From the Steps: Voices at Dusk
20 — 30 Oct
Join us as we kick off our 50th anniversary with From the Steps: Voices at Dusk, a free event where community choirs will perform from the Monumental Steps. Hear the melody of choral voices fill the air for a magical experience that celebrates the Opera House and the creativity in our communities.
Curated by resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Artistic Director Brett Weymark OAM, the Steps will come alive at dusk as voices soar across the Forecourt while the day transitions into night.
From the Steps: Voices at Dusk will run across 11 days and the line-up includes community choirs and other ensembles from across Sydney and New South Wales.
On the Monumental Steps | Free event
From the Steps: Voices at Dusk is a free event for everyone to enjoy Register your interest now
We encourage you to come and join the audience with your family and friends. Audience registration is not compulsory, but if you would like us to send you a reminder and more information on the event, please complete your details.
Performances take place everyday at dusk from 20 - 30 October Click + to discover the program
Choirs begin at 6.30pm but we recommend you arrive early to grab a good spot.
October 2022 |
Performing Choir |
20 October |
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs |
21 October |
Sydney Choir Collective |
22 October |
Australian Girls Choir |
23 October |
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus |
24 October |
Café of the Gate of Salvation and The Honeybees - Due to wet weather, this performance will unfortunately no longer proceed and has been rescheduled to Saturday 29 October. |
25 October |
Phoenix Voices of Youth with Evolution and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Choir |
26 October |
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir |
27 October |
River City Voices & Friends |
28 October |
Hummingsong Choirs |
29 October |
Moorambilla Voices followed by Café of the Gate of Salvation and The Honeybees |
30 October |
Big Heart Sing |
Subject to change without notice
The running time for this event is approximately 35 mins Finishing just before sunset
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Wheelchair accessible
Find out more information about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Suitable for all ages
Young people under the age of 15 must be accompanied at all times.
Vocal harmonies fill the air to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations
From the Steps: Voices at Dusk is an 11 day celebration of music, performance and community. This free event will kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations by bringing everyone together to celebrate the Opera House through song.
Picture it now: the sun setting behind the Harbour Bridge, pink skies, the water of the harbour lapping quietly in the background and voices assembling on the Monumental Steps and voices rising as you sit, listen and enjoy.
Proudly funded by
This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Thursday 20 October
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs (SPC) presents the art of choral singing at the highest standard, and develops the talents of those with a passion for singing in Sydney and beyond. Founded in 1920, it has become Australia’s finest choral organisation and is a Resident Company of the Sydney Opera House.
Led by Music Director Brett Weymark OAM since 2003, SPC comprises of three auditioned and three community choirs that perform a range of repertoire from choral classics to musical theatre and commissions by Australian composers.
Performance Repertoire
Tarimi Nulay – Long Time Living Here - Cheetham
Nunc dimittis - Mendelssohn
Ave maris stella - Grieg
Calme des nuits - Saint-Saens
Jubilate Deo - Mendelssohn
Locus iste - Bruckner
Ave Maris Stella - Salas
O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem - Tompkins
Magnificat - Mendelssohn
Abendlied - Rheinberger
Sydney Choir Collective Friday 21 October
The Sydney Choir Collective is made up of four choir groups:
Soulfood
Soulfood is a multi-award winning a cappella vocal ensemble that offers a diverse menu of Motown, soul and retro-pop songs performed in a unique way by a seamless 50-voice ensemble. Music Director Melissa Kenny and other talented choir members have created beautiful and complex arrangements of well-loved songs.
Sydney Voices
Sydney Voices sing four-part a cappella harmony and is proudly led by Director, Melissa Kenny. The choice of repertoire is wide, varied, challenging and exciting, encompassing jazz, popular, theatre, rock, medieval to modern and everything in between.
Urban Voices
Urban Voices community choir from Epping have been enjoying singing together for six years. Musical Director Alex Pringle tempts the group with a range of different musical genres (and the occasional opportunity for choreography) through which they build their harmonies.
