Simone Young conducts with baton in the hand in front of an orchestra

Simone Young conducts Richard Strauss

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
  • Concert Hall
  • Run time - 105 minutes, including 20 minute interval
  • Seating map

A musical odyssey

Richard Strauss’ Thus Spoke Zarathustra launched into popular consciousness in the 1960s, dramatically underscoring the opening scenes of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Strauss’ sublime shifts from darkness to light are timeless, and jaw-dropping to experience live.

Chief Conductor Simone Young is one of the world’s leading interpreters of Strauss’ music.  In this concert she draws out the vast power of these works, alongside Australian pianist Andrea Lam and the virtuosity of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 

Embark on a profound voyage with three very different works, including one of Strauss’ great tone poems and a piano concerto in all but name. Using just 23 string players, Metamorphosen is an intimate, reflective masterpiece written at the end of his career. Burleske gives rich, colourful glimpses into his early genius, and a chance to experience Andrea Lam's ‘fine pianism full of integrity and colour’ (Sydney Arts Guide). And the famous Zarathustra is far more than its opening, with Strauss using every instrument to demonstrate just how moving a single piece of music can be.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Event details

Programme

R STRAUSS 
Metamorphosen
Burleske
Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Artist information

SIMONE YOUNG conductor
ANDREA LAM pianist

You may also like

Kutcha Edwards & the Sydney Symphony

14 Oct 2025

Kutcha Edwards is a force of nature. Come together at the Sydney Opera House as iconic activist and multi award-winning songwriter Kutcha Edwards – ‘quite possibly the finest contemporary singer of his generation’ (Rhythms Magazine) – presents Ngarli-Wangu, together with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Kutcha Edwards sings with microphone in hand

Ray Chen in Recital

12 Sep 2025

Join Ray Chen as he makes his highly anticipated return to Sydney Opera House. Renowned violin virtuoso Ray Chen returns to Sydney Opera House for a breathtaking recital that promises to captivate and inspire. Known for his virtuosity, expressive style, and compelling stage presence, Ray Chen will perform a diverse programme demonstrating why he is one of the most sought-after violinists worldwide.

  • Classical Music

Emily Sun & Slava Grigoryan

17 Aug 2025

Second show available at 6pm Two beloved artists in a new duo: international star violinist returning home, Emily Sun, and multi-ARIA-winning guitarist Slava Grigoryan, playing Piazzolla, Paganini, Locatelli, de Sarasate and a premiere by Andrew Howes.

  • Classical Music

Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located beneath the largest of Sydney Opera House’s roof sails, filling the upper levels of the west side of the building. Best accessed through the covered concourse. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

Checking availability