
Adams & Shostakovich
Breakthroughs
In 1926, Dmitri Shostakovich launched his career with his First Symphony. Almost 50 years later, John Adams’ was turning heads with his Shaker Loops.
In the Sydney Town Hall | Classical Music
Keeping you safe
- The Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Town Hall are registered as COVID Safe businesses with the NSW Government
- In order to create the best experience while maintaining social distancing requirements, the Sydney Symphony will be allocating all seats. Select-your-own seating options will return when restrictions ease
- Masks are encouraged: The Sydney Symphony highly encourages the wearing of masks throughout the venue and during the performance. Masks will be available from the Front of House team at the venue, should you need one
- Arriving to the venue: To maintain social distancing, please scan the QR code and follow the coloured zone on your ticket to take your seat as soon as you arrive to the Sydney Town Hall
- Read more about COVID safety at Sydney Town Hall here
Breakthroughs
If you’re trying to burst onto the scene, why not go big? For the young John Adams in 1978, it was Shaker Loops that turned heads – a pulsing and exhilarating minimalist ride. For the even younger Dmitri Shostakovich in 1926, it was his Petrograd Conservatory graduation effort, his First Symphony, which launched his career. Like all of his music, it is a piece filled with wit, drama and tragedy. Fabian Russell conducts.
Programme
Fifty Fanfares Commission
JOHN ADAMS Shaker Loops
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No.1
Artists
Fabian Russell Conductor

Venue Information
The Sydney Symphony will continue to apply NSW Public Health Orders as they relate to ticketing and seating arrangements. As these Orders can change at very short notice, the Sydney Symphony will be allocating seats closer in time to concert dates in order to maintain a COVID-19 safe environment.
The Sydney Town Hall will open one hour ahead of the performance. E-tickets will be encouraged and ticket collection at the Box Office won’t be available. New, coloured zones will be in place to keep people at a safe distance from each other. Follow the signs at the venue or ask one of the Front of House team to assist you to the coloured zone listed on your ticket.
Allocated seats are marked with a tick and should match the seat listed on your ticket. To maintain social distancing, please do not sit in seats that are not marked with a tick.
The cloakroom at Sydney Town Hall is closed for the current time, so you are encouraged to leave bigger items at home. The bar will also be closed at the current time, however complimentary water will be available from the Front of House team.
Transport options
- Wilson Parking has a number of parking stations close to Sydney Town Hall. The Sydney Symphony recommend St Andrews House Car Park, Queen Victoria Building Car Park and Citipark Car Park
- Getting to the Sydney Town Hall on public transport is easy. Most Sydney Trains stop at Sydney Town Hall, and most CBD busses stop nearby.
- Plan your trip here or call Transport NSW on 131 500 for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures.
Make the most of your experience...
Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19 Safety Measures
Frequently Asked Questions - Performance and Venue
You may also like...
Tours and Experiences
Venture under the sails and into the heart of Australia’s greatest building on a Sydney Opera House Tour.
Eat & drink
Sydney’s finest foods, drinks plus the best views in town. Our restaurants and bars range from Sydney’s finest to the most scenic places to relax.