Mozart, Vivaldi, Puccini — the names might sound familiar, but if you can’t quite match the music to the composer, you’re definitely not the only one — but that’s why we’re here. New live concerts are springing up all over the city, making classical music in Sydney easier to experience than ever. Many of them are set inside gorgeous venues like Sydney Town Hall and City Recital Hall, yet ticket prices remain surprisingly down-to-earth. So if you’ve ever been curious about string quartets, soaring symphonies or piano recitals, here are a few welcoming classical concerts for beginners in Sydney to ease you in.
1. Lunchtime Classics with the Sydney Symphony
Lunchtime Classics with the Sydney Symphony is a midday concert series led by Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It takes place inside Sydney Town Hall and past concerts have paid tribute to works by Mendelssohn, Bizet and Max Richter. Each hour-long performance is led by conductor Benjamin Northey and tickets cost around $35.
2. Candlelight concerts
Candlelight concerts in Sydney are guided by a string quartet and typically take place over the course of 60-65 minutes. They’re a fabulous introduction to the best works of timeless classical composers, from Vivaldi and Bach to Mozart and more. But that’s not all — these live classical concerts pay tribute to contemporary stars too, including Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Adele. And to top it all of, they’re lit up by thousands of twinkling candles.
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Sydney here.3. Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Series
This series takes place inside two of the city’s most iconic venues: City Recital Hall and Sydney Opera House. Programmes often include well-known works by composers such as Brahms, Beethoven and Gershwin and flexible ticket options allow attendees to attend different concerts without committing to a year-long subscription package.
4. Lunchtime Concerts at NSW Parliament
If you’re looking for a relaxing midweek escape, the Lunchtime Concerts at NSW Parliament’s Fountain Court are a lovely way to spend an hour — and they’re totally free. Each performance brings together talented musicians from local groups like the Sydney Youth Orchestras and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. It’s all set inside the historic Parliament House, offering a rare chance to enjoy live music right in Australia’s oldest working parliament building.
5. Sydney Eisteddfod
Running from May to October every year, Sydney Eisteddfod is a great way to immerse yourself in Sydney’s classical music scene. There are over 350 events at the music festival that welcome singers, dancers, actors, musicians, bands, choirs and orchestras of all abilities. Key events that showcase Sydney’s up-and-coming classical talents include Choral Championships, Opera Scholarship finals and Piano Scholarships.
6. Concerts for All: Young Maestros Community Concerts
These concerts are designed to be fun and engaging ways to introduce all ages to music concerts, including the classical kind. They’re held in community venues like Master Music Studio and Australian Piano Warehouse and performances are usually short tributes to the likes of Bach, Mozart and Chopin. Some concerts are free, but tickets are usually donation-based and start at just $10.