Australian Youth Orchestra Colour, Sound, Lore

  • Classical Music
  • Concert Hall
  • Run time – 120 minutes
  • Seating map

Hear and feel the unmistakable energy of the Australian Youth Orchestra

Celebrate the homecoming of one of Australia’s finest orchestras! Join the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), William Barton and Christian Li, for a spellbinding evening of Mendelssohn, Rimsky-Korsakov and Sculthorpe.

Under the inspiring leadership of maestro David Robertson, 100 of our finest musicians round out their dazzling European tour with this special encore performance.

Experience the irresistible charm of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the virtuosic Christian Li performing on the Youssupov - Hoffmann Guarneri del Gesu from 1737, on generous loan from a European benefactor, with a bow by François Peccatte. Let Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade whisk you away to the magical world of One Thousand and One Nights, where intricate violin solos weave tales of adventure and intrigue. 

Featuring Kalkadunga man William Barton as soloist, Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry transforms into a ceremonial experience that bridges classical music and First Nations storytelling.

Presented by Australian Youth Orchestra

Event details

Definitely one of the best orchestras in the country

Ed le Brocq, ABC Classic

Colour, Sound, Lore with the Australian Youth Orchestra

Watch the trailer

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

Annie Jacobs-Perkins

12 Oct 2025

An Utzon and Australian debut from rising star cellist: Berlin-based-American Annie Jacobs-Perkins, playing a strikingly original solo program: dall'Abaco, Madsen, Marais, Salonen, Norman and Bach.

  • 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