Donald Runnicles conductsThe Protecting Veil

27 - 28 March 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

The Sydney Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles has created a program of inspiring, uplifting music for the spirit, with works by Tavener, Wagner and Mendelssohn. 

An exquisite universe

Deeply connected to ancient traditions, John Tavener dedicated his life to expressing beauty and truth through music. In The Protecting Veil he created an exquisite universe, awe-inspiring and intensely beautiful.

English cellist Matthew Barley is the ideal soloist for this deeply touching meditation for cello and orchestra, his recent recording of it praised as a 'performance of great tenderness and eloquence' by BBC Music Magazine.

After the contemplation of Tavener, Wagner’s ‘Good Friday Spell’ from Parsifal is bright and ecstatic. A celebration of life and the world, the triumphant sound of the brass is enchanting and delightful. And Mendelssohn’s triumphant Fifth Symphony is the perfect way to send you back out into the world.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

TAVENER The Protecting Veil 
WAGNER Parsifal: Act 3: Good Friday Spell 
MENDELSSOHN Symphony No.5, Reformation

Artist information

Donald Runnicles conductor 
Matthew Barley cello 

Other information

You may also like

Simone Young conducts Siegfried

13 & 16 Nov 2025

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
graphic showing a firey circle with a sharp dagger pointing towards a stone superimposed over gloomy clouds

Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody

15 Feb 2026

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra
A women standing on a dark street at night, wearing black, with an instrument case over her shoulder.

Celebrating the Australian Chamber Orchestra

21 Nov 2025

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra

Checking availability