Kidnap! Murder! Scandal! Betrayal! Power and politics..
A thick ( just over 500 pages ) book, this is a gripping biography of Australia’s iconic building at Bennelong Point .It is divided into eighteen chapters , has an introduction , list of dramatis personae (the ‘cast list’ so to speak) , a prologue , epilogue , endnotes , bibliography and index. And yes photos are included .The comprehensive , detailed research is amazing.
In Fitzsimon’s fascinating book we go from a sacred site on the land of the Gadigal people in ancient times through to the stunning building that exists today and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.It has also been awarded both architectural and engineering accolades.
Fitzsimons takes us behind the scenes –he vividly imparts the stories about the many people whose lives were affected, both favourably and adversely,by its construction and existence. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon,but completed by an Australian architectural team headed by Peter Hall, with many aspects of Utzon’s original design changed, the Sydney Opera House was officially opened in October 1973 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.
We learn how betrayal, harassment, loss, aspiration, sexual intrigue and scandal and nervous disintegration became enfolded into the creation of the building. Hidden secrets are uncovered. We learn why the Director of the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, Sir Eugene Goossens, (who ‘discovered’ Joan Sutherland ) a major early campaigner for an opera house, was obscured and virtually written out of its history and forced into exile overseas . And the tragic tale of Graham Thorne, the first kidnap victim in Australia, and how it is related to the story of the House.
We learn how over time the stresses and strains affected not just Utzon himself but his family and work colleagues. He had at one stage a crucial close friendship with Ove Arup and how they eventually sadly became rather acrimoniously estranged.
We get to feel as if we know Utzon, Fitzsimons strikingly bringing him to life. His artistic/architectural vision for the House is described and how he had a ‘ Eureka ’ moment designing the ‘shell’ (sails) of the building.
We learn of the power play and intrigues behind the scenes with various politicians, some who supported,( eg the then NSW Premier Joe Cahill) others who didn’t, the construction of the House and reactions from the general public and artists.
The technical problems Utzon faced – with design, materials, acoustics, seating etc – are particularised by Fitzsimons. An international team of engineers and construction workers from both Australia and abroad invented new techniques to complete the House.
We are taken through to today , how various sections of the House have been changed , and the last part of the book recounts what happened to important people involved.
The House is now a gleaming , soaring national icon in Sydney’s beautiful Harbour .
Author Peter FitzSimons
Publisher Hachette Australia
ISBN 9780733641336
Website https://www.hachette.com.au
Distributor Hachette Australia
Released April 2022
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