The Sydney Opera House, no doubt, still turns heads. Its “magic” and the magnificence of the expressionist building have been the top reasons that it has become a symbol of national pride among Australians. Described as “ugly duckling” in its early years, the majestic destination has now found its place in the hearts of the world and saw countless artists perform and found their art and what they’re good at through the years.

As it celebrates its 40-year anniversary, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark came to grace the event as the guest of honors.

Princess Mary addressed the crowd and shared her thoughts on the majestic Opera house that has been giving joy to millions of people around the world.

"At its birth, many people considered the Opera House somewhat of, in fairytale terms, an ugly duckling," Princess Mary was quoted as saying by ABC News Au.

She added, "[But] the Opera House has matured into a graceful, urban sculpture - a beautiful swan. It has found its place in the hearts and minds of both Australians and Danes. It has become a symbol of national pride for both our countries.”

The Crown Princess then talked about the impact the Sydney Opera House has made in the lives of thousands of artists who performed on stage.

"Thousands of artists, outstanding artists from all corners of the globe have performed here and over the past four decades, millions of visitors have experienced what lies within. Performances that can move us to tears, make us laugh and impress us,” Princess Mary also said.

The artists found themselves in great awe of the Sydney Opera House. Top Australian performers who had the chance to perform on stage were asked on how they view the majestic house.

Katie Noonan: “It’s incomparable.”
Australian singer-song writer, Katie Noonan describes the opera house “incomparable,” as she describes the design of the building both inside and out.

“It's incomparable. It's just such an unusual, fantastic shape from the outside, and inside, you just feel like you're somewhere very special. It's a space full of people working at what they love,” Noonan was quoted as saying by ABC News Au.

She added, “The Opera House is very open to being a house for everyone. It's very inclusive of various art forms. At any time there can be pop, rock, opera, jazz, cabaret, theatre, dance under the one roof.”

Brett Weymark: “… a secular place of communion.”
The musical director for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs claims the Sydney Opera is his second home.

“The Opera House is a secular place of communion. We all go there with one purpose: to make or receive great music. It goes beyond what the building is - it's what happens inside that is so important,” Brett Weymark was quoted as saying by ABC News AU.

He added, “It's been my second home in many ways. I've been singing there since I was 13. I can't imagine life in Sydney without it.”

Michael Hohnen: “…it is going to be special.”
The collaborator for Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Michael Hohnen described the place as “special.”

“You know when you're going to play there that it is going to be special. It is a supportive acoustic environment - the audience rises up around you. It is in no way one of those venues you play once and then say 'I'm done with that now'.

He noted that the same goes backstage on the concert hall, “where the attention to detail can really be appreciated.”

He said, “Some of the lead artists' rooms are hidden away down a corridor. There's a big room with a grand piano and lots of windows looking out onto Sydney Harbour. You can see all the activity going on, and you know exactly where you are. It places you in the moment. It's very special.”

For more artists and how they view Sydney Opera House and its impact on the lives of thousands of artists around the world, click here.

The Sydney Opera House began construction in 1959. But it was officially opened on Oct 20, 1973.

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 Credit: YouTube/ Sydney Opera House