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| Sunday, 16 January 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
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Symbol of modern Australia The Sydney Opera House in Australia is one of the most famous and unique buildings of the 20th century and is a symbol of modern Australia.
The building, which is one of the best known performing arts venues in the world, is situated on Bennelong Point at the Sydney Harbour, close to the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). The distinctive feature of the building is its roof, consisting of spherical-sectioned shells which resemble sail boats. The roof is made of 1,056,000 glazed white granite tiles, which have been imported from Sweden. The interior comprises pink granite, white birch and brush box plywood. The Opera House is 183 metres tall and 120 metres wide at the widest point. It comprises five theatres, five rehearsal studios, four restaurants and many souvenir shops. The five theatres are the Concert Hall, which can seat 2,679 persons; Opera Theatre, which seats 1,547; Drama Theatre, 544; Playhouse, 398; and Studio Theatre, 364. The construction of a suitable venue for large theatrical productions was first suggested during the late 1940s by the then Director, NSW State Conservatorium of Music, Eugene Goossens, who also suggested Bennelong Point as the site for the building. By 1954, he had managed to get the support of NSW Premier, Joe Cahill for this idea. The design submitted by Danish architect Jorn Utzon was selected out of many entries in 1955. Construction of the Opera House formally began in March 1958. The project, consisting of three stages - the upper podium, the outer shells and interior design and construction - was completed in 1973. However, the project was completed by a team comprising Peter Hall, E.H. Farmer, D.S. Littlemore and Lionel Todd as Utzon had resigned by this time over disagreements with the government. The complex was formally opened by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973. The event included a fireworks display and a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The Opera House has seen some additions and improvements during the years. The building is the staging venue for many theatre, ballet and musical productions. It is also the home of Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It is administered by the Opera Home Trust under the New South Wales Ministry of the Arts. There are plans to re-introduce Utzon's internal design to the Opera House in place of the current design of Peter Hall. The redesign will be effected in the Opera Theatre, allowing for modern technology and requirements. The redesign of the Reception Hall was completed in September 2004. Grand old hotel next to the harbour Walking along York Street in the Fort, Colombo, one wouldn't fail to notice the pristine white building that is the Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH).
The GOH was constructed during the British era in 1837 during the reign of King William, to house British soldiers. After it had served its purpose, it was handed over to the Government to be used as required. It was converted into a hostelry (inn) in August 1875. It soon became popular not only among ships' passengers who frequented it, but also among residents of Colombo city.The beautiful colonial-style hotel went as Hotel Taprobane for a while. In 1991, it was completely refurbished and reopened under its original name, Grand Oriental Hotel. It offers 60 rooms and suites to guests, which are all furnished in colonial style. One of the restaurants of the hotel is known as the Harbour Room as it provides a breathtaking view of the adjoining harbour. The halls in the hotel which are provided for functions include the Lotus Ballroom, which can accommodate 600 guests; Satin Room, which has the capacity for 60-75 guests; and Rainbow Room, which can hold upto 350 persons.Despite the many five-star hotels in the city of Colombo, the Grand Oriental Hotel continues to be popular among guests due to its style and the hospitality offered by its staff. |
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One of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka, with a history of over 125
years, it is located within sight and sound of the Colombo Harbour. It is
surrounded by a host of banks and business houses in the commercial hub of
Colombo.
