The tribute to Jørn Utzon was held on Wednesday 25 March 2009 at 11am in the Concert Hall. It celebrated the creative genius behind the masterpiece and featured some of the artists and personalities that have brought life to its venues and given so many people pleasure over the past 35 years.

The State Memorial will include performances, readings and recollections from performing arts companies and their representatives including Sydney Symphony, Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet and Sydney Theatre Company. Jørn Utzon's son Jan and daughter Lin will attended the State Memorial.

7.00am for 7.15am

 

Smoking Ceremony
Indigenous performers Clarence Slockee, Glen Doyle and the Jannawi Dancers held a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome the Utzon family on the podium of the Opera House at dawn.

ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS 11 AM

PROCESSIONAL:
David Drury, The Grand Organ

WELCOME TO COUNTRY:
Patrick Thaiday,
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Choreography, Frances Rings
DAVID PAGE
'Black Mist' from X300

ARIETTA:
Lorina Gore, Opera Australia
Michael Black, piano
JOHN/WATKINS
'Between Earth and Sky' from The Eighth Wonder

WELCOME:
Richard Evans
Chief Executive, Sydney Opera House

MUSIC:
Sydney Symphony
Dene Olding, concertmaster
C P E Bach
Presto from Sinfonia in B minor

SPEECH:
Kim Williams AM
Chairman, Sydney Opera House Trust

SONG:
Ursula Yovich
Max Lambert, piano
ARLEN/HARBERG
'Over the Rainbow'

SPEECH:
David McAllister AM
Artistic Director,
The Australian Ballet's

SONG:
Neil Finn
NEIL FINN
'Don't Dream It's Over'

READING:
John Bell AO, OBE
Bell Shakespeare Company
DAVID MALOUF
'An Angel at Bennelong Point'

SPEECH:
Peter Garrett AM
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

READING:
Cate Blanchett
Sydney Theatre Company
SHAKESPEARE
'Fear No More' from Cymbeline

SPEECH:
The Hon. Nathan Rees,
Premier of New South Wales

SPEECH:
A tribute from the people

MUSIC:
Sydney Symphony
Douglas Boyd, conductor
Paul Lewis, piano
BEETHOVEN
Largo from Piano Concerto No 1 in C major, Op.15

SPEECH:
Richard Johnson, MBE Architect

RESPONSE:
The Utzon Family

CLOSING:
Richard Evans
Chief Executive, Sydney Opera House

MUSIC:
Opera Australia chorus
Michael Black, chorus master
Nicole Youl, Opera Australia
Sydney Symphony
Ollivier-Philippe Cunéo, conductor
MASCAGNI
'Easter Hymn' from Cavalleria Rusticana

RECESSIONAL:
David Drury, The Grand Organ