Graphic showing a shell with stormy oceans within superimposed over waves crashing onto shore

Donald Runnicles conducts Sibelius & Wagner

18 – 20 September 2025

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Join the Sydney Symphony on this thrilling voyage across two striking visions of the ocean paired with Sibelius’ sweeping Symphony No.2.

Striking and sweeping

World-renowned Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles summons every ounce of passion from the talented musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 

One of Sibelius’ most-loved works, his Second Symphony builds exquisitely over four distinct movements. From the opening notes that seem to suggest a forest springing to life, to the triumphant finale, Runnicles ensures the expressive power of this work lands perfectly in a concert of windswept visions of the natural world. 

Making her Sydney Symphony debut, two-time Grammy Award–winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke soars in Elgar’s poetic Sea Pictures, while Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Overture casts you into the vivid drama of a storm at sea.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

WAGNER The Flying Dutchman: Overture
ELGAR Sea Pictures*
SIBELIUS Symphony No.2
*Does not feature in the Thursday 18 September performance

Artist information

DONALD RUNNICLES conductor
SASHA COOKE mezzo-soprano

Plan your visit

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