
Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev
Russian greats
Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev are two of the great Russian composers. But before their famous ballets were written, they were writing music for circuses and making Tolstoy weep.
In the Utzon Room | Classical Music
Keeping you safe
- The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government.
- Please bring and wear a mask. Patrons are required to wear a mask at all times while inside our foyers and theatres, including during the performance. Children 12 years and under are exempt.
- As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 meters whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
- Within venues, always take your allocated seat.
- There are new COVID-specific conditions of entry for audiences attending performances, including the digital check in of every person for contact tracing purposes. This includes the circumstances under which you must not attend the Opera House, and what’s required of you when you visit. Please read about them here.
Russian greats
Before The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky composed his First String Quartet. One of his earliest works, its slow and melancholic second movement was stirring enough to bring Leo Tolstoy to tears.
From Russia we travel to Paris, where Sergei Prokofiev was asked to create a chamber ballet for a circus troupe. With only five instruments to work with, the result is a wonderfully innovative composition which he later adapted into this strangely playful quintet.
Programme
TCHAIKOVSKY String Quartet No.1
PROKOFIEV Quintet in G minor
Artists
SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS
Alice Bartsch, Harry Bennetts, David Campbell, Kristy Conrau, Alexander Morris, Alexander Norton, Shefali Pryor, Amanda Verner and Justin Williams

Venue Information
Our venues are currently operating at reduced capacity (75%) and you may be seated next to other patrons.
Tickets will mostly be sold in multiples of two, however limited allocations of single tickets and odd numbered groupings of tickets will also be available. Tickets may also be sold in single seat patterns for certain events. At all times, we will do our best to support your needs, but please bear in mind that this will be subject to the restrictions in place at that time.
Please help us to maintain safety by wearing your mask at all times inside the venue, remaining in your allocated seat and facing the stage. Please be aware that guests seated in your row may need to walk past you to get to their seat.
Our foyers will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars, and should be consumed while seated in specific foyer spaces to maintain physical distancing. Drinks purchased at our theatre bars can also be taken into venues for most performances. Please note that unless advised otherwise, theatre bars will not be open during intervals. Drinking water is available at all times.
Transport options
- We encourage you to use private transport options to minimise crowding on public transport (in line with NSW Government advice).
- The Sydney Opera House Wilson car park is open and available to use. Wilson Parking is currently offering a $10 discounted rate if you book ahead, please see their website for details.
- Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a 6 min walk to the Opera House.
Make the most of your experience...
Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19 Safety Measures
Frequently Asked Questions - Performance and Venue
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