This retrospective performance of the band’s career will see the SSO share centre stage, playing a wide palate of styles written by many of Australia’s finest composers. Tim Freedman’s friendship with the late Peter Sculthorpe is marked by two gorgeous arrangements, and full symphonic treatments have been provided by MSO Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey, Sean O’Boyle, Iain Grandage, Daniel Denholm, Jamie Messenger, and this performance’s conductor Nicholas Buc.

Classic compositions including “No Aphrodisiac” and “Blow Up the Pokies” will be joined by highlights of The Whitlams’ 2020s resurgence with a song from each of the two recent albums, “Sancho” (2022), and the Americana influenced, “Kookaburra” (2024).

Tim Freedman says, “Once every seven or eight years we get to perform in the middle of the beautiful storm of a symphony orchestra. This year it’s The Whitlams, Sydney Symphony and the State – how much more Sydney can you get?”

“…the kind of arrangements which assume intelligence not just on stage but in the audience.
 It’s wit and risk and flair.” Sydney Morning Herald

“…superbly orchestrated with a sophistication of sound rare in a pop gig.” The Age

Tickets on sale Thursday 11th September 2025, 10:00AM AEST