The Music of the Lord of the Rings
Explore the music of The Lord of the Rings like never before, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Art of the Score.
In partnership with 
Overview
Few trilogies have shaped modern cinema quite like The Lord of the Rings. From the green rolling hills of the Shire to the shadowy depths of Mordor, Peter Jackson's adaptation of the J. R. R. Tolkien series captivated a generation. Composer Howard Shore is the man behind the spell-binding movie soundtrack, scoring the epic journey across Middle-earth. The work earned Shore three Oscars, two Golden Globes and three Grammys, cementing it as one of the most celebrated film scores of all time.
This July, explore the music of Middle-earth like never before at the Sydney Opera House. Dan Golding and Andrew Pogson from podcast Art of the Score will unpack how Howard Shore brought Tolkien's vast and sprawling worlds to life, with highlights
from the soundtracks performed live by the Sydney Symphony under conductor Nicholas Buc. The performance blends a live orchestra with insight into how the music shapes the famous story.
Expect to hear everything from the whimsy of 'Concerning Hobbits' to the epic drama of 'The Bridge of Khazad-dûm' as well as the haunting melody of 'Lothlórien'. Along the way, the performance will explore how Howard Shore's music brought Tolkien's world to life and soundtracked Peter Jackson's beloved early noughties trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
Running from Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18, 2026 — including evening performances and a Saturday matinee — this is a rare chance to hear the trilogy's music performed live, 25 years after the first film premiered. There are no screens or film footage, just the full force of the orchestra, choir and score in one immersive experience.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable concert experience. Book your tickets now.
Image Credit: Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding from Art of the Score. Produced in association with Concert Lab.
