Sydney’s most famous house is winding back the clock 50 years for a night of celebration dedicated to Australia's first professionally trained Aboriginal opera singer, Harold Blair AM. Presented as part of Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday celebrations, First Stories of the House will bring to light lesser-known First Nations stories of the House through an engaging panel discussion and special opera performance in the Joan Sutherland Theatre on Wednesday, October 18 at 6pm.
Wulli Wulli tenor and political activist, Harold Blair AM made history in 1973 with his performance in Dalgerie, the first opera ever staged at Sydney Opera House. The night will celebrate Blair’s remarkable contribution to Australian culture, covering his life and also examining the social and political landscape of Australia in the 1940s-50s.
Aboriginal journalist and broadcaster, Daniel Browning will moderate the panel discussion with guests including Blair’s daughter and Indigenous education advocate, Nerida Blair; respected Aboriginal dancer and CEO of NAISDA Dance College, Kim Walker; and Gunggari baritone and assistant director for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Engagement for the ACT Government, Don Christopher.
These conversations will be followed by a captivating opera performance by soprano and proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman, Nina Korbe, who is also this year’s recipient of the Harold Blair Opera Scholarship.
First Stories of the House is presented by Sydney Opera House and Museums of History NSW.