Sydney Symphony for a Day
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Fri 21 Aug, 2026, 8.00pm
For the first time, community musicians will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House.
Successful applicants will rehearse under the direction of Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey, with musicians from each section of the Sydney Symphony providing guidance and mentoring. The experience will culminate in a special performance for participants’ family and friends.
Applications are expected to open in early 2027, with full eligibility, application and participation details to be released at that time.
The information below is preliminary and subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Sydney Symphony for a Day is designed for community instrumentalists aged 18 and over who regularly perform with a community symphony orchestra, wind orchestra or concert band.
The program will be best suited to musicians who are comfortable performing orchestral repertoire at approximately AMEB Grade 7 level or above.
The program is expected to include the following orchestral instruments:
- Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp
- Woodwind: flute and piccolo; oboe and cor anglais; clarinet and bass clarinet; bassoon and contrabassoon
- Brass: horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium or tenor tuba, and tuba
- Percussion: timpani and orchestral percussion
Final instrumentation and the number of places available will be confirmed when applications open.
Places will be limited for each instrument. If applications exceed the number of places available, participants will be selected based on the information provided in their applications.
Is an audition required?
No audition will be required.
When do applications open?
Applications are expected to open in early 2027. Join our mailing list above to be notified when applications open. Applicants are expected to be advised of the outcome of their application in July 2027.
What is the fee?
$300.
The participation fee will include all rehearsals, mentoring from Sydney Symphony musicians and participation in the final performance.
The participation fee and inclusions are subject to confirmation when applications open.
Schedule
Rehearsal: Friday 20 August 2027, 6—8:30pm
Rehearsal: Saturday 21 August 2027, 4—6pm
Performance: Saturday 21 August 2027, 7pm
All rehearsals and the performance will take place in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House.
Participants will be required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and the performance.
Repertoire
VINE
Celebrare Celeberrime
TCHAIKOVSKY
Romeo and Juliet – Fantasy-Overture
HOLST
The Planets: Jupiter
Repertoire is subject to change depending on operational requirements and the number and experience level of participants.