Singers Rechoired
Singers Rechoired is an inner west community choir directed by the irrepressible Alex Pringle and sing a wide range of music including popular, traditional folk and classical.
Performance Repertoire
Distant Sun - Neil Finn
Believe It or Not - Mike Post
Besame Mucho - Consuelo Velázquez Torres
Black Is The Colour - Scottish traditional folk song
Chains - Tina Arena, Pam Reswick & Steve Werfel
Hush Little Baby - American traditional lullabye
Mixed Up Matilda - Christina Macpherson
Pokare - New Zealand traditional folk song
Something - George Harrison
Storm is passing -Charles Albert Tindley - American Gospel
You’re The Voice - Andy Qunta, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson
Australian Girls Choir Saturday 22 October
The Australian Girls Choir was established in 1984 by Judith Curphey OAM. The appeal of the unique approach to combine dance with choral music meant that it was not long before chapters of the organisation opened in other cities around Australia. Today 6000 girls are involved in learning to sing, dance and perform in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Performance Repertoire
Don’t Stop Me Now - Words and Music by Freddie Mercury. Arranged by Mark Puddy
My Island Home - Words and Music by Neil Murray. Arranged by Mark Puddy
Everybody Rise - Words and Music by Amy Billings and Joel Little. Arranged by Mark Puddy
Coming Home - Words & Music by Jason Bovino, Amy Sheppard, George Sheppard, Matthew Radosevich and Christopher Wallace. Arranged by Mark Puddy
Get Back Up Again & Best Day Ever - Get Back Up Again - Words and Music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Best Day Ever - Words and Music by Alana Dafonseca and Jordan Yaeger. Arranged by Mark Puddy
I Am Australian - Words and Music by Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton
You’re The Voice - Words and Music by Andy Qunta, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson. Arranged by Mark Puddy
Break From The Line - Music and Lyrics by Joey Contreras. Arranged by Mark Puddy
I Still Call Australia Home - Words and Music by Peter Allen. Arranged by Timothy Sexton and Mark Puddy
Nants' Ingonya & Circle of Life - Nants' Ingonyama – Music and Lyrics by Hans Zimmer and Lebo M
Circle Of Life (The) - Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice. Arranged by Mark Puddy
Gaudete! – Traditional. Arranged by Michael Englehardt
I Sing Because I'm Happy - Words by Civilla D. Martin. Music by Charles H. Gabriel. Arranged by Kenneth Paden. Adapted & Arranged by Mark Puddy
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus Sunday 23 October
The Leichhardt Espresso Chorus is a vibrant, enthusiastic group of community members who love to sing and make music. A non-auditioned choir of more than 80 people based in Sydney's inner west, they perform a wide variety of repertoire.
For the past 16 years the Leichhardt Espresso Chorus has produced the annual Carols on Norton, an outdoor concert which features new Australian and traditional Christmas carols. This concert includes a children’s choir each year to perform alongside adult singers and chamber orchestra.
Performance Repertoire
Kyrie - Dan Walker
Gloria - Dan Walker
Libera Me - Dan Walker
Credo - Dan Walker
Sanctus - Dan Walker
Tuba Finem - Dan Walker
Benedictus - Dan Walker
Agnus Dei - Dan Walker
Lux Aeterna - Dan Walker
Café of the Gate of Salvation Monday 24 October - Due to wet weather, this performance will unfortunately no longer proceed and has been rescheduled to Saturday 29 October
The Café of the Gate of Salvation (COTGOS) is a premier a cappella gospel choir inspired by the African-American sacred vocal tradition: the passionate and exciting music of gospel and spirituals, and by the rousing arrangements and originals from our founding director Tony Backhouse.
Led by Fiona Lamb and Cheryl Craig and with the continuing inspirational support of Tony Backhouse, COTGOS sing because they love to, and have lent their voices to raising awareness and fundraising for an array of organisations and charities.
