit to Sydney

Great book I listened to several chapters twice
Having toured the opera house in 2012 the book brought back, good memories. Would like to return now that I understand the true architectural and engineering achievement
Great book great story