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Contemporary Music

From epic exits to hopeful holidays, The Queen of Soul has backed up some of cinema's most iconic moments. Join us as we look back on 5 incredible Aretha Franklin tracks, and where you might have heard them in your favourite films. 

To celebrate Steve Lacy’s latest album, Gemini Rights and his only Australian headline shows at the Sydney Opera House this Jan – Feb, we thought we’d find the perfect Steve Lacy song for every star sign, not just Geminis. 

Watch Melbourne future-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote jam in the Drama Theatre in our Nooks & Crannies series, a collaboration between the Sydney Opera House and Intel.

The legendary Wu-Tang Clan took over the Opera House this December, bringing their opus 36 Chambers “from the slums of Shaolin” to the Concert Hall for four nights of pure mayhem.

New Voices Incubator recipient Cynthia Loh reflects on Nils Frahm's extravagant yet intimate ode to the harbourside city: Music for Sydney.

Six shows where the artist collided music with movement and space.

Chad Gillard, Future Classic co-founder, talks about the label’s relationship to the Opera House, how they pair the right musicians together, and how they massage a song into a hit.

Composer, oud master and performer, Marcel Khalifé, shares a special bond with his son, piano virtuoso Rami Khalifé. Discover the father-son relationship behind the incredible musical duo.

Experimental piano pioneer Margaret Leng Tan has made her theatre debut – at the age of 74

Soft Future Piano Bar is a zero-waste purple paradise in our Concert Hall Northern Foyer. We spoke to Goodgod creative masterminds Hana Shimada and Jimmy Sing about how the bar differs from others in Sydney.

Watch an uncut interview from 2017 between Ben Marshall and the British DJ behind Primal Scream, Andrew Weatherall. Plus hear Ben's reflection on the passing of a man who changed dance music.

The unconventional technique and unbelievable sounds of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, a duo whose film music is becoming as renowned as their solo works.

The MC proves there’s more to his scene.

Tour manager Max Tischler on how he makes world tours eco-friendly.

Singer and producer Sampha Sisay on his debut LP and upcoming performance at Vivid LIVE.

Global music event One World: Together at Home celebrated healthcare workers on the pandemic’s frontline

This Saturday, watch the full never before released Riceboy Sleeps performance from Vivid LIVE 2019

Relive Bon Iver's incredible Opera House performance with uncovered live footage and new words from Justin Vernon himself, and go into the running to win all four Bon Iver albums on vinyl.

Learn how Sydney artists Rainbow Chan, Marcus Whale and Eugene Choi are transforming 'In the Mood for Love', one of the most critically acclaimed films of the 21st century, into a sax-drenched, theatrical journey through 60s Hong Kong.

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

In the latest Love Letters, Sydney producer Jonti lauds the "endless inspiration" of Wayne Coyne and The Flaming Lips. And, as a bonus, Jonti's put together a psychedelic vinyl mix featuring tracks from The Flaming Lips and a handful of other "fearless freaks".

Coming of age with Death Cab for Cutie: reminiscing on the friendships, memories and mixtapes.

There are many more layers to a track by The Avalanches and DJ Shadow than meets the ear.

A new video series which records an artist's final moments just before showtime at the Sydney Opera House

Mohammad Reza Mortazavi plays Persian instruments on the fringe of electronics

And watch a masterclass with the living legend at the Sydney Opera House

More than just our country’s greatest singer-songwriter or “Australia’s Bob Dylan”, Paul Kelly is a national treasure.

The most memorable records from the Newtown vinyl institution.

Dapper as usual in a brown suit and open necked shirt, slightly stooped but hawkeyed, Paul Kelly declines the offer of his much-loved cabernet in favour of an ale as he looks out of Bennelong Restaurant and over Sydney Harbour.

A poet’s feel for lyrics, an actress’ instinct for delivery – and that voice. In conversation with the rapturous Beth Orton.

From Lorde to Janet Jackson, Nelson Mandela to Spencer Tunick, Oprah and Hugh Jackman to Björk, Crowded House and Florence + the Machine. Here are some of the Sydney Opera House's greatest moments on the Forecourt.

Some of Sydney's most prolific artists collaborated with musicians on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities to make their own music in the Opera House’s state-of-the-art Intel Broadcast Studio.

Read her letter celebrating three powerful Queensland women.

What started as a humble artist management agency has turned into a multi-armed music juggernaut, whose parties have attracted the attention of Thom Yorke and Elton John. Andy Webb traces the humble origins of Sydney luminaries Astral People.

Almost three hours of ‘Disintegration’ (and the B-sides).

An interview between Ben Marshall and the Animal Collective co-founder.

Ziggy Ramo’s debut album, Black Thoughts, is regarded as “one of the most important albums of this year” - NME. Journalist Daniel Browning breaks down how Ramo transforms his powerful messages for the digital stage.

Following their Vivid LIVE and Dark Mofo performances, Dirty Three's Warren Ellis, Jim White and Mick Turner chat to Vivid LIVE curator Ben Marshall.

How the 'ambient jazz' masters got inside our heads at Vivid LIVE.

Watch them perform two gorgeous 'Sleep Well Beast' cuts before they stepped out onto the Forecourt.

We're looking to the cosmos to dissect the star-studded Astral People line up performing under the night sky at this year's Vivid LIVE.

Give your ears a treat this February and March by catching a concert on one of the world's most iconic stages. From post-punk to jazz to zamrock, there's an eclectic mix of genres and artists ready to rock the night away with you. Read on to find your next gig.

Michael Feinstein revives songs that have stood the test of time

Our favourite Sydney DJs, artists and regulars relive their favourite moments across the years to warm up for this year’s Studio Parties.