Simone Young conducts Mahler’s Song of the Earth presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra tickets
About Simone Young conducts Mahler’s Song of the Earth
Mahler’s The Song of the Earth ends with an extraordinary fade out, as a contralto sings ‘everywhere, forever…forever and ever.’ It captures beautifully the way music lives around us and in our memory and is the perfect way to open our 2026 Season.
Simone Young has opened each of her seasons as Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with one of Mahler’s symphonies to rave reviews. We continue this tradition in 2026 with the vast and moving The Song of the Earth, a symphony in all but name, brought to life by world-class vocalists Simon O’Neill and Alexandra Ionis.
Mahler’s powerful orchestral forces are best experienced live. His sound worlds engulf you like the weather, reflecting both the landscape and the human experience with their vast emotional range. From drama to tranquillity. Sombre to sun-drenched.
Part symphony, part song cycle, Mahler’s work is based on a German translation of Tang dynasty Chinese poems. In this remarkable program, that Chinese thread connects Mahler’s work to Qigang Chen’s Er Huang for piano and orchestra, which draws on melodies from Peking opera. French superstar Jean-Yves Thibaudet is magnetic in this gorgeous concerto that reaches ‘a climax of Mahlerian dimensions’ (Bachtrack).
With the incredible Simone Young commanding this giant work from Mahler and superstar solo performances, this is an unmissable start to our Season.
Categories
Start date
25th February, 2026
End date
28th February, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall | Sydney Opera House
Accessibility
Step-free access with lifts and wheelchair seating, accessible bathrooms across multiple levels, assistive listening, captioned and audio-described performances, and registered service animals are welcome throughout the Sydney Opera House.
Directions
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Sydney Opera House is short six-minute walk from Circular Quay, with frequent trains, buses and ferries. An accessible shuttle also operates between Circular Quay and the venue for those who require assistance.
BY BICYCLE: Bike parking is available beneath the Monumental Steps.
BY CAR: Parking is available at Wilson Parking Sydney Opera House Car Park, open 24/7 with undercover access to the Lower Concourse. Accessible parking spaces are also available on site.
More information about Simone Young conducts Mahler’s Song of the Earth
Conductor: Simone Young
Piano: Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Mezzo-soprano: Alexandra Ionis
Tenor: Simon O’Neill
PROGRAM
Adam MANNING Rhythmic Acknowledgement of Country
Qigang CHEN Er Huang (Piano Concerto)
MAHLER The Song of the Earth
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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