A musical Tempest with John Bell

2 – 3 May 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Conductor Umberto Clerici has curated this special performance with music by these great composers, presented alongside excepts from Shakespeare’s play performed by one of Australia’s greatest-ever actors, John Bell.

A spellbinding concert of words and music

Shakespeare’s plays have inspired composers for centuries, and none more so than The Tempest. A raging storm, a shipwreck, a usurping duke and an enchanted fairy: it has been fertile soil for composers including Purcell, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky.

Just as Prospero cast his spells on the inhabitants of his desert island, so too will John Bell and the Sydney Symphony enchant the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in this very special presentation.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

PURCELL Selections from The Tempest
SIBELIUS Selections from The Tempest: Suites 1 & 2
TCHAIKOVSKY The Tempest

Artist information

Umberto Clerici conductor and presenter
John Bell actor 

Other information

You may also like

Stephen Layton conducts Bach, Mozart & Handel

21 & 23 Aug 2025

Stephen Layton is one of the world's greatest choral conductors, an expert in vocal music from the Renaissance to the modern day.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Layton conducts an Orchestra with arms outstretched

The Tallis Scholars

12 Oct 2025

Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars return to the Sydney Opera House with an unmissable program inspired by Gregorian chant.

  • Classical Music

The Royal Organist

29 Jul 2025

Internationally acclaimed organist and conductor, James O’Donnell performs a recital of organ masterpieces on the Sydney Opera House’s magnificent Grand Organ.

  • Classical Music

Checking availability