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Classical Music

Upcoming performances, symphonies and concerts

7 - 10 Jun 2023 Classical Music

Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor

Brilliant conductor Maasaki Suzuki directs Mozart’s powerful Great Mass in C minor, showcasing the genius composer at the very height of his powers.

9 - 10 Jun 2023 Classical Music

Steve Reich and Bach

JS Bach and Steve Reich might be centuries apart, but their precise, clear and rich musical languages make compelling partners in this intimate concert.

A constellations of stars.
11 Jun 2023 Classical Music

ChorusOz: Mahler 8

It’s back! ChorusOz invites anyone with a passion for singing gather in the Sydney Opera House to perform a major work. 

21 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Spinifex Gum & the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Spinifex Gum combines the beauty of a young Indigenous female choir from Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait with contemporary songwriting that speaks to issues of our time.

An animation of space with astronaut, a man, birds and an octopus.
22 - 24 Jun 2023 Classical Music

The Music of Hans Zimmer

Experience the awesome power of Hans Zimmer’s film scores performed live in concert by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Buc.

25 Jun 2023 Classical Music

Mozart

Experience the ACO at its joyous and energising best with the Paris, Haffner and Linz symphonies.

30 Jun - 1 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Simone Young & Steven Isserlis

Experience the grand emotions of Schumann and Walton with the Sydney Symphony’s Chief Conductor Simone Young and award-winning cellist Steven Isserlis.

30 Jun - 1 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Britten & Prokofiev

Evocative works by Prokofiev and Britten are brought to life in this intimate, fascinating chamber music program.

A fancy grand piano with flowers around it.
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5 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Opening Gala

Revel in music from some of the world’s most distinguished pianists as they celebrate the opening of the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition in style. 

A group of people standing near Sydney opera house with Harbour bridge in the background.
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6 - 10 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Preliminaries

Over five glorious days of music making, the 32 competitors compete fiercely to win one of only 12 places to advance through to the Semi Finals Rounds.

7 - 9 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Simone Young Conducts Tchaikovsky’s Ballet Music

Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet music takes centre stage as Simone Young conducts this spellbinding concert.

8 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Argentina! A Celebration

10 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Ngapa William Cooper

Join the Australian Youth Orchestra as they perform three sweeping works inspired by the tenacity of the human spirit in times of darkness.

A blonde woman playing a grand piano.
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12 - 15 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Semi Finals

Awe inspiring musical feats await from the 12 competitors advancing to the penultimate stage of the competition. Four days of solo repertoire and chamber music will define the six Finalists.

12 - 15 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Ray Chen performs Tchaikovsky

Australia’s own star violinist Ray Chen performs Tchaikovsky’s beautiful, poignant Violin Concerto.

Against a yellow background a cartoon conductor wearing black with white shirt cuffs holds up a baton. An orange, green and purple rainbow with musical notes is coming from it.
16 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Introduce Your Family to the Magic of the Orchestra

All Ages | Start a journey of musical discovery where everyone can learn the fun sounds of the orchestra in this Sydney Symphony Orchestra family-friendly concert.

A man playing a grand piano in an orchestra.
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18 - 22 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Finals

The final and most exhilarating week of performances, with two orchestras, will draw together almost three weeks of competition and culminate with the announcement of the 2023 Grand First Prize Winner.

21 - 22 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Beethoven & Mozart

The Sydney Symphony’s superb wind section comes to the fore in gorgeous, intimate chamber works by Mozart and Beethoven.

A man playing a grand piano in an orchestra.
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22 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Finals Awards

Following the final performances, the announcement of the 2023 Grand First Prize Winner.

25 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Play With Ray

Three emerging violinists experience a dream come true – performing Bach’s extraordinary Double Concerto at the Sydney Opera House, alongside star violinist Ray Chen.

A group of string ensemble sitting on the chair.
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27 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Florescence

The flourishing bloom of the string quartet across the ages featuring music by Dvořák, Mozart, Purcell and Justin Williams.

27 - 29 Jul 2023 Classical Music

Black Panther: Live in Concert

Presented for the first time in Australia, relive the excitement of Black Panther while the Sydney Symphony performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar®-winning score live to film.

