SYDNEY—The architect behind the world-renowned Sydney Opera House has been serenaded by staff and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from the concert hall he designed, to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Jorn Utzon, who now lives in his native Denmark, will be sent a video of today's greeting, for which more than 250 staff filled the choir stalls and sang Happy Birthday, accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Utzon began work on the Opera House in 1957, and was re-engaged as architect in 1999 to work on its Western Foyers project.
Last year his "house" was included on the World Heritage list, alongside other extraordinary cultural sites including the Acropolis, the Palace of Versailles, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
Utzon has said he will be spending his birthday at home with his wife Lis and other family.
But Opera House Chief Executive Richard Evans said staff could not let the day go unmarked.
"This is a milestone birthday for Jorn, who is an incredibly important member of the Opera House family," Mr Evans said.
"The relationship between the man and the building has extended for more than 50 years and Jorn is still adding to its potential."
Sydney Symphony's managing director Libby Christie said the orchestra was proud to be a part of the celebrations, having called Sydney Opera House its home for 36 years.
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