Rachmaninoff’s Vespers

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.

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

Sergei RACHMANINOFF All-Night Vigil

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