28 Jul 2023 Classical Music

The Sydney 2023: Winner’s Recital

Be the first to hear the recently awarded 2023 First Prize winner in their debut recital. Accolades will be flowing for this new star of the world’s concert stages. 

2 - 5 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Simone Young Conducts Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony

Lose yourself in the idyllic, radiant landscapes of Beethoven’s enchanting Pastoral Symphony, with Sydney Symphony Chief Conductor Simone Young.

6 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Dvořák’s Serenade

Give yourself over to this spirited journey featuring the sublime and visceral music of Dvořák and Bartók.

James Morley & Friends
6 Aug 2023 Classical Music

James Morley & Friends

Cellist James Morley returns home from Switzerland – introducing a new Australian work with soprano Jane Sheldon, and performing Beethoven’s most popular cello sonata with fortepianist Erin Helyard.

11 - 12 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Diana Doherty Performs Ross Edwards

Celebrate the music of Ross Edwards, one of our most prominent composers, and his unique soundworld that draws on Australia’s natural life and landscape.

18 - 20 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Dvořák’s Symphony No.7

Revel in the work that many consider Dvořák’s greatest, and experience Stefan Dohr, Principal Horn of the mighty Berlin Philharmonic, performing Richard Strauss’ stunning, virtuosic Horn Concerto No.2.

A woman in black dress standing with her hands on a crash cymbal.
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26 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Still Life with Avalanche

Repetition, chaos and beauty become one in this mind-opening program, where each work presents a surprising change of perspective.

27 Aug 2023 Classical Music

Balkan Spirit!

The infectious rhythms and melodies of the Balkan folk songs will form the ultimate bridge across a region, where the people lived together for centuries. Do not miss this historic concert!

31 Aug - 1 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Experience this extraordinary a tour de force which combines New Orleans jazz, gospel, spirituals, African chant, symphonic modernism, ragtime, blues, folk song and Latin dances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

2 - 3 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Experience the greatest jazz music ever written led by the incredible Wynton Marsalis, the music woven deep in the fabric of this incredible ensemble.

6 - 9 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Nicola Benedetti performs Marsalis

Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicole Benedetti performs a new concerto by Wynton Marsalis, the genius of performer and composer.

8 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Schubert Overwritten

Discover the captivating fusion of Franz Schubert’s music with modern interpretations by Kats-Chernin, Finnissy, Lachenmann, performed in recital by pianist Rob Hao.

An orchestra conductor waving a baton.
9 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Carmina Burana

Hear Carl Orff’s thrilling choral masterpiece with Human Waves, a brand new work by Elena Kats-Chernin.

15 - 16 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Beethoven 7 & Bruch’s Violin Concerto

Experience Bruch’s most famous work and one of the greatest symphonies ever written with Beethoven’s Seventh.

15 - 16 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Schubert’s Octet

Sydney Symphony’s Concertmaster Andrew Haveron leads this mighty work that showcases an impressive range of Sydney Symphony musicians across six glowing movements.

23 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Ayşe & Gurridyula - Celebrating Sovereign Spirits

Witness the merging of two cultures in music, that surpasses time, space and distance like no other. Come and be a part of history!

24 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Postcards from Italy

Musical tributes from across the centuries featuring Bach and Boccherini through to Tchaikovsky and Giovanni Sollima.

Alma Moodie Quartet
24 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Alma Moodie Quartet

The Alma Moodie Quartet – an exciting young Australian ensemble – traverses a Romantic musical landscape, from darkly aloof miniatures to Beethoven in an optimistic mood.

A man in black jacket playing a violin.
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30 Sep 2023 Classical Music

Blood Lore

Music that goes against the grain.

7 - 9 Oct 2023 Classical Music

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Verdi’s Requiem may be a mass for the dead – but its emotional impact and the sheer drama of the music is equal to a night at the opera. If you love his operas (RigolettoLa Traviata, Aida…) experience the theatrical genius of his Requiem. 

Andrea Lam
8 Oct 2023 Classical Music

Andrea Lam

One of Australia’s favourite pianists finds Romantic inspiration and contemporary connection in this gorgeous recital inspired by a 19th-century love triangle and the journey of life.