Performance Repertoire
All of Heaven - Tony Backhouse
How I Got Over - Brewster, Arr. T. Backhouse
I Won't Be Back - James Herndon, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ride On King Jesus - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
Satan We're Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
The Storm Is Passing Over - Curtis Burrell, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Round - Traditional
I Shall Wear A Crown - Thomas Whitfield, Arr. T. Backhouse
Love And Joy - Tracey Greenberg
Save Me Some Grace - Tony Backhouse
O Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins
The Honeybees Monday 24 October - Due to wet weather, this performance will unfortunately no longer proceed and has been rescheduled to Saturday 29 October
The Honeybees is a non-profit community choir established primarily for the purpose of promoting and encouraging a cappella singing, in particular gospel music, in Australia. The Bees originally came together under the direction of Tony Backhouse, now being led by director, Stephen Clarke.
Performance Repertoire
Performance Repertoire
All of Heaven - Tony Backhouse
How I Got Over - Brewster, Arr. T. Backhouse
I Won't Be Back - James Herndon, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ride On King Jesus - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
Satan We're Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
The Storm Is Passing Over - Curtis Burrell, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Round - Traditional
I Shall Wear A Crown - Thomas Whitfield, Arr. T. Backhouse
Love And Joy - Tracey Greenberg
Save Me Some Grace - Tony Backhouse
O Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins
Phoenix Voices of Youth with Evolution and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Choir Tuesday 25 October
Founded in 2017, Phoenix Voices of Youth is a multicultural youth choir based in south-west Sydney predominantly for newly arrived immigrants to be part of a creative community. Their vision is for this musical endeavour to be a pioneering choir, with voices to create change and to be the hope and voice for the voiceless – inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to become better versions of themselves, and to serve others in return.
Performance Repertoire
Burn - Ellie Goulding
Imagine - John Lennon
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
This Is Me and Come Alive (Mash up) - Justin Paul and Benj Pasek
Shosholoza - African Folk song
Waving Flag - K'naan
We will Rock You - Queen
I will Survive / Survivor - Beyonce and Gloria Gaynor (Glee Mash up)
Running Up The Hill - Kate Bush
Man In The Mirror - Micheal Jackson
Fix You - Cold Play
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir Wednesday 26 October
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir is a non-auditioned choir which welcomes members regardless of their sexual identity or musical experience. The choir is open to all – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, queer and our straight allies. What unites them is a love of singing together and striving for performance excellence. A powerful symbol of diversity, inclusion and harmony, the choir has maintained a vital and visible presence in the history of Sydney’s LGBTQI community.
Performance Repertoire
I Wanna Dance With Somebody - George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam, Arr. Christopher John Chambers
I Can’t Make You Love Me - Mike Reid & Allen Shamblin, Arr. Charles Beale
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Diane Warren & Albert Hammond, arr. Christopher John Chambers
Bad Romance - Stefani Germanotta & Nadir Khayat, Arr. Samuel Lewis
Ready for Love - India Arie & Blue Miller, Arr. Charles Beale
Sing Gently - Eric Whitacre
Tiny Love Stories, Movt. 1: Tiny Intro - Ben van Tienen & AJ O'Neill
Tiny Love Stories, Movt. 2: Someone To Come Home To - Ben van Tienen & AJ O'Neill
Tiny Love Stories, Movt. 8: Tiny Love Stories - Ben van Tienen & AJ O'Neill
All By Myself - Sergei Rachmaninoff & Eric Carmen, Arr. Christopher John Chambers
River City Voices Thursday 27 October
Based in Parramatta, River City Voices is a choral not-for-profit organisation that was established for and by western Sydney arts practitioners to present, facilitate, promote and encourage the public performance of large-scale classical and contemporary choral works. Led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith, River City Voices vision is to become a permanent, integral and relevant player in the artistic and cultural landscape of western Sydney.
