Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Before renovated in 2020, the acoustics were widely described as muddy or uneven, with sound often rising into the high vaulted ceiling and failing to reflect back to audience and performers. This created a disconnect and blurred sound quality.

The acoustic upgrade was part of the final phase of the Opera House’s “Decade of Renewal” and occurred from February 2020 to July 2022. That’s when the Concert Hall was closed to the public for extensive renovation works, including major acoustic improvements.

After reopening in 2022 Andrew Haveron, Sydney Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, raved: “Better than we dared imagine… You can hear every minute detail now, every nuance – right up to the back row, everything pings through. It’s a miracle.”