10 Oct 2023 Classical Music

Soweto Gospel Choir - HOPE

Hope is an all-new concert by 3-time Grammy®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir; celebrating songs and anthems from the Freedom movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, back to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950's America. Hope is a concert that will sing forever in your hearts!

A woman with curly hairs and speckle on the face.
14 Oct 2023 Classical Music

MacMillan’s Stabat Mater

Singing voices and strings unite in an impassioned evocation of Mary’s grief at the foot of the cross.

A girl looking at the sky.
14 Oct 2023 Classical Music

The Little Match Girl Passion

David Lang’s Pulitzer prize-winning oratorio is a hope-filled reflection on a tragic fable – a passion for our time.

26 - 28 Oct 2023 Classical Music

Li-Wei Qin Performs Haydns Cello Concerto No 1

Be inspired by the dynamic talents of cellist Li-Wei Qin in a spirited program featuring Classical favourites of Mozart and Haydn.

27 Oct 2023 Classical Music

Mozart & Haydn

Celebrate the Classical masters of the symphony with the Sydney Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles leading an energetic program of charisma and joy.

1 - 4 Nov 2023 Classical Music

Alexander Gavrylyuk Performs Tchaikovsky

Sensational pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk astounds with his exquisite interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

A German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in a pose black dress.
9 - 11 Nov 2023 Classical Music

Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Music of John Williams

The Sydney Symphony’s Chief Conductor Simone Young joins forces with starl violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in this program of music by John Williams and great Hollywood composers.

12 Nov 2023 Classical Music

Chopin & the Mendelssohns

Pianist Polina Leschenko joins the ACO for a program full of brilliant music-making, deep emotions and profound connections.

16 - 18 Nov 2023 Classical Music

Simone Young conducts Das Rheingold

Wagner’s extraordinary music comes to life as the Sydney Symphony’s Chief Conductor Simone Young conducts the first instalment of the Ring Cycle in a rare concert performance.

24 Nov 2023 Classical Music

Australian World Orchestra presents Mahler 9

Join us for a gala night with an extraordinary array of Australian musicians, selected from the world's greatest orchestras and ensembles, performing Gustav Mahler's breath-taking final completed work, Symphony No. 9. This is music to die for!

7 - 10 Dec 2023 Classical Music

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert

Relive every harrowing loss and every remarkable victory as the Sydney Symphony plays the epic score from Alexandre Desplat live to film.

A middle aged man in a black jacket standing in dark studio lighting.
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9 Dec 2023 Classical Music

Lionheart

Shostakovich's profound Piano Quintet leads a program of courage and colour from three musical mavericks featuring John Adams’ String Quartet No.1 and a world premiere by Australian trailblazer Holly Harrison.

A reindeer made from glitter.
15 - 17 Dec 2023 Classical Music

Carols at the House

Carols at the House returns with actor John Bell and popular soprano Julie Lea Goodwin. The splendid sounds of Rutter’s Gloria set the tone for a festive program of Christmas favourites and unexpected delights, with plenty of audience participation.

A painting of woman holding a baby.
16 Dec 2023 Classical Music

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

The Christmas Oratorio is easily one of the most inspired musical enactments of the Nativity. Brett Weymark has chosen the first three parts, from the exultant opening to the tender scenes in the stable and the festive arrival of the shepherds.

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Love List: Australian Classical by Casey Green

Our Classical Music producer/aficionado Casey Green has written a Love List to the Australian classical composers that have inspired her and kept her sane in these extraordinary times.

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“Rebirth and resurrection”

Who better to help reopen the heart of the Opera House than William Barton? The celebrated Kalkadunga musician estimates he has played the venue over 300 times. This week, with clapsticks made from wood salvaged from the stage, he'll perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in a triumphant return to the Concert Hall.

A string quartet playing in the foyers of the Sydney Opera House.
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Australian String Quartet performs Jack Symonds String Quartet No.2

This spectacular work brilliantly showcases the string quartet through its wide-ranging breadth of expression and extremes of colour. 

Stream, read & listen to more Classical Music at the Opera House