[image]
[title]There is nothing that comes close to the thrill of experiencing an orchestra performing live. It’s one of those things that you really have to see to understand. Being enveloped in an ocean of sound as 80 musicians move as one, will scratch an itch you didn’t know you had. That’s why attending a Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance should be a bucket-list item for every Australian – especially when you also get to experience it at the world-class Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
The Orchestra’s 2025 concert season is full of unforgettable moments, and it doesn’t get any bigger than when Chief Conductor Simone Young conducts Mahler’s Third Symphony (February 19–22). Internationally acclaimed for her interpretations of Mahler’s colossal music, Young brings her formidable experience to his most ambitious symphony. Requiring a full orchestra, two choirs and a vocal soloist, this is a great way to kick the new year off with a bang.
Simone Young is back at the podium the following week with music by two of the greatest English composers, Elgar and Vaughan Williams (February 28–March 2). This spellbinding concert will pull at your heartstrings and set your spirit soaring – just like the magnificent white sails of the Opera House that soar above the harbour.
As if that’s not exciting enough, in March one of the world’s greatest violinists will perform Brahms' Violin Concerto – one of the most incredible pieces of music ever written. Hear why Canadian James Ehnes is considered in a class of his own as his extraordinary technical ability is sure to leave you in awe.
In a special treat for Sydney audiences, there’ll be three opportunities to hear who The Times of London calls “the most astounding pianist of our age” as Grammy Award-winning Daniil Trifonov takes the stage. During one jam-packed week in March, Trifonov will join the Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House to perform one of Rachmaninov’s mighty piano concertos. He’ll also head to City Recital Hall for two intimate concerts of music by Schubert, for an experience that simply cannot be missed.
Finally, experience everything an orchestra can throw at you with two very different works in the same concert: Mozart's Piano Concerto No.19 and Bruckner's Seventh Symphony. Mozart’s concerto is glittering and delicate, full of finesse and magic, while Bruckner’s symphony is all about grandeur and scale, and powerful sounds that will pin you to the back of your chair. Plus, hear the world premiere of a new work by the brilliant Australian composer Kate Moore. If you want to know the capabilities of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, this gives you the full spectrum of sounds in one incredible concert.
With a dazzling roster of acclaimed international conductors and guest artists, no two performances by Sydney Symphony Orchestra are ever the same. Explore the must-see events of 2025 and book tickets here.