Vivid LIVE will transform the Sydney Opera House with a world-class line-up of contemporary music as part of Vivid Sydney 2023.
The Vivid LIVE 2023 line-up features over 45 artists, including 19 international artists, 6 Australian exclusives, 3 orchestral collaborations and 4 party collectives presented all across the world-famous building, even its iconic sails.Now in his eighth year curating Vivid LIVE, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall says audiences will remember when the music strikes them this year.
"I'm elated to contribute the 2023 Vivid LIVE music programme to Sydney's ongoing renaissance," Ben says.
"Vivid Sydney continues to be a galvanising force, reigniting life in the heart of this city I deeply care for, especially in the 50th year of the Sydney Opera House – that is, after all, everyone's house."
The Vivid LIVE programme showcases iconic and ambitious artists that defy expectation and break new ground with a curated series of Australian premieres, exclusives and bespoke projects.
Beloved songstress Cat Power gives a heartfelt reinterpretation of Bob Dylan's 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert, when he bucked the well-established conventions of folk music by using electric instruments for the first time.
As part of an exclusive residency, Swedish troubadour José González strips back to just him and his guitar to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album 'Veneer', which famously featured a cover of 'Heartbeats' by fellow Swedes, The Knife.
UK singer-songwriter and producer Devonté Hynes makes his only Australian appearance at Vivid LIVE, performing a repertoire of classical works alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO).
The SSO will also perform alongside returning German-British master composer and pianist Max Richter as he debuts 'Ambient Orchestra', a visionary work that explores the orchestra as a medium for ambient music. Max last appeared at Vivid LIVE in 2016 when he performed his eight-hour somnambulant epic 'Sleep'.
Grammy-winning virtuoso bassist and producer Thundercat will be bringing his neo-funk vibes with his first Australian shows in five years. Vivid LIVE also plays host to the return of Grammy-winning R&B torchbearer Ella Mai for a night of lush grooves and old-school soul.
Among the Australian contingent is multimedia art-pop powerhouse Jaguar Jonze with a unique one-off presentation of her love letter to music: 'The Art Of Broken Pieces'. Jonze has made a name for herself as a fearless musician, performer and activist, emerging as one of Australian music's most fearless cultural forces.
Shapeshifting Melbourne fusion seven-piece Hiatus Kaiyote have consistently pushed the boundaries of genre and will play their biggest show to date, joined by the SSO for a head-spinning sonic odyssey.
Indie folk-rock legend Jen Cloher makes an explosive return to the stage following the release of their long-awaited new album 'I Am The River, The River Is Me', their first album in five years.
ARIA Award-winning improvisational trio The Necks present two evenings of spontaneous long-form wonder. Hailed by the New York Times as 'the greatest trio on Earth', The Necks never perform the same show twice and have just released their new double album 'Travel'.
Coodjinburra R&B sensation Budjerah has skyrocketed to international success, collaborating with Ed Sheeran on his single '2Step' and supporting the UK megastar on his recent Australian tour.
The expansive line-up continues with performances from New Zealand pop icon Kimbra, British electro punk duo Sleaford Mods and folk-pop singer-songwriter Weyes Blood, along with an exclusive performance by Korean-American producer Yaeji, and the first Australian appearance of US singer-songwriter Ethel Cain and her haunting brand of gothic pop.
The Vivid LIVE Studio Party series celebrates local club culture with bespoke events hosted by club scene innovators, including the Inner West's longest-running dance institution Mad Racket featuring British legends Plaid.
Club gurus Picnic pack a tasty hamper of the city's finest DJs, club acts and very special guests, while Sydney label Future Classic curate a line-up of cutting-edge club music handpicked from across the globe. Local collective House Of Mince hold an epic bash to celebrate their 12th birthday.
However, the biggest celebration of all is reserved for the glorious centrepiece of Vivid LIVE, the Sydney Opera House on it 50th anniversary. Adorning Sydney's distinguished foreshore on sacred Gadigal land, it is considered a masterpiece of 20th century architecture and engineering, and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Australia's national cultural identity.
Lighting Of The Sails will paint the sails of the Sydney Opera House with light and movement to honour the work of esteemed Australian artist John Olsen in 'Life Enlivened'.
Spotlighting Olsen's enduring interest and fascination with Australian nature and landscape, 'Life Enlivened' distils the essence of his 60-year career into a dazzling display brought to animated life by creative technologists Curiious. Olsen's evocative mural 'Salute To Five Bells' was specially commissioned for Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall Northern Foyer.
From its towering sails to its most humble studios and rehearsal spaces, Sydney Opera House is reimagined by a fusion of art and music for Vivid LIVE 2023.
Vivid LIVE takes place as part of Vivid Sydney, Australia's largest festival of light, music, ideas and – this year – food. It's a cultural extravaganza that brings together Australia's vibrant and diverse creative communities with some of the world's most highly regarded artists.
"Vivid Sydney 2023 is a celebration of authenticity, an invitation to connect and a chance to create," Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervin says. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sydney Opera House to showcase this through Vivid LIVE and 'Lighting Of The Sail' as part of Vivid Sydney 2023."
Tickets on sale from 12pm EDT on 17 March.
Vivid LIVE 2023 takes place at Sydney Opera House 26 May to 17 June.
