Stephen Hough wears a red shirt standing in front of a grand piano

Stephen Hough performs Brahms

16 – 18 May 2025

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

When you experience the stormy opening you’ll understand why Brahms’ First Piano Concerto is considered one of the great piano concertos.

Brahms’ concertos have rarely sounded more brilliant, energetic and innovative.

The Sunday Times

Useful information:

Passion and fire

Passions flare and fates collide in this concert of palpable emotion, with Brahms’ fiery Piano Concerto No.1, performed by Sir Stephen Hough and the Sydney Symphony, paired with Prokofiev's intoxicating Romeo and Juliet and the world premiere of LiFT by Australian composer Iain Grandage.

In the hands of Sir Stephen Hough, ‘Brahms’ concertos have rarely sounded more brilliant, energetic and innovative’ (The Sunday Times). When you experience the stormy opening you’ll understand why this piece is considered one of the great piano concertos – but keep listening for the gorgeous slow movement, before it sweeps you into its vibrant finale. 

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet vividly realises the humour, tenderness and, of course, tragedy of this classic tale. Montagues and Capulets is iconic, and a great gateway into Prokofiev's best-loved piece.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

Iain GRANDAGE LiFT* 50 Fanfare Commission
PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet (selections)
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No.1
*Does not feature in the Friday 16 May performance

Artist information

ELIM CHAN conductor
STEPHEN HOUGH piano

Plan your visit

Venue information

Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.

All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer.

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