An unmissable line-up of more than 50 cutting-edge and legendary international and Australian artists has been announced for Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, part of the Vivid Music program of Vivid Sydney. Australia’s biggest festival of light will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June.
Transforming the World Heritage-listed building with live contemporary music and art, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House 2025 as part of Vivid Sydney will feature international cult favourites, local trailblazers and influential culture-shapers in Australian exclusives, premieres, an epic orchestral collaboration, one-off projects, anniversaries, Studio Parties and the captivating Lighting of the Sails.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House is curated for the tenth time by Sydney Opera House’s Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall, who says: “There’s nothing quite like Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House. As well as gathering many of the world’s greatest musical talents here, we’re welcoming the vibrant communities that infuse our music scene with the sounds of Sydney itself. This is what makes Vivid LIVE stand apart – experiencing this great range of incredible international and local artists inside a living work of art.
“From the dazzling display of David McDiarmid’s work on the sails to the subterranean thrum of the Studio Parties by local collectives like dstreet and Mad Racket, from our city’s future music exploding in the Utzon Room with artists like Western Sydney’s SAHXL and neo-soul singer Yasmina Sadiki to the intake of breath before the first notes pierce the air inside the Concert Hall when titans like ANOHNI, Portishead’s Beth Gibbons and Sigur Rós take to the stage – it’s the combination of these magnetic moments that make Vivid LIVE such an unforgettable, singular experience as part of VividSydney.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini, said: “Dream is the theme for Vivid Sydney 2025 and we’re encouraging everyone to dream big. Our ongoing partnership with Sydney Opera House further reflects that theme with a stellar lineup of world-class artists, Australian exclusives and, of course, a showstopping projection for Lighting of the Sails featuring David McDiarmid’s bold and unapologetic vision. Having worked with David and been a witness to his incredible artistry firsthand, this year’s Lighting of the Sails is extra special. We can’t wait to showcase his beautiful work to the millions set to visit Vivid Sydney this winter.”
The Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House line-up includes:
LIGHTING OF THE SAILS
LIGHTING OF THE SAILS: KISS OF LIGHT BY DAVID MCDIARMID – A celebration of visionary Australian artist and activist David McDiarmid will illuminate the sails during Vivid Sydney. Marking the 30th anniversary of McDiarmid’s death, Kiss of Light showcases his kaleidoscopic queer aesthetic — technicolour markings, swirling hand-painted fabric and prismatic mylar forms — broadcasting an enduring, rallying cry for equality, joy and freedom. Pulsing with the energy and spirit of the counterculture, the seven-minute projection animated by creative technologists VANDAL will honour McDiarmid’s fearless use of colour, humour and fierce intimacy to celebrate diverse identities and creative rebellion.
CONCERT HALL
ANOHNI AND THE JOHNSONS: Mourning the Great Barrier Reef (Aus excl) – After nearly a decade away, the interdisciplinary artist ANOHNI returns for two exclusive nights as part of her world tour. ANOHNI culminates a month of field research and filming with a program of her currently touring music from My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross (2023) and other classic work from her impressive recorded oeuvre accompanied by the Johnsons, set to cinematic portraits of the Great Barrier Reef today and Australian scientists who have studied and witnessed the reef across decades. My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross was named Album of the Year by The New Yorker.
BETH GIBBONS – The searing, haunting voice of Portishead, Beth Gibbons presents the Australian premiere of her solo work, performing tracks from her critically acclaimed and most personal album to date, Lives Outgrown (2024), alongside career classics. The legendary British singer’s post-modern sound blends folk, modern classical and jazz textures with her elegant yet gritty, swooping vocals, with highlights including the best-selling recording of Górecki’s canonical Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (2014).
SIGUR RÓS with the SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Icelandic trio Sigur Rós, known for their pioneering post-rock sound, join forces with the might of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and UK conductor Robert Ames over three nights, performing epic tracks from their latest album ÁTTA alongside beloved favourites drawn from their extensive back catalogue.
JAPANESE BREAKFAST – After an eight-year wait, the Grammy-nominated indie-pop group return for their biggest Sydney show yet, celebrating their highly anticipated, poetic and moody new album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women). Fronted by Michelle Zauner, a singer, songwriter, guitarist and bestselling author, Japanese Breakfast continue to captivate fans and critics alike with their singular dreamy rock sound.
MARLON WILLIAMS – Aotearoa’s soulful indie-folk crooner presents his groundbreaking fourth solo album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, recorded entirely in the Māori language. Joined by a local Kapa Haka group for its national premiere, the five-time Aotearoa Music Award winner delivers heart-stopping vocals and an effortless blend of country, bluegrass, folk and synth-pop.
PAT METHENY – The 20-time Grammy Award-winning iconic jazz guitarist and composer returns to the Concert Hall for the first time in more than a decade. Playing more than a dozen guitars, Metheny offers songs from his illustrious 50-year career and recent albums, MoonDial (2024) and Dream Box (2023), alongside his rare storytelling.
EZRA COLLECTIVE