www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/discover/venues/sidney-myer-music-bowl

December is finally here which means Christmas is not too far away! As I was walking around the Skydeck today high above the clouds I noticed the sun shine off the roof of the Art Centre Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Every Christmas Eve the staff and I gather around the windows and watch the magic that takes place at the Music Bowl for the Carols by Candlelight ceremony and I have always wondered what the venue was actually like. So this week I decided to head down there to find out!

As I made my way past the Arts Centre and across St Kilda Road I headed into the gardens of Kings Domain where I saw the large structure at the base of sloping lawn. This structure, known as the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is an outdoor performance venue that was officially opened on the 12th of February 1959.

Named after Sidney Myer, “The Bowl’s” construction was inspired by the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles that Sidney had once visited. Looking at the venue I really did take note of its unique construction which features a stage covered by a large silver canopy that looked a little to me like a giant cobweb!

While I was there I was told that this hugely popular summertime venue hosts everything from dance festivals, to concerts for international superstars, to the popular Carols by Candlelight event as well as Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s free summertime concert series. In fact it is actually the largest, purpose built, permanent outdoor performance venue in Australia! History tells me that during the mid-1970’s a performance by Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs drew crowds extending into the trees of Kings Domain of over 250,000 people! While most were unable to see the stage, the unique design of “The Bowl” allowed the sound to be heard several kilometers back. These days recent works on the lawns extending from the seating and stage and the construction of a fence and gates has reduce the total capacity to a little over 30,000 however this has largely improved the visibility and standard of facilities for spectators.

Unfortunately when I visited the Sidney Myer Music Bowl there were little more than a few people lying in the glorious sun enjoying a beautiful November day, however I am hoping to come back on Christmas Eve this year to take part in the magical Carols by Candlelight event! Each year an array of top entertainers perform a mix of the season’s favourite contemporary and traditional carols whilst thousands of candles light up the night sky. All money raised by Carol’s by Candlelight goes towards Vision Australia, supporting children who are blind or have low visibility. So not only is the night a great way to enjoy the spirit of Christmas it is also raises money for a good cause.

Have you ever been to Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl?

Deckstar at the top of the hill!

Deckstar at the entrance

The Bowl has fixed seating for 2030 people.

Deckstar gives a performance on stage.

Deckstar gets a sneak peak at one of the dressing rooms

DID YOU KNOW?

• Surrounding lawns can seat up to 10,000 people.
• The stage area is 27.4 metres wide by 19.5 metres deep.
• The orchestra pit can accommodate 80 players.
• The total area of the Bowl’s canopy is 4055 square metres. At its highest point, it is 20 metres tall.

Class Activity Idea – This week get into the spirit of Christmas with some fun Christmas activities. See our Teachers Resources Page for more details.