Simone Young conducts Elgar & Vaughan Williams

28 February – 2 March 2025

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Experience the best of British with gems by Elgar and Vaughan Williams, masterfully led by Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Simone Young, alongside the world premiere of Australian composer Carl Vine's Dreams Undreamt

Charismatic and brilliant

The Sunday Times on Sydney Symphony's Concertmaster Andrew Haveron

Useful information:

Beautiful and profound

Elgar’s Violin Concerto commands your attention from its very first notes. With its intertwining passages of mystery and nostalgia this is music of emotional depth, and the memory of the ethereal melody in the second movement will linger long after the final note fades. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s ‘charismatic and brilliant’ (The Sunday Times) Concertmaster Andrew Haveron takes centre stage as soloist in this exquisite concerto. 

As Vaughan Williams’ Pastoral Symphony weaves its lush tapestry, a solo trumpet elegy recalling the Last Post reminds us that these exquisite images are anchored in the composer’s experiences of the First World War. It’s a poignant moment that strikes at the heart and powerfully demonstrates the way beauty and sadness are often inextricably linked.

After rave reviews for her interpretation of Vaughan Williams' Eighth Symphony in 2023, Simone Young continues her exploration of the music of this great English composer and paints a picture in sound that will be hard to resist.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

Carl VINE Dreams Undreamt 50 Fanfares Commission
ELGAR Violin Concerto
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No.3) 

Artist information

SIMONE YOUNG conductor
ANDREW HAVERON violin
LAUREN FAGAN soprano  

Plan your visit

You may also like

Donald Runnicles conducts Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony

12 – 14 Sep 2025

You can feel the tension in Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. Written after he had been denounced by Stalin for writing ‘muddle instead of music’, Shostakovich’s response was this symphony. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is a mighty, sweeping masterpiece that unleashes the full power of the orchestra; a bold statement that found universal approval. Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles is world-renowned for connecting audiences to the emotion of music, which means you’ll feel every dramatic twist and turn, with goosebumps guaranteed in the blazing finale.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Donald Runnicles stands with baton in his left hand as he conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Tallis Scholars

12 Oct 2025

Award-winning British vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars return to the Sydney Opera House for the first time in over two decades with an unmissable program inspired by the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant. The Tallis Scholars are renowned for their stunning cappella performances and exquisite recordings of sacred vocal music. The choir first sang at the Sydney Opera House in 1985, 40 years ago, and has returned five times since.

  • Classical Music

A Musical Awakening

21 Sep 2025

Music is visceral and vital. In A Musical Awakening, we invite you to take a breath and lean into this program designed to nourish your soul. Directed by ACO Principal Cello Timo-Veikko Valve, the Orchestra will be joined by friend and recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey, whose mastery of this most elemental of instruments is unsurpassed.

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra
The surface of a dark body of water with light reflected of gentle waves and wind creating soft spray of whitewater.

Checking availability