Five must-see concerts in Sydney this spring

Experience a soulful evening of music and storytelling at the Sydney Opera House, as acclaimed activist and songwriter Kutcha Edwards brings his powerful new work, Ngarli-Wangu, to life in the Concert Hall. Joined by special guest artists – like vocalists Ray Dimakarri Dixon, Dr Shellie Morris AO, Kankawa Nagarra and Emily Wurramara, plus the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey – Kutcha, the respected Elder and proud Mutti Mutti songman, will guide audiences through a deeply moving journey of connection and culture. The concert will take place on October 14 from 7pm, with tickets starting from $49*.

Pack the tissues and prepare to be transcended into a different dimension during this intimate piano recital by internationally acclaimed pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. In honour of the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel, one of France’s most celebrated composers, Bavouzet pays tribute to the evocative genius who continues to inspire generations of musicians. Immersive, poetic and full of surprises, this unforgettable performance will take place on October 20 at 7pm at City Recital Hall, with tickets starting from $48*.

If you haven't heard of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Dukas, we can guarantee you’ve heard some of their romantic music. Think Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, for starters. The three European composers are known for their contrasting styles and captivating music. Now, one of the world’s leading cellists, Daniel Müller-Schott, joins the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to bring Tchaikovsky’s passionate ‘cello concerto’, the Rococo Variations, to life in a soul-stirring performance. A dream for romantics and classical music lovers alike, the concert will fill the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with virtuosity, with performances running between October 22-25, and tickets starting from $47*.

There’s nothing like big tunes that make you feel big emotions. From the opening blast of brass in Janáček’s Sinfonietta, to the therapeutic melodies of a cello, this Mussorgsky spotlight featuring Dvorak’s Cello Concerto is just the thing. Led by Sydney Symphony’s Chief Conductor Simone Young, the vivid, orchestral masterpiece marks the Sydney Symphony debut of Deutsche Grammophon-signed cellist Kian Soltani – performing a work often hailed as the greatest cello concerto ever written. A bold claim? Perhaps. But a few minutes in, you’ll be too captivated to disagree. You can catch the performance on November 1 and November 2 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, with tickets starting from $45*.  

If you’re into epic music dramas like the ones that underscore your favourite Star Wars scenes, this one’s for you. The third instalment of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Ring Cycle is set to take over the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in a once-in-a-generation event which packs in all the intensity and grandeur composer Richard Wagner is known for. At the helm is Chief Conductor Simone Young, one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Wagner’s music. Known for her precision and expressive depth, she is also the first Australian conductor to ever lead a Ring Cycle at the Bayreuth Festival. Whether you’re continuing the cycle or stepping into Wagner’s world for the first time, this concert will leave you transformed. Performances run on November 13 and 16, with remaining tickets starting from $109*.

*Booking fee may apply. Concessions available.