The London Symphony Orchestra Is Touring Australia for the First Time Since 2014

Huge music tours are back on Australia's agenda — and they aren't just confined to chart-topping stars, iconic names and huge festivals. In the classical world, the London Symphony Orchestra is also coming our way to play a series of shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. And, the 2023 tour will mark only its fourth-ever trip Down Under.

Famous for everything from being the official orchestra of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ceremonies through to recording the Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Thor and The Shape of Water film soundtracks, the LSO held its first-ever gig in 1904. That means it's been picking up its instruments for almost 120 years — and in that time, it has only visited Australia on three occasions before now.

The April and May shows at QPAC in the Sunshine State, the Sydney Opera House in the Harbour City and Arts Centre Melbourne in Victoria will also see the orchestra make the journey Down Under for the first time since 2014.

If it's drama you're after, get ready to watch music director Sir Simon Rattle's baton fly as he conducts the orchestra during his final season with the organisation.

The LSO is bringing 114 musicians our way for the tour, including two Australians: Naoko Keatley and Belinda McFarlane, both on violin. And, it's the largest orchestra it has ever toured to our shores.

The orchestra will play three different programs — two each in Brisbane and Melbourne, and a third in Sydney as well. All cities will be treated to a night featuring John Adams' 'Harmonielehre', Claude Debussy's 'La Mer' and Maurice Ravel' 'Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2', plus an entire evening dedicated to Gustav Mahler's 'Symphony No.7'. As for that extra Sydney gig, it'll feature Daniel Kidane's 'Sun Poem' and Anton Bruckner's 'Symphony No.7'.

Before its 2014 tour, the LSO first came to Australia in 1966 and then again in 1983.

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Friday, April 28–Saturday, April 29 —Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Monday, May 1–Wednesday, May 3 — Sydney Opera House
Friday, May 5–Saturday, May 6 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

The London Symphony Orchestra will tour Australia in April and May 2023. For further information and to buy tickets — with on-sale dates varying per city — head to the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and  websites.

Images: Mark Allen.