Classical Music presented by Sydney Opera House
The heart of the Opera House
Great orchestral music is woven into the fabric of the Sydney Opera House – it helped inspire its creation, and will always be part of its future. The Sydney Opera House Presents’ classical music program showcases and celebrates a diverse array of orchestral and chamber music from celebrated international symphony orchestras, ensembles and soloists, to home-grown Australian classical music masters and experimental contemporary ensembles, giving audiences the chance to experience the world’s finest musicians playing classical music both at its grandest and most intimate.
Utzon Music Series
Now in its triumphant second decade, the Opera House’s flagship chamber music series Utzon Music continues to showcase and celebrate renowned soloists, acclaimed chamber ensembles and inspiring emerging talent. The annual program has featured luminaries such as: flamboyant American organist Cameron Carpenter, virtuoso clarinettist Andreas Ottensamer, Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, and the Australian debut of distinctive Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman performing in the intimate space for which the series is named, the exquisite Utzon Room. Framed by sweeping harbour views on one side and the vibrant Utzon tapestry on the other, it is the only Opera House performance venue entirely designed by its architect Jørn Utzon.
Just as the Opera House is evolving for the 21st century, so too is Utzon Music. This striking new chapter of the esteemed series introduces new influences and genres including folk, jazz and world music, while continuing to present some of the world’s most celebrated classical musicians.
Throughout the year, Utzon Music artists share their insights into chamber performance and repertoire in masterclasses for young musicians, building on the Sydney Opera House Presents’ commitment to provide a platform for emerging artists and instil a lifelong passion for classical music.
World Orchestras
In 1973, Maestro Lorin Maazel and the great Cleveland Orchestra performed the first public concerts in the new Concert Hall. The Opera House has been the home of great orchestral music ever since, continuing this tradition with our prestigious World Orchestras Program. In recent years, some of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors have brought their thrilling musical vision to Sydney, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Academy of St Martin in the Fields. In 2018, distinguished German orchestra the Staatskapelle Berlin, under acclaimed conductor Daniel Barenboim, captivated audiences in an Australian exclusive appearance on the 60th anniversary of Barenboim’s first visit to Australia.
Programming highlights
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Rahim AlHaj - Utzon Music series, October 2022, Utzon room, Image: Jaimi Joy -
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Stream, read & listen
Brodsky Quartet (2023)
The iconic Brodsky Quartet deliver an exceptional recital traversing Bach to Britten performed live in the Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer.
Under the Sails with the London Symphony Orchestra
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.
