A powerful afternoon of brass brilliance with Håkan Hardenberger comes to Newcastle
An extraordinary musical experience is coming to Newcastle this August, with Swedish trumpet virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger leading the brass and percussion musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Taking over the Concert Hall at Newcastle City Hall on Saturday, August 8, Håkan Hardenberger will conduct musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in a shimmering program celebrating the brilliance of brass and percussion.
Described by The Times as “the best trumpet player in the galaxy”, Håkan Hardenberger has spent more than 40 years pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with his instrument.
Known for his virtuosity, energy, and deep love of brass music, he has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic.
In Newcastle, he’ll lead the world-class brass and percussion musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra through a program featuring some of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic music from West Side Story alongside Paul Terracini’s Gegensätze, Schuller’s Symphony for Brass & Percussion and Bernstein arr. Crees suite from West Side Story.
Expect an afternoon of contrast, moving from powerful, full-bodied brass to unexpected moments of softness, with brass and percussion taking centre stage in one of Newcastle’s most atmospheric concert settings.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra with Håkan Hardenberger
When: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Newcastle City Hall
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: A Reserve $86, B Reserve $71, C Reserve $51, concession from $46, student from $36, under 17 from $31, under 35 from $43
To book, visit The Sydney Symphony Orchestra with Håkan Hardenberger
