Utzon State Memorial 25th March 2009
Originally uploaded by cgardunofreeman
On Wednesday, I attended the Utzon State Memorial, held in the Concert hall at the Sydney Opera House. The program was put together (as I understand) by Dennis Watkins, the composer of the Opera based on the story of the building's tumultuous construction. The program was a mix of music, popular song, dance and recitation - accompanied by visuals projected above the performance space. It was a momentous event to see the public capitulation of an architects life. The event was advertised and tickets drawn by ballot, and although there was clearly an overwhelming response, there were still many empty seats. But a public concert to celebrate a public building's architecture seems fitting, and it was clear from the response in the media, on talk back shows and in the papers, that this day offered an opportunity for an outpouring of public affection.
