When George met Arnold

15 May 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

When George Met Arnold combines a newly created film with live performance to tell the story of the remarkable relationship between two of the greatest composers of the 20th Century.

A friendship forged in music

These two geniuses of the 20th century struck up an unlikely friendship, playing tennis together every week, discussing music, art, love and the political situation in Europe.

When George Met Arnold is a unique event which combines a newly created film with live performance of selected works by both composers to tell the story of this remarkable relationship. The Sydney Symphony is joined by co-creators pianist Simon Tedeschi and conductor Roger Benedict.

2024 is the 150th anniversary of Schoenberg's birth and also the 100th anniversary of the premiere of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue –the perfect moment to present this poignant story of memory, trauma, friendship, humour and hope, and above all the power of music.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

Featuring works by GERSHWIN and SCHOENBERG, including excerpts from Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F and Porgy & Bess, and Schoenberg’s Piano Concerto, Pelléas and Mélisande and Five Pieces for Orchestra. 

Artist information

Roger Benedict conductor 
Simon Tedeschi piano

Other information

You may also like

Kutcha Edwards & the Sydney Symphony

14 Oct 2025

Kutcha Edwards is a force of nature. Come together at the Sydney Opera House as iconic activist and multi award-winning songwriter Kutcha Edwards – ‘quite possibly the finest contemporary singer of his generation’ (Rhythms Magazine) – presents Ngarli-Wangu, together with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Kutcha Edwards sings with microphone in hand

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Simone Young

26 – 29 Nov 2025

The ‘Ode to Joy’, the finale of Beethoven’s irrepressible Ninth Symphony, is one of the most famous melodies ever written. It’s a special moment in music that makes us feel connected to each other, and for over 200 years it has engulfed us in its boundless energy. When you hear it live, the power of so many triumphant voices is astonishing.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Simone Young stands with arms to the side in front of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with a full choir insider the Concert Hall

Annie Jacobs-Perkins

12 Oct 2025

An Utzon and Australian debut from rising star cellist: Berlin-based-American Annie Jacobs-Perkins, playing a strikingly original solo program: dall'Abaco, Madsen, Marais, Salonen, Norman and Bach.

  • Classical Music

Checking availability