What’s on at the Con Semester 1 2025

Conductor, Roger Benedict
Violin, Yue Zheng

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Roger Benedict, kicks off our 2025 Greenway Series with Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, also known as the Pastoral Symphony.

This concert is also the first in a series of yearlong 110th birthday celebrations, highlighting the stories, people and collaborations that shape the Con. As part of the anniversary festivities, this concert will feature an orchestral suite by Sir Eugene Goossens (former Director of the Conservatorium) and the virtuosic Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1 performed by Con student Yue Zheng. Book tickets.

Conductor, Benjamin Northey

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music New Music Ensemble, led by guest conductor Benjamin Northey, presents an eclectic and electric program of works by Anna Clyne, Melody Eötvös, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Lachlan Skipworth, Nina Shekhar and a premiere by SCM student Adriel Sukumar. Book tickets.

Conductor, George Ellis

The second Sydney Conservatorium of Music New Music Ensemble program for the year will feature a collaboration with Nancy Bates (Barkindji singer-songwriter) and Timothy Gray (Gumbayngirr / Wiradjuri / Bidjigal singer-songwriter) as part of the Con's Indigenous Artists-in-Residence program.

Conducted by George Ellis, Nancy and Tim will share their songs and stories on stage, along with a new work written together for this special occasion, all arranged by a team of talented student composers. Book tickets.

Director, Jason Langley

Do you believe that theatre and the arts are fundamental to society when times are tough?

Do you believe our political ideologies mean nothing without creativity, community and love?

Then come experience the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s third year Musical Theatre cohort as they present Flora, The Red Menace, the very first musical from revered writing duo Kander & Ebb. Follow Flora, a spirited young fashion illustrator with big dreams and an even bigger heart, as she and her friends navigate the ups and downs of New York City in the 1930s - where passion meets politics, romance dances with rebellion, and every decision feels like a thrilling adventure. Music and hope collide in this daringly delightful musical comedy that is bold, imaginative and brimming with heart! Book tickets.

Director, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon

Did you know that the Magpies created the first dawn?*

A long time ago…. The sky was a blanket on the land.

The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. It was a very sad state of affairs and would have stayed that way except for the courage of Parrwang the Magpie. Tjatja and Koki are young, adventurous and tired of living in the dark. When they manage to climb to the highest branches of an ancient gum tree they discover an exciting new world and a steadfast friend in Parrwang - who decides to help the young humans lift the blanket of darkness from the ground. A plan is devised - but can Parrwang convince Mr Waa, Bunjil and the Great Council of Birds to agree? 

*Based on an original story from Wadawurrung Country told to the children of the Wathaurong by community Elder, the late Uncle David Tournier.

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s opera sparkles with wit and humour.

Featuring a cast of Sydney Conservatorium of Music classical voice students and the SCM Chamber Orchestra, Parrwang Lifts the Sky is a captivating dreamtime story for all ages. Book tickets.

Conductors, Elizabeth Scott and Paul Stanhope

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Choir and Chamber Choir join forces for an evening of choral brilliance in a program entirely dedicated to works written by staff and students; past and present. Book tickets.

Conductor, Roger Benedict

For the first time, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music String Orchestra will collaborate with the dynamic Chinese Music Ensemble. Led by Maestro Roger Benedict, and featuring Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Tan Dun’s Concerto for String Orchestra and Pipa (Chinese Lute) and two new works written for the occasion, this unique partnership promises to deliver an evening not to be missed. Book tickets.

Conductor, Stephen Williams

Off the back of a successful tour to Japan and South Korea in 2024, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony will perform once again under the baton of Stephen Williams. This special performance spans from J.S. Bach and Paul Hindemith, to a Con student premiere and Requiem for a City (written by the dynamic duo of staff members Professor Matthew Hindson and Dr Paul Mac, to celebrate the Conservatorium’s 100th birthday, 10 years ago). Book tickets.