Sydneysiders, spring is in the air and it's bringing beautiful music. This October and November, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is bringing must-see experiences to the Sydney Opera House, from rising stars to the classical world’s biggest names. With vocal talent that’ll raise goosebumps and masterpieces brought to life, there’s an unmissable concert for every music enthusiast.
Chinese star soloist Ying Fang returns to the Sydney stage to sing Cantelobe’s Songs of the Auvergne, French folk songs with an orchestral accompaniment that will have you saying ‘sacre bleu!’ If that's not enough, world-famous maestro Sir Donald Runnicles will also be conducting Brahms’ Symphony No.4 as part of the performance.
If exploring fresh talent is on your list, nab a seat at globally renowned pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason’s Australian debut concert. The eldest of the Kanneh-Mason virtuosos (her brother Sheku performed in Sydney in July), she’ll be taking on some of the most thrilling piano pieces ever written – including Ravel’s demanding Gaspard de la nuit and Beethoven’s beloved Moonlight Sonata – in a spectacular one-night-only event.
For four epic nights, you can catch two of the greatest classical works ever written live in concert with Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles at the helm. South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim, a rapidly rising star in the classical world, will play Tchaikovsky’s heartwarming Violin Concerto before Runnicles conducts Beethoven’s energetic Seventh Symphony – live at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
If a behind-the-scenes snoop into the mind of a musical genius is on your bucket list, this masterclass with distinguished Welsh vocalist Sir Bryn Terfel should be on your cultural radar. The baritone, who is often recognised as one of the world’s greatest voices, will host an insightful session sharing a coveted sneak peek into his creative process and preparation ahead of upcoming performances.
The Sydney Symphony’s Fellows are young musicians at the start of their careers, engaged in a year-long orchestral training program. You can see this year's class and experience the future of Australian music in their final performance for the year, live at Sydney’s oldest remaining church building, St James’ King St. With tickets priced at just $49, this is an accessible celebration of multitalented young musicians.
Indulge in an intimate, stripped-back performance that offers unique storytelling filled with baritone bliss, spanning an extraordinary array of genres from musical theatre hits to opera and folk songs. Sir Bryn Terfel’s powerhouse vocal ability will take centre stage at the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall, paired with the talents of harpist (and his wife) Hannah Stone, as well as acclaimed Australian pianist Andrea Lam.
Experience the wonderful works of iconic composers Mozart and Bach in an entirely new light. This awe-inspiring performance will be led by the Sydney Symphony’s visionary Chief Conductor Simone Young, giving a fresh perspective to timeless classics. Plus, hear it’ll be the world premiere by rising homegrown talent, Ella Macens – a contemporary Sydney composer who’s worthy of the buzz.
Experience a concert of Biblical proportions when Simone Young conducts Mendelssohn’s epic Elijah. Featuring an all-star cast of vocalists – including Sir Bryn Terfel in one of his signature roles – and a massive choir from Sydney Philharmonia Choirs; these are two must-see evenings of dramatic, fiery and masterful performances.