A conductor energetically leads an orchestra of violinists and musicians dressed in black.

Donald Runnicles conducts Mahler’s Sixth Symphony The Hammerblows of Fate

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
  • Concert Hall
  • Seating map

Sir Donald Runnicles brings clarity and dramatic insight to Mahler’s symphony of extremes

Mahler’s Sixth Symphony charts a turbulent emotional course. Across four searing movements he wrestles with hope and futility, conjuring moments of delicate beauty and pounding dread.

From an innocent lullaby to an unforgiving military march, this symphony spans the full spectrum of feeling. It all culminates in the final movement with one of the most dramatic moments in all of music: a huge mallet strikes a giant wooden box, signifying the hammer blows of fate. A sound so dramatic it has become a legend. 

After his ‘memorable performance’ (Limelight) of Mahler’s Fourth in 2024, Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles once again demonstrates his signature command of large-scale Romantic works, and why he is an ideal interpreter for this emotional odyssey. 

With an enormous orchestra (including musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music) and a conductor who knows exactly how to navigate the emotional terrain of this colossal work, this concert offers the kind of full-bodied impact that only comes from experiencing it live.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Event details

Program

MAHLER Symphony No.6

Artists

Donald Runnicles Conductor 
Musicians of the Australian National Academyof Music (ANAM)

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located beneath the largest of Sydney Opera House’s roof sails, filling the upper levels of the west side of the building. Best accessed through the covered concourse. 

All Sydney Opera House foyers are 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).

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