Skip to main content

Rachmaninoff’s Vespers

20 July 2024

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Classical Music

Lie back and immerse yourself in the sumptuous and captivating beauty of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers. Seating options include yoga mats on the main floor, or regular seats in the galleries, rear floor and on stage.

Please note: this event is not held at the Sydney Opera House.

Rachmaninoff’s Vespers

The sun goes down, the devout gather, a vigil begins. Lie down on a yoga mat or take your seat. The atmosphere is austere and contemplative in its simplicity. But the sound! The sound is rich and resonant with ancient chants and choral folksong – the voices of the choir uniting as a living, breathing instrument. 

For Rachmaninoff – piano virtuoso extraordinaire and the last of the Romantics – his favourite creation was his All-Night Vigil (also known as his Vespers). This magnificent choral work combines the sumptuous sonorities of the Russian Orthodox liturgical tradition with Rachmaninoff’s own irresistible Romantic style for an immersive musical experience that’s literally heaven on earth. And in this rare Sydney performance, we invite you to close your eyes and allow this gorgeous music to enfold you. 

Performing a cappella, SPC’s Symphony Chorus will shine in music that soars heavenward, plunges into the rich bass registers, imitates bells, and reveals to rapturous effect what can be achieved with voices alone.

Seating options for this concert include regular seats and yoga mats on the main floor of the Sydney Town Hall. 

Presented by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Program

Sergei RACHMANINOFF All-Night Vigil

Artists

Brett Weymark conductor
Hannah Fraser mezzo-soprano
Louis Hurley tenor
Symphony Chorus

Watch the trailer

Plan your visit

You may also like

Stephen Hough performs Mendelssohn

4 – 7 Jun 2025

Sir Stephen Hough is one of the world’s great pianists, captivating audiences with his sublime artistry.

  • Classical Music
Stephen Hough wears a pinstripe shirt as his eyes are closed playing the piano in front of the violin section of an orchestra

Rossini in Paris

17 May 2025

Sydney Philharmonia’s Festival Chorus sings Rossini’s final masterpiece with dramatic highlights from his grand opera William Tell.

  • Classical Music

Bronzewing

18 May 2025

Australian performer-composers Katie Yap and Donald Nicolson entwine early music gems and lyrical new compositions for the poetic combination of viola and harpsichord.

  • Classical Music

Checking availability