The Zenith Theatre and Convention Centre in the heart of Chatswood doesn’t just put on live music concerts, they put together a program of engaging performances to take listeners on a musical journey throughout the year. Featuring world-class musicians, the main auditorium continues its live music offering in 2023 with Zenith Sunday Sessions.
The series of Sunday afternoon concerts have a special focus on classical, jazz and world music and are the perfect way to end the weekend. We are excited to announce that The Zenith Theatre has added more dates and performances to its 2023 lineup, and we are looking forward to introducing you to the incredible shows we have in store.
Check out the upcoming Zenith Sunday Sessions below or get your tickets here.
Table Of Contents
Tenzin Choegyal & Phoenix Collective Quartet
Sunday 5 February at Zenith Theatre
Australian-Tibetan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tenzin Choegyal is a Grammy-nominated artist. His music—a potpourri of sounds from across the musical spectrum—is strongly inspired by and has a strong connection with his homeland and is capable of transporting listeners to Tibet and its people.
Having previously collaborated with renowned artists such as Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Michael Askill and Ash Grunwald among others, he combined with the Pheonix Collective for the first time at the 2022 National Folk Festival.
Together once again, the five musicians will take listeners on a journey through Tibet. Drawing on traditional and new music, the musical trip will at times be expressive and reflective while always moving and emotional as the world of Eastern and Western music come together on stage.
Hear Tenzin Choegyal & Phoenix Collective Quartet at Zenith Sunday Sesssion.
Joseph Tawadros
Sunday 26 February at Zenith Theatre
Composer and oud musician, Joseph Tawadros is a leader in the oud genre of music. Joseph has recorded 11 albums and is the recipient of five ARIA Awards, four being for Best World Music Album. Born in Cairo, and a resident of Sydney since he was 3 years old, Joseph aims to push the boundaries of music and has created a vast repertoire of original pieces.
He is well revered for expanding oud’s acceptance in the western music world and has performed in venues across Australia and the rest of the world. Among others, Joseph has performed and recorded with the Academy of Ancient Music in London, making him the first and only Australian composer whose music has been performed by this prestigious orchestra.
During this performance you can look forward to a programme of original music, that will keep you enthralled and that encapsulates the essence and beauty of the oud.
Discover the music of oud at Jospeh Tawadros’ Sunday Session.
Mozart String Quartets
Sunday 5 March
The six “Haydn” Quartets were composed by Mozart in dedication to Joseph Haydn, who is seen as the creator of the modern string quartet. The quartets were published by Mozart in 1785, and have been enjoyed by listeners around the world ever since.
Enjoy a fresh rendition of the fifteenth and nineteenth string quartets, masterfully performed by The Nomad String Quartet. A four-piece ensemble, The Nomad String Quartet are known for their engaging and passionate performances, and this one will be no different.
Enjoy this spectacular classical programme.
Jazz Tribute to Classic 80s Love Songs
Sunday 12 March at Zenith Theatre
Amanda Suwondo is an Indonesian pianist and composer who, with her accompanying band, will be performing a jazz tribute to some of the best 80’s love songs. The talented musician has been entertaining audiences since 2014, and her jazz renditions are nothing short of magical.
For ideas about the tracklist, think back to iconic songs like ‘Time After Time’ by Cyndi Lauper or Bill Wither’s chart-topper ‘Just The Two of Us’. Played with a jazz spin, you’ll be taken on an hour-long ride through the 80s. The setup will also include a vocalist, saxophone player, double bass and drums — you’ll definitely be in for a jam-packed show!
Escape back to the 80’s with all your favourite classics.
Nomad String Quartet: Danish Folk Songs
Sunday 2 April
The Nomad String Quartet are a group passionate about breathing new life into classical music. Formed in 2021 they have performed over 120 concerts to more than 40,000 people across Sydney. They play music ranging from Vivaldi to Daft Punk, with each performance a captivating and energised display of their musical skills.
For this concert, they have curated a programme of their favourite Danish folk music, handpicked and with their own personal twist. Prepare to be taken on a journey, from Faroese wedding songs to contemporary Swedish folk funk.
Get your tickets to this celebration of Danish folk music.
Phoenix Collective: Sigur Rós Tribute
Sunday 21 May
The post-rock Icelandic band, Sigur Rós is known for its ethereal sounds and haunting melodies. Their songs have been used in movies such as ‘Vanilla Sky’, ‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’ and the Emmy-winning ‘The Girl in the Cafe’. Lead singer Jónsi Birgisson has also recently contributed to the soundtracks of ‘How to Tame Your Dragon 3’ and ‘Game of Thrones’.
During this classical tribute their work will be reimagined by one of Australia’s most dynamic ensembles, Phoenix Collective. Playing their music entirely on string instruments you will experience a new side of Sigur Rós’ compositions and garner a new appreciation for their work.
Discover the musical language of Sigur Rós.
Nomad String Quartet: Mendelssohn
Sunday 11 June at Zenith Theatre
Often referred to as the Mozart of the nineteenth century, Mendelssohn’s compositions are a transcendent example of classical music. In this tribute performance, The Nomad String Quartet will be performing two of German composer Mendelssohn’s quartets from Opus 44.
The quartets were dedicated by Mendelssohn to the Crown Prince of Sweden and were published between 1837 and 1838. They are an exuberant and high-spirited conversation between the four instruments, and The Nomad’s rendition is a beautiful ode to the music of Mendelssohn.
Be swept away by the melodies of Mendelssohn.
With tickets priced at just $49 for adults and $29 for children under the age of 16, the Zenith Sunday Sessions are a phenomenal opportunity for music lovers to experience some of the best classical, jazz and world musicians currently in Australia.
More performances are to be announced as part of the Zenith Sunday Sessions series, so keep an eye on this space for new concerts featuring world-class musicians.