Phoenix Collective

Sunday 2 March 2025

In the Utzon Room

Classical Music

Join Phoenix Collective for a compelling program of contrasts, with Mozart and Shostakovich’s classic works for string quartet juxtaposed with contemporary music from Emma Greenhill and Giovanni Sollima.

Exquisite translucence

Limelight Magazine

Useful information:

A contemporary take on classic chamber music

One of the most versatile and dynamic ensembles working in Australia today, Phoenix Collective are known for their eclectic and adventurous programming, effortlessly interweaving string quartet classics with contemporary and popular genres. 

Their diverse collaborations with luminaries such as Katie Noonan, William Barton and Tenzin Choegyal have introduced chamber music to new audiences around the country. For their Sydney Opera House debut, Phoenix Collective presents a characteristically diverse program featuring quintessential chamber music masterpieces combined with classics of the future. 

The timeless beauty of Mozart’s String Quartet no 4 and Shostakovich’s powerful String Quartet no 3 find their match in a commission from Australian composer Emma Greenhill and the effervescent music of rockstar Italian cellist, Giovanni Sollima.

Presented by Phoenix Collective

Artists

Dan Russell
Artistic Director and Violin

Pip Thompson
Violin

Ella Brinch
Viola

Andrew Wilson
Cello

Plan your visit

You may also like

Donald Runnicles conducts Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony

12 – 14 Sep 2025

You can feel the tension in Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. Written after he had been denounced by Stalin for writing ‘muddle instead of music’, Shostakovich’s response was this symphony. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is a mighty, sweeping masterpiece that unleashes the full power of the orchestra; a bold statement that found universal approval. Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles is world-renowned for connecting audiences to the emotion of music, which means you’ll feel every dramatic twist and turn, with goosebumps guaranteed in the blazing finale.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Donald Runnicles stands with baton in his left hand as he conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Tallis Scholars

12 Oct 2025

Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars return to the Sydney Opera House for the first time in over two decades with an unmissable program inspired by the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant. The Tallis Scholars are renowned for their stunning cappella performances and exquisite recordings of sacred vocal music. The choir first sang at the Sydney Opera House in 1985, 40 years ago, and has returned five times since.

  • Classical Music

Simone Young conducts Richard Strauss

3 – 6 Sep 2025

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.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Simone Young conducts with baton in the hand in front of an orchestra

Checking availability