Classical Music
Upcoming performances, symphonies and concerts
Augustin Hadelich performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Violin sensation Augustin Hadelich returns with Mendelssohn's exquisite Violin Concerto, led by Chief Conductor Simone Young.
Altstaedt Plays Haydn & Tchaikovsky
The world-renowned cellist and master storyteller makes his ACO debut as soloist and guest director.
Vanguard
The Australian String Quartet present a program of music that redefined the boundaries of the string quartet.
Dalia Stasevska conducts Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony
Experience the stunning musical landscapes of the far north in this enchanting program.
Aurora
A luminous afternoon concert by the Harbour featuring music by the leading lights of contemporary choral music – Rautavaara, Arvo Pärt, Eric Whitacre and more.
Zakir Hussain, Kala Ramnath, and Jayanthi Kumaresh in Triveni
Triveni featuring Zakir Hussain (Tabla), Kala Ramnath, (Hindustani Violin) and Jayanthi Kumaresh (Carnatic Veena). Presented by Bhoomija.
Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony
Pulling out all the stops. It's curious to think an expression used by everyone from fashion designers to footballers was derived from something as historic as the organ.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra with Jess Gillam
Jess Gillam may only be 25, but the British saxophonist is already a star.
Janáček, Ravel & Piazzolla
The writing is anything but juvenile, richly textured and deceptively complex, bursting with enthusiasm and virtuosity.
Rachmaninoff’s Vespers
Lie back on a yoga mat or take your gallery seat and immerse yourself in the sumptuous and captivating beauty of Rachmaninoff’s favourite creation, his All-Night Vigil.
The Symphonic World of Dance
Ages 5+ | Experience classical music inspired by dance from around the world, in this special family-friendly concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Wata: a gathering for songmen, improvising soloists and orchestra
Musicians of the Sydney Symphony and guest improvising soloists weave in and out of the songs led by Daniel Wilfred and David Wilfred, guided by Grabowsky's powerful orchestration.
Siobhan Stagg and Nico de Villiers
Internationally acclaimed Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg returns with pianist Nico de Villiers for a captivating recital of music by Hageman and Strauss.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
With the most famous four notes in history, the opening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony has captivated the world for more than 200 years.
The Year of the Dragon
Mr Zhu Changyao’s musical works and solo, Australia Hua Xia Orchestra Concert
The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
Unmissable choral event from historic British boys choir, where soaring voices, rigorous training and 500 years of tradition meets contemporary Australia.
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
The iconic blast of horns at the beginning of Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony is the first of many power-packed moments in this program of dramatic contrasts.
Light and Matter
From mystical folktales to fading memories, this music responds to experiences beyond our physical world.
Peace and Wellbeing Concert
A unique concert performed by over 100 talented Buddhist monks from the most prestigious temples in China.
Young Maestros Gala Concert
See exceptional young musicians in a dynamic classical music program, with special performances and improvisations by artists Daniel Rojas and Elen Rapoport.
Maxim Vengerov in Recital
Maxim Vengerov returns to Sydney for a long awaited recital with acclaimed pianist, Polina Osetinksaya. Celebrating his 50th birthday, join Maxim Vengerov for an evening of works by Ravel, Franck and Prokofiev.
Voices of the Italian Baroque
Experience the expressive beauty and pure magnificence of the Italian Baroque masters with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' virtuosic Chamber Singers in St James', King Street.
Trio Gaspard
The award-winning Trio Gaspard makes its highly anticipated Sydney Opera House debut with ravishing music for piano trio by Haydn, Brahms and more.
Silence & Rapture
A mesmerising collaboration with Sydney Dance Company featuring countertenor Iestyn Davies and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt.
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story that combines humour, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure!
Lukáš Vondráček
The winner of numerous prestigious international prizes, his natural and assured musicality and remarkable technique have long marked him out as a gifted and mature musician.
Beethoven’s Septet
With its breezy air, six short, characterful movements, and ample opportunity for individual solos, Beethoven’s Septet was understandably a popular party piece.
The Cat Empire With The Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Legendary Australian band the Cat Empire bring their beloved tunes and new sounds to a musically and immersive orchestral experience with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Karen Gomyo performs Dvořák’s Violin Concerto
Romance emerges in every tempo. Sometimes it is thrillingly insistent, as in the opening movement of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony.
Donald Runnicles conducts the Duruflé Requiem
For the first time, the Sydney Symphony will perform Duruflé's Requiem.
The Song Company: Fire Songs & Madrigals
The Song Company, Australia's foremost vocal ensemble, is back at the Utzon Room with a program of desire, betrayal and burning passion.
Tognetti. Mendelssohn. Bach.
Sparks fly and melodies soar when Richard Tognetti directs music close to the ACO’s heart.
LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet
The brilliant LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet returns to the Utzon Room with an entertaining dance-infused program.
