SUSO and Pacific Opera presents: The Kingdom by Elgar

Name: SUSO and Pacific Opera presents: The Kingdom by Elgar
Start: 2026-04-04T19:00:00+11:00
End: 2026-04-04T19:00:00+11:00
Location: Great Hall, The University of Sydney

About

The Sydney University Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026 concert season with a special collaboration with Pacific Opera Studio, presented in the historic Great Hall at the University of Sydney. Conducted by Luke Spicer, the concert features the Sydney premiere of Edward Elgar’s monumental oratorio The Kingdom.

Rarely performed in Australia, this concert offers a unique chance to hear Elgar’s monumental choral masterpiece live in the Great Hall.

Pacific Opera Studio, led by co-artistic directors Peter Coleman-Wright AO and Cheryl Barker AO, joins SUSO for this powerful and rarely performed work for orchestra, chorus, and soloists.

Composed in 1906, The Kingdom was intended as the second work in a planned trilogy of sacred oratorios, following The Apostles. Although Elgar never completed the full cycle he envisioned, The Kingdom stands as one of his most thoughtful and deeply expressive choral works, reflecting on the early Christian church in the days after Pentecost.

The music moves between grand choral moments, intimate solos, and richly coloured orchestral passages, giving the story both a sense of scale and moments of quiet reflection. It is a work that balances drama with a deep sense of reverence.

This performance offers a rare chance to hear one of Elgar’s most substantial and seldom-performed works, brought to life by emerging artists and musicians in one of Sydney’s most beautiful and historic venues.

📅 Saturday 4 April, 7:00pm
📌 Sydney University Great Hall

Luke Spicer - conductor

Tickets:
Adult: $55
Concession: $45
Under 30yrs: $30
SUSO Non Playing USU Members: $15 [CHECK YOUR EMAILS FOR DISCOUNT CODE]

NOTE: Seating is unallocated. Any tickets bought online will have to be presented upon entry.