Stephen Layton conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Mozart’s Requiem with Stephen Layton Voices Through Time

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
  • Concert Hall
  • Seating map

In the hands of Stephen Layton, one of the world’s leading choral conductors, Mozart’s masterpiece feels anything but final

Mozart’s Requiem is a work of enduring intensity, pulsing with shadow and ceremony.

Its opening chords descend like heavy steps. But this is not music of despair; it’s full of movement and fire, epitomised by the Dies Irae which races forward with haunting fury.  

In the hands of Stephen Layton, one of the world’s leading choral conductors, this familiar work gains striking definition. Phrases sharpen and harmonies soar to reveal the profoundly human emotion of a work often considered Mozart’s most complex and mysterious.  

He leads a stellar quartet of leading Australian voices. Soprano Samantha Clarke’s tone is clear and expansive. Mezzo Ashlyn Tymms adds a grounded warmth. Tenor Andrew Goodwin brings fluency and grace, while Simon Meadows’ baritone provides a firm anchor. Together their voices dance in a heavenly echo.  

Layton’s profound understanding of choral music shines through in this program. From the 16th century and Thomas Tallis’ poignant theme that inspired Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia nearly 400 years later, to the modern classic of John Rutter’s Gloria with its ‘exquisitely balanced vocal writing [and] melting harmonies’ (Gramophone). 

This is sacred music that spans centuries. And in Layton’s hands, Mozart’s final masterpiece feels anything but final. 

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Event details

Program

MOZART Requiem 
TALLIS Why Fum’th in Fight 
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis 
John RUTTER Gloria

Artists

Stephen Layton Conductor 
Samantha Clarke Soprano 
Ashlyn Tymms Mezzo-Soprano 
Andrew Goodwin Tenor 
Simon Meadows Bass 
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs 

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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).

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