The elevator pitch

A beloved under-the-stars Sydney Festival institution of modern and traditional classics, performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and guest artists. Free, with thousands of music-lovers watching in the parklands of Parramatta, and a spectacular finale that sparkles with fireworks.

What’s new this year? 

The Sydney Symphony has a long and rich history of collaborating with Australia’s finest musicians. This year’s concert will showcase the charm of Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros AM, who’ll perform a stellar selection of his works alongside his brother, percussionist James Tawadros. The Tawadros brothers take inspiration from the Arabic modal system (maqam), blended seamlessly with elements of western classical, jazz, world, folk and even bluegrass.

Joseph is a master of the oud (a beautiful Arabic lute), which is the ancestor of the lute and modern guitar. The eight-time ARIA winner will perform pieces including “Work is Love Made Visible”, “Permission to Evaporate” and “Constantinople” and “Point of Departure”.   

Next up, Sydney Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s showstopping Symphony No.5 in E minor, led by SSO Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey. Parramatta Park is set to soar with the beautiful orchestration, topped off with a big, sparkly bang, of course.

How to get there

Sydney Symphony Under the Stars takes place in Parramatta Park at a location called The Crescent, an outdoor event space formed around a bend of Parramatta River creating a natural amphitheatre.

Information on how to get to there by car or public transport can be found here, by calling 131 500 or visiting transportnsw.info.

If you are driving, there’s no public parking available at the park for the event, but there’s a number of multi-level car parks in Parramatta. Locate a suitable car park here.   

When to arrive 

Whenever you fancy! It’s always recommended to come early to snag a spot, get your bearings and settle in before the orchestra starts. The official program begins at 7.30pm but a variety of food trucks are open from 5pm. There are no gates, so you are welcome to come earlier than this.

Parramatta Park is an accessible venue. Check the Parramatta Park website for more info on access, limited mobility and hearing loop.

What to bring

The only seating provided is Parramatta Park’s (possibly rain-damp) grass and paved areas so pack picnic blankets, beanbags, low-level folding chairs or even folded newspaper inside a reusable bag. No upright camping chairs please, your neighbours behind need to see too.

You are very welcome to bring your own food and drink, including alcohol, but all drinking cups must not be made of glass.

Sydney Symphony Under the Stars goes ahead in all weather — bar a blizzard or actual raining meatballs — so bring raincoats, warm clothing and an umbrella. Leave the tent or beach cabana at home.

Food and drink

Catering trucks will start serving from 5pm, with both food and drinks available. Why not make a night of it with a pre-show, Festival-only $55 set menu feast at award-winning modern pan-Asian restaurant  LILYMU at Parramatta Square (a 15-minute walk away).

Tell us what you thought

We love to see you loving it. Share pics and vids of your evening on socials using #sydfest and #parrapark