Performance Repertoire
Music is a Gentle Hammer - Andrew Schultz
Dark Hour - Gordon Hamilton
Lay Fallow - Michael Kennedy Arr. Isabella Gerometta
Audience Choir - Alice Chance
This Heart of the World - Lisa Young
What the World Needs - Clare Brown Arr. Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith
Time After Time (Encore) - Cyndi Lauper Arr. Kirby Shaw
Hummingsong Choirs Friday 28 October
Established in 2012 by Founder and Artistic Director Anna Humberstone, Hummingsong Choirs are a thriving and joyous network of non-auditioned women’s community choirs and has grown from one choir into multiple choirs with a strong purpose to enrich the lives of local women through singing in harmony.
The joy of performing for Hummingsong Choirs is infused with a greater purpose to give back to women and children in need in the community. Hummingsong are committed to raising awareness and support for local women and children escaping domestic violence.
Performance Repertoire
It’s A Beautiful Day - Freddie Mercury
Ngarra Burra Ferra - Traditional
Let The River Run - Carly Simon
Viva la Musica - Traditional
Golden Slumbers – John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Baba Waian - Traditional
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Sway - Pablo Ruiz & Norman Gimbel
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon
Baba Yetu - Christopher Tin
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
Moorambilla Voices Saturday 29 October
Moorambilla Voices is a regional choir of excellence that encompasses regional children and youth. Children work with recognised leaders in the field to create, perform and record repertoire that gathers its core artistic inspiration from the region of New South Wales and those that inhabit it. The choir draws on the cultural legacy and spirit of the country in order to spark national conversations on inclusion and respect.
Performance Repertoire
Yindyamarra - Josie Gibson
Listen To The Air - Andrew Howes
Cat Fish Flamingo - Alice Chance and Elena Kats Chernin
Far Away - Josie Gibson
Café of the Gate of Salvation Saturday 29 October - Performance rescheduled from Monday 24 October
The Café of the Gate of Salvation (COTGOS) is a premier a cappella gospel choir inspired by the African-American sacred vocal tradition: the passionate and exciting music of gospel and spirituals, and by the rousing arrangements and originals from our founding director Tony Backhouse.
Led by Fiona Lamb and Cheryl Craig and with the continuing inspirational support of Tony Backhouse, COTGOS sing because they love to, and have lent their voices to raising awareness and fundraising for an array of organisations and charities.
Performance Repertoire
All of Heaven - Tony Backhouse
How I Got Over - Brewster, Arr. T. Backhouse
I Won't Be Back - James Herndon, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ride On King Jesus - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
Satan We're Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
The Storm Is Passing Over - Curtis Burrell, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Round - Traditional
I Shall Wear A Crown - Thomas Whitfield, Arr. T. Backhouse
Love And Joy - Tracey Greenberg
Save Me Some Grace - Tony Backhouse
O Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins
The Honeybees Saturday 29 October - Performance rescheduled from Monday 24 October
The Honeybees is a non-profit community choir established primarily for the purpose of promoting and encouraging a cappella singing, in particular gospel music, in Australia. The Bees originally came together under the direction of Tony Backhouse, now being led by director, Stephen Clarke.
Performance Repertoire
Performance Repertoire
All of Heaven - Tony Backhouse
How I Got Over - Brewster, Arr. T. Backhouse
I Won't Be Back - James Herndon, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ride On King Jesus - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
Satan We're Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down - Traditional, Arr. T. Backhouse
The Storm Is Passing Over - Curtis Burrell, Arr. T. Backhouse
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Round - Traditional
I Shall Wear A Crown - Thomas Whitfield, Arr. T. Backhouse
Love And Joy - Tracey Greenberg
Save Me Some Grace - Tony Backhouse
O Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins
Sing with us from the Monumental Steps
Big Heart Sing - Sunday 30 Oct
Come together with like-minded music lovers and join in on the 50th anniversary fun in this once in a lifetime opportunity to perform on the Monumental Steps of the Sydney Opera House with Big Heart Sing.
Opera House Resident Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, will lead rehearsals before you perform on the Steps at dusk.
Includes rehearsals on Sunday 30 October from 2pm, before 6.30pm performance.
