The Sydney Opera House will replace ageing stage equipment, but will not address acoustic issues.

The Sydney Opera House will undertake a major refurbishment of the theatre machinery in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, it was announced earlier today. The machinery, which is used to move and “fly” scenery and equipment above or onto the stage, is over 40-years-old, and predates the completion of the Opera House itself, as it was purchased during the venue’s construction. The upgrades will not however include any works to improve the Joan Sutherland Theatre’s acoustics, which have been a source of major criticism for the venue since its completion in 1973.

The project will cost $45 million, and has been made a priority project by Opera House management as the technical expectations of visiting and resident companies has surpassed the limitations of the existing system. “It’s vital to invest in technology and systems so that our venues meet contemporary standards,” said Opera House CEO Louise Herron. “The Joan Sutherland Theatre is one of the most intensively used of the Opera House’s seven venues, delivering an average of 330 performances a year, while still using the original equipment.”