Yeol Eum Son plays the piano in a black dress.

Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto With Yeol Eum Son

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

With two phenomenal young artists leading the charge, this is a concert full of energy and the thrill of discovery

With a thunderous entrance from the orchestra and piano chords that crash like waves, Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto announces itself with total confidence.

Full of colour and soaring melody, it’s clear why this is one of his most beloved works.

Soloist Yeol Eum Son returns to Sydney after her standout performance in 2022. Described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘crystalline and full of character,’ her playing combines precision with poetry, making every note ring with intention.

Shostakovich’s First Symphony was his graduation piece from St Petersburg Conservatory, where Tchaikovsky studied decades earlier. It flashes with brilliance and disarming beauty. Written at 19 years old, it reveals a composer already aware of his voice. And how he could use it.

Just like Sydney composer Justin Williams – also our Assistant Principal Viola – whose intimate knowledge of the capabilities of an orchestra shines through in his rich, melodic First Symphony.

Conductor Nicolas Ellis is one to watch, and he returns to the Orchestra following a 2024 debut praised by the Sydney Morning Herald for its ‘warmth and careful balance.’ 

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Event details

Program

Justin WILLIAMS Symphony No.1* 
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No.1 
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No.1

* Does not appear in the performance on Friday 21 August

Artists

Nicolas Ellis Conductor 
Yeol Eum Son Piano

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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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