Registrations for Big Heart Sing closed on 12 October. An email with the event details has been sent to those who have registered. Unfortunately we remain fully booked for this event. If you missed out, you can still come and watch the performance on Sunday 30 October at 6.30pm. Register your interest below.
Performance Repertoire
Friends Forget the Cares - W.A. Mozart
Don't Dream It's Over - Tim Finn
Baba Waiar - Traditional
Soon May the Wellerman Come - Traditional
Dona Nobis Pacem - Traditional
Lean on Me - Bill Withers
Ode to Joy - L. van Beethoven
You're the Voice - Chris Thompson, Maggie Ryder, Andy Qunta and Keith Reid
Make the most of your night
Stay on after the choirs to see the Opera House sails illuminated with From the Sails: Light Years, a stunning film that celebrates the past, present and people of the Opera House accompanied by a live-sync soundscape.
This free event is part of our year long celebrations in our 50th year.
Celebrate the extraordinary
In our 50th year, we’re throwing a party and everyone’s invited.
Join us for a year-long festival celebrating the past, present and future of Australia’s favourite building.
Are you a COVID Safe business?
Yes. The Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government.
What safety and hygiene measures are in place?
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. Our COVID-19 health and safety information is available on the Plan your visit page.
Do I need to register for this event?
While registration is not compulsory, we recommend you submit your details for more information and updates about the event.
Do I need a ticket for this event?
No. When you arrive at the Opera House, make your way across the Forecourt to the base of the Monumental Steps and grab a spot to see the choirs perform.
What are the transport options to the Opera House?
You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a 6 minute walk to the Opera House. If you’re getting dropped off in a car, head to the roundabout at the bottom of Macquarie Street where staff will direct you to a safe place to pull over.
Driving? Park in Wilson’s Car Park, you’re just minutes to your tour meeting point. Need a bit more info? Click here
What can I bring with me?
You may bring a small personal umbrella, raincoat or poncho in the event of rain.
Prohibited items include:
- No BYO alcohol
- No glass
- No sunshades or tent structures
- No pets
- No knives or sharp objects
- No drones
What should I wear?
From the Steps: Voices at Dusk is an outdoor event during spring and we encourage you to wear a hat and protective clothing whilst the sun is out.
In the event of rain during a performance, we recommend you bring a small umbrella or raincoat.
What time do I need to arrive?
It’s a great idea to arrive early, grab a drink and soak up the view.
Choirs will start performing from 6.30pm.
Where can I eat nearby?
Satisfy your hunger at one of the many restaurants and bars here at the Opera House. Our restaurants offer everything from casual snacks to award-winning fine dining. Find what you’re after, see our Restaurants
Can I take food & drink to have while watching the choirs perform?
Please check with our staff when you arrive.
Can I bring a chair to sit on into the event?
While you cannot take chairs on to the Forecourt, you are able to bring a picnic rug to sit on.
Can I take photos during the event?
Yes – we encourage everyone to capture this special experience. If you post on social media, please tag #sydneyoperahouse to share your photos or video with us.
Will the building maintenance works at the Opera House affect this event?
The Opera House is currently undertaking critical maintenance works to address water leakage issues affecting the Lower Concourse. These necessary works are required to mitigate long-term water damage to the Opera House building and its structure. These works will not impact your visit, it's business as usual!
What if it's raining?
A decision will be made at 3pm on the day whether or not the event will go ahead. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, patrons who have registered will recieve an email notifying them of the cancellaton. A message will also be posted to the From the Sails: Voices at Dusk Facebook Event on the Sydney Opera House's Facebook page.
Voices at Dusk is on every night until 30 October, so we hope you will be able to join us at another performance.
In the event of rain during a performance, we recommend you bring a small umbrella or raincoat.
Is there a dresscode for Big Heart Sing performers?
If you are performing in Big Heart Sing please come dressed in black pants or skirt, black non-slip shoes and a brightly coloured top (no patterns, just single colour).
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