Experience the magic of Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Season

Sydney Symphony Orchestra is starting the year off strong with a spectacular performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, a renowned work made famous again by the Cate Blanchett film Tár. They’ll amp up the wow factor in Gurrelieder, a Game of Thrones-style fantasy about a king and queen and their doomed love. This larger-than-life performance brings together more than 140 musicians and three choirs of singers – a concert so big that the Orchestra had to extend the Sydney Opera House stage. From Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony, described as ‘a cathedral of sound’, to Wagner’s epic Die Walküre and its iconic ‘Ride of the Valkyries’, it doesn’t get better – or bigger – than this. 

Classical music never goes out of style, but it’s also a living art, evolving and adapting through the ages – and First Nations composers are bringing the richness of their own traditions to classical music. In 2024 you can experience stunning new works including the Sydney premiere of Eumeralla by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, which will stun you from the very start as it shines a light on a little-known aspect of Australian history. You can also discover a story of strength and compassion in Ngapa William Cooper; experience the musical traditions of Arnhem Land in Wata; and hear First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury’s new composition String Talk, which combines Indigenous traditions with 1,000 years of classical Western music.

There is something for all ages in the Orchestra’s 2024 Season. As well as classical performances, the highly popular Sydney Symphony Presents concert series features spectacular collaborations with well-known artists and captivating concerts with the Orchestra performing the soundtrack to your favourite movies. In 2024, experience the Academy Award-nominated score from How to Train Your Dragon; the beloved festive soundtrack from Home Alone; and the joy of one of the greatest-ever movie musicals, Singin’ in the Rain, all performed live to film by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, unlocking a new side to films you love.

Since its beginnings in 1932, Sydney Symphony Orchestra has risen to become one of the great orchestras of the world. With the grand Sydney Opera House as its home and acclaimed Australian maestro Simone Young as its Chief Conductor, this season promises to be full of unforgettable moments. Young says, “When there are only a few metres between you and the world’s greatest musicians, you can feel the power of the music. The sound waves, the atmosphere. That’s something that only live music can create.” This season is full of unforgettable moments – find yours today. Explore the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s full 2024 Season here.