The Sydney Opera House will undergo a $190 million dollar overhaul (Aus$247 million), the biggest since the building opened in 1973. The overhaul will focus on the Opera House’s acoustics, a major problem area and even described once as worse than an aircraft hangar. There will also be other upgrades to the main concert hall and foyer along with a new function center. Describing the landmark as a “symbol of modern Australia”, New South Wales state deputy Premier Troy Grant said the renovations were necessary to help the Opera House – the country’s busiest performing arts center – meet demand. The acoustic upgrades will include installation of a new acoustic ceiling, specially designed acoustic reflectors, automated draping, and a 3D surround-sound system. The second-largest performance space, the Joan Sutherland Theatre, is also being redeveloped. The acoustics of the concert hall, located inside the largest roof sail of the Opera House, has been the subject of scathing criticism in recent years. US actor John Malkovich in 2014 said the acoustics were so hideous they “would do an airplane hangar a disservice”. Earlier in 1999, Sydney Symphony Orchestra chief conductor Edo de Waart had threatened to boycott the venue during the 2000 Olympics, calling its acoustic reflectors “a joke”. The concert hall revamp is expected to start in mid-2019 and last for 18 months.
