The Sydney Opera House (SOH) has announced the lineup for its 50th Birthday Festival, spanning the whole month of October. Featuring world premieres, contemporary performances and digital showcases among more than 50 events, the festival will open with the reveal of a new public artwork constructed from oyster shells, or kinyingarra in Jandai language, from Quandamooka artist Megan Cope.

“Imagine Sydney without the Opera House. You can’t. You can’t underestimate the role [it’s] played inspiring millions of artists and audiences in Australia and around the world,” said John Graham, NSW Minister for the Arts, Music and Night-time Economy.

“It is the symbol in a single picture… that communicates the best we can offer to the world… a place of ambition, creativity and ingenuity.”

Music

International chamber music leader Academy of St Martin in the Fields, whose Australian appearances were announced earlier last month, will join the celebration on 7–9 October, alongside a host of Australian contemporary music acts including Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji songwriter Emma Donovan and indie-rock outfit Camp Cope, which will play its final show after the announcement of its break-up...