The 2011 Ship Song Project: Celebrating Australia’s Sydney Opera House

The 2011 Ship Song Project was a tribute to one of Australia’s most iconic songs, “The Ship Song” by Nick Cave. This project aimed to celebrate both the song and the Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973. Known for its architectural beauty and for hosting 2500+ events per year, it is Australia’s most recognizable landmark. The Ship Song, originally released in 1990, is a hauntingly beautiful piece. It made a perfect partner to showcase the ‘haunting beauty’ of the Opera House, both inside and out.

This 2011 project brought together a collection of artists and performers who have stood on the Opera House’s stages. The project featured notable Australian artists such as Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Sarah Blasko, Angus and Julia Stone, Martha Wainwright, Daniel Johns, Katie Noonan, and Kev Carmody, among others. Directed by Paul Goldman, the final product was a music video that mixed these performances with breathtaking visuals.

The Making Of ‘The Ship Song Project’ Music Video…

The project’s success lay in its ability to highlight the Sydney Opera House’s significance as a place that showcases diverse art forms and artists, which in turn reflects the vibrant culture of Australia. The 2011 Ship Song Project is a great example of how music and the performing arts (and artists) can connect and combine to help showcase the beauty that exists throughout the world.