An opera fit for a queen 👑 Benjamin Britten's Gloriana, written to mark the coronation of the late Elizabeth II, had its premiere on this day in 1953. Here's some classic newsreel footage of the supremely grand opening night. Footage supplied by British Pathé | Royal Ballet And Opera

On this day 48 years ago the Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973. Aboriginal actor Ben Blakeney OAM (1937–2003), one of Bennelong's descendents, welcomed people to the site from the top of the building's tallest sail. It was a windy day! From our Opera House collection: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/sydney-opera-house #architecture #sydney #sydneyaustralia #operahouse #OnThisDay | NFSA - National Film and Sound Archive of Aus