Vance Joy performing in the Concert Hall. He is standing centre-stage under a spotlight and smoke facing a packed audience. — Vance Joy in the Concert Hall, 2016. Image: Kane Hibberd

Contemporary Music

World-class innovators of pop, electronic, rock and more

The Opera House’s Contemporary Music program presents artists both esteemed and beloved, singular voices performing in one of the major art forms of our time on one of the world’s most iconic stages, from the legends of today to those of tomorrow.

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Contemporary Music

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Third show added! 11 Apr 2023

Contemporary Music

Angel Olsen

6 Mar 2023

Contemporary Music

Future Islands

19 Feb 2023

Contemporary Music

Kurt Vile & The Violators

31 Mar 2023

Contemporary Music

Mdou Moctar

Third show on sale now

Contemporary Music

Bikini Kill

13 Mar 2023

Contemporary Music

Kae Tempest

17 Feb 2023

Contemporary Music

Marcel and Rami Khalife present Legacy

06 Feb 2023

Solange

Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, activist, and visual art luminary Solange Knowles finally returned to Australia as the new queen of R 'n' B for a series of special in-the-round performances featuring spectacular dancers and a cinematic sized setting.

Solange’s sculptural performance art

The Cure

In an exclusive world-first performance, goth pop legends The Cure played their career-defining masterpiece Disintegration in its entirety, to mark the album’s 30th anniversary.

Pictures of you

Unreleased photography from The Cure's 2011 show at Vivid LIVE

Click to view gallery

Wu-Tang Clan

In a history-making event, the Avengers of rap celebrated twenty five years since the release of their ground-breaking debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – all nine members brought the ruckus for the very first time in Australia as they played their magnum opus in full.

Wu-Tang Clan’s in the House

Eight transparent squares layered against a vibrant orange gradient

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Liminal: A Music Film Series

Liminal is a bold, new contemporary music film series featuring eight Australians artists as they create unique live performances for the screen – with BLESSED, Budjerah, Chris Abrahams, EGOISM, Liz Martin Band, Maina Doe, Ninajirachi and Young Franco.

Ziggy Ramo sits on top of an Opera House sail. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Harbour are in the background

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Ziggy Ramo: Little Things (feat. Paul Kelly)

From the top of the Sydney Opera House sails to the harbour shores, Ramo performs his reinterpretation of Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s 1990’s land rights inspired classic “From Little Things Big Things Grow” in a multi-generational act of truth telling.

Ed Kuepper playing drums and Jim White playing guitar

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Ed Kuepper with Jim White: Collapseboard

The Sydney Opera House was fortunate to host a very special collaboration of two great Australian musicians. Ed Kuepper of The Saints fame and Jim White of Dirty Three joined forces to deliver a spellbinding performance, delving into Kuepper's 45-year catalogue.

Sydney Opera House

Contemporary Music