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Contemporary Music

Upcoming gigs, performances and concerts

1 - 4 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Weyes Blood

Returning to Australia for her Sydney Opera House debut at Vivid LIVE, LA-based singer-songwriter Weyes Blood brings the gorgeous folk pop of her latest album to the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

2 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Ashli

One of the most exciting new voices on the Australian music scene, pop, soul and R&B artist Ashli makes her unmissable Vivid LIVE headline debut in the Utzon Room. 

2 - 4 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Ethel Cain

One of music’s most acclaimed new artists, American singer-songwriter Ethel Cain brings her haunting gothic pop to the Drama Theatre in these two NSW-exclusive performances.

2 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Devonté Hynes: Selected Classical Works with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Devonté Hynes, the sonic architect behind Blood Orange and some of the brightest pop of the millennium, teams up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to bring his futuristic classical sound to Vivid LIVE.

2 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Sleaford Mods

Railing against austerity-era Britain with rage and wit, Nottingham post-punks Sleaford Mods descend on the Joan Sutherland Theatre in all their sound and fury for their Sydney Opera House debut.

2 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Studio Party Mad Racket Plaid (UK) live A/V set (18+)

Beloved Sydney DJ collective Mad Racket are back and ready to turn things up at Vivid LIVE’s legendary Studio Party, with a little help from special guests – and electro dance pioneers – Plaid.

3 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Maina Doe

Returning to the Sydney Opera House after her shimmering performances at Liminal and supporting Tkay Maidza, emerging R&B Maina Doe lights up the Utzon Room with her debut headline performance at Vivid LIVE.

3 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Max Richter: Ambient Orchestra with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Making his triumphant return to Vivid LIVE, contemporary classical genius Max Richter is back with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for an innovative new performance in the Concert Hall for an orchestral journey through ambient sound.

3 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

HTRK, Lust For Youth (SE/DK), Croatian Amor (DK), YL Hooi

It’s a night of smoldering, shadowy grooves, dreamy dub and synth pop as Swedish duo Lust For Youth and Danish artist Croatian Amor join Melbourne cult faves HTRK and YL Hooi for Vivid LIVE. Curated by 3NDLES5.

3 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Squarepusher

Legendary electronic musician, producer and bass maximalist Squarepusher brings his genre-defying mix of IDM, acid techno, jazz and mischievous breakbeats to the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

4 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Thundercat

Returning to Australia for the first time in five years, virtuoso bassist and Kendrick Lamar collaborator Thundercat brings his impossibly funky grooves to the Sydney Opera House for his Vivid LIVE debut.

4 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

JACOTÉNE

From teenage soul sensation to Sydney Opera House debutante, Triple J Unearthed High winner and breakout star JACOTÉNE is set to blow the Utzon Room away in her very first Vivid LIVE appearance.

4 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Iceage (DK), Low Life, DX

Brace yourself for an all-out aural assault as Scandinavian punks Iceage return to Australia for their Vivid LIVE debut, joined by local legends Low Life and post-punk supergroup DX, featuring members of Total Control, Diät and Den. Curated by 3NDLES5.

9 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party

Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party, featuring his band The Gentlemen Barbers and special guests.

12 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Ella Mai

Grammy-award-winning British R&B star Ella Mai returns to the Sydney Opera House for a night of lush grooves and old-school soul.

17 - 18 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

ARETHA

R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the Queen of Soul. ARETHA is a powerful memoir, live on stage, that celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest voices in history.

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.

27 Jun 2023 Contemporary Music

Keith & Kristyn Getty: Sing! Australia

Keith & Kristyn Getty and their band of Irish and American musicians make their Australia debut with a collection of best-known hymns, new songs, and singing with the audience.

2 Jul 2023 Contemporary Music

Russell Morris

This July, see Australian music icon Russell Morris backed by an extraordinary symphony orchestra. Hear incredible hits including ‘The Real Thing’ and ‘Sweet Sweet Love’ in this powerful, once-in-a-lifetime performance.

7 Jul 2023 Contemporary Music

Kutcha Edwards

Celebrate NAIDOC week with renowned songman, Kutcha Edwards, as he returns to perform his new album Circling Time. The performance takes you on a journey with stories from his incredible life, that segue so eloquently into each mesmeric song lifting your spirit. At the heart of it, Kutcha’s music is pure soul.

13 Jul 2023 Contemporary Music

Dami Im

Dami Im the powerhouse singer-songwriter, is returning to the stage to captivate audiences once again with her latest tour dates. The limited run of shows promises to be an exclusive and intimate experience for fans as Dami showcases her new EP titled 'In Between' alongside all her biggest hits.

Arlo Parks wearing a striped knitted sweater, sitting on the ground against a dark purple wall.
20 Jul 2023 Contemporary Music

Arlo Parks

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, Mercury Music Prize winner and reluctant voice of a generation, Arlo Parks returns to Australia with her indelibly dreamy and sensual soul – and a hotly anticipated new album.

3 - 6 Aug 2023 Contemporary Music

Bernadette Robinson - Divas

Bernadette Robinson embodies the DIVA spirit - truly the shining jewel in this acclaimed emotion-packed Simon Phillips production.

13 Aug 2023 Contemporary Music

YB

YB YOON DO HYUN BAND Live in Australia!

12 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Morgan Evans

Nashville-based, Aussie singer-songwriter brings his global hits and heart stirrers alike to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Don’t miss tickets for this September show.

16 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Sydney Drag Ball 2023

Starring Raja, Laganja Estranja, Spankie Jackson, Vanity, Karen from Finance and Beverly Kills.

One night only! Step into a world of fabulous glamour and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you breathless. This is the night you won’t want to miss! 

17 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Tim Finn

Pre-eminent singer, songwriter, musician and international artist makes a welcome touring return.

Delta Goodrem a blonde Australian singer in a white dress.
25 - 26 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Delta Goodrem

In a night of incredible music and storytelling, audiences will be brought up close and personal into Delta's incredibly inspiring journey.

28 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Visions of Nar

Featuring pianist Zela Margossian and saxophonist Jeremy Rose, Visions of Nar is a kaleidoscopic ride. Launching their debut album, Daughter of the Seas, they’re joined by tabla master, Bobby Singh.

An orange circle on a black rectangle with black horizontal wires across the center and silhouette of 5 birds sitting on the wires.
28 - 30 Sep 2023 Contemporary Music

Birdsongs featuring Birds of Toyko

One of Australia’s great iconic bands is teaming up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for “Birdsongs” an electrifying concert experience.

4 Dec 2023 Contemporary Music

The War on Drugs

Get ready! The War On Drugs are returning to Sydney.

A man with short hairs and beard in a jacket.
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31 Mar - 2 Apr 2024 Contemporary Music

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and rock ’n’ roll hall of famer Elvis Costello returns to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall – with his legendary band The Imposters – for the first time in 17 years.

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Listen Classical Music

Love List: Australian Punk/Post-Punk by Low Life

Cristian and Mitch from Sydney's own post-punk lords Low Life have written a Love List to the Australian bands who have shaped them, excited them and geed them up over the years.

A man performing on a blue-lit stage.
Read Contemporary Music

From clubs to the Concert Hall

From New Order to Four Tet, Vivid LIVE's Ben Marshall on expanding his horizons in London's electronic music scene.

Listen Contemporary Music

Music for... Road Trips by Bonobo

Buckle up and escape into the wild with this playlist by electronic wizard Bonobo.

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