Donald Runnicles conducts Mahler’s Fourth Symphony
Escape into a world of ethereal melodies and captivating harmonies.
Berlioz & Ravel
There are countless chamber works written for the best-known instruments, but what about the more obscure ones?
Jeonghwan Kim
This exceptional young artist returns to Australia as a Piano+ Laureate, ready to once again set the stage alight while performing selections from the works of Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann and Bartok.
Alexandra Dariescu
Alexandra Dariescu is a trailblazing British/Romanian pianist who demonstrates fearless curiosity and ground-breaking innovation in her work, including championing lesser known composers, particularly female composers.
George Gershwin’s An American in Paris
The Roaring Twenties was a time of heady optimism in Paris. Artists and composers of every genre flocked to the city.
Elgar’s Enigma Variations
There are few pieces like Elgar’s Enigma Variations. And in the hands of Sir Andrew Davis, we will experience every bit of its profound emotion.
Ode to Joy
The sisterhood meets the brotherhood in a program of radical joy. Hear Ethel Smyth’s groundbreaking Mass in D alongside Beethoven’s anthem for peace and freedom, ‘Ode to Joy’.
Out West Piano Fest
Out West Piano Fest is a three-day extravaganza of music, food & wine, art and nature, all based on Blackdown Farm near Bathurst NSW.
Qais Essar
Rabab master and composer Qais Essar fuses ancient Indian and Afghan music with the music of today in a mesmerising performance in the Utzon Room.
Nobuyuki Tsujii in Recital
This expansive program demonstrates Tsujii's endless talent.
Ingrid Fliter performs Chopin
Chopin's glittering First Piano Concerto captures the powerful feelings of youth. Written when he was 20, it's one of two works he composed for orchestra.
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is one of the world’s foremost exponents of the music of both Claude Debussy and Robert Schumann. In this recital he performs iconic works by both composers.
Aurora
The Australian String Quartet present a program sparkling with brilliance.
Simone Young conducts Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
Sydney Symphony Chief Conductor Simone Young presents three masterpieces that defined their eras and looked forward to the next.
Scotland Unbound
Guitarist Sean Shibe makes his Australian debut in this inspired and thrilling season closer.
Simone Young conducts Die Walküre
A merciless storm rages over Wotan’s kingdom as his son Siegmund is pursued by brutal enemies in the second instalment of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle.
Showstoppers
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs tribute the greatest partnership in showbiz. Hear songs, choruses and music from the great musicals including The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Carousel and more!
The Young Virtuosi
Piano+Violin brings together two virtuosic soloists of bright subtlety and emotional depth in a concert centred on one of the most beloved instrumental combinations in music.
Konstantin Shamray
Virtuoso pianist Konstantin Shamray returns to the Utzon Room for an exhilarating recital.
Vasily Petrenko conducts The Rite of Spring
Paris in the early 20th century was a cultural explosion of art, literature and music – and the Ballet Russes was entirely reinventing the artform.
Home Alone in Concert
A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and entertaining score performed live to film by the Sydney Symphony.
Handel’s Messiah
Hallelujah! You know Christmas isn’t far away when the full forces of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs come together for Handel’s greatest oratorio.
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Marking their Australian debut, the spectacular Singapore Symphony Orchestra will light up the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with a headline performance by teenage violin prodigy Chloe Chua, plus star cellist Ng Pei-Sian.
Max Richter
Performing a groundbreaking new suite of music, post-minimalist master Max Richter returns to Australia for two shows with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble.
Find more events at the Opera House
Australian Chamber Orchestra
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world and is renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on the adventure to create truly transformative experiences.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Experience the power and passion of choral music in the Choirs’ 2024 season. From Baroque beauties to the Showstoppers of Rodgers & Hammerstein, you’ll find music for every musical taste – and some brilliant new discoveries.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Join Chief Conductor Simone Young and a dazzling roster of guest artists in performances that unleash the power of music that is totally alive.
Every Sydney Symphony performance is unique. Each is an opportunity to experience a musical story as it unfolds around you. Make those moments yours.
Utzon Music
Get up close and classical with a curated collection of the finest ensembles and soloists for Utzon Music 2024. This much-loved chamber music program continues from March to October in the intimate Utzon Room – the only performance venue in the Opera House entirely designed by architect Jørn Utzon.
Stream, read & listen
Under the Sails with the LSO
In our 50-year history, the Sydney Opera House has welcomed thousands of world-class performers to its halls. But no orchestra has as long and rich a shared history with the Opera House as the London Symphony Orchestra.
Love List: Australian Classical by Casey Green
Our Classical Music producer/aficionado Casey Green has written a Love List to the Australian classical composers that have inspired her and kept her sane in these extraordinary times.
Australian String Quartet performs Jack Symonds String Quartet No.2
This spectacular work brilliantly showcases the string quartet through its wide-ranging breadth of expression and extremes of colour.