Professor Brian Cox: Symphonic Horizons Live with the Sydney Symphony

30 November – 2 December 2023

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Explore the secrets of the universe with Professor Brian Cox and the Sydney Symphony, in a special event that combines ground-breaking science with the power of a live orchestra.

Symphonic Horizons

Professor Brian Cox, one of the world’s pre-eminent physicists, explores the secrets of the universe and our place in it together with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northey. 

Through the latest extraordinary imagery and some of the greatest orchestral music ever written, Professor Cox examines astonishing cosmic ideas and creates the links between cosmology and music, showing how both can teach us what it means to be human, and what it means to live a small, finite life in a vast, spectacular universe.

Don’t miss Symphonic Horizons, a unique presentation of music and science at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
 

VIP Discussion Panel

Following the performance, you can join us for a special VIP experience as Brian Cox and Benjamin Northey reflect on the performance and continue the conversation, together with ABC presenter Fran Kelly. Just purchase any ticket in any reserve to the Brian Cox Symphonic Horizons and select the VIP experience for $48 in your cart*.

Program

SIBELIUS Symphony no. 5: 3rd Movement 
WESTLAKE Missa Solis – Sidereus Nuncius (The Starry Messenger) 
MAHLER Symphony no. 5: 4th Movement
STRAUSS Thus Spoke Zarathustra 

Artists

Presenter / Artist
Professor Brian Cox

Conductor
Benjamin Northey

Soprano
Jess Hitchcock

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

*VIP Panel Discussion tickets only available to ticket holders of Professor Brian Cox: Symphonic Horizons performances. VIP Panel Discussion performance dates chosen, must be the same date and quantity, and relative time as the purchased Symphonic Horizon performance tickets. VIP Panel Discussion tickets are subject to availability. VIP Panel Discussion start times are approximate, and will commence at the conclusion of the Symphonic Horizons performances. Approximately 30 minute run time.

Other information

You may also like

Donald Runnicles conducts Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony

12 – 14 Sep 2025

You can feel the tension in Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. Written after he had been denounced by Stalin for writing ‘muddle instead of music’, Shostakovich’s response was this symphony. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is a mighty, sweeping masterpiece that unleashes the full power of the orchestra; a bold statement that found universal approval. Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles is world-renowned for connecting audiences to the emotion of music, which means you’ll feel every dramatic twist and turn, with goosebumps guaranteed in the blazing finale.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Donald Runnicles stands with baton in his left hand as he conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Tallis Scholars

12 Oct 2025

Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars return to the Sydney Opera House for the first time in over two decades with an unmissable program inspired by the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant. The Tallis Scholars are renowned for their stunning cappella performances and exquisite recordings of sacred vocal music. The choir first sang at the Sydney Opera House in 1985, 40 years ago, and has returned five times since.

  • Classical Music

A Musical Awakening

21 Sep 2025

Music is visceral and vital. In A Musical Awakening, we invite you to take a breath and lean into this program designed to nourish your soul. Directed by ACO Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve, the Orchestra will be joined by friend and recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey, whose mastery of this most elemental of instruments is unsurpassed.

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra
The surface of a dark body of water with light reflected of gentle waves and wind creating soft spray of whitewater.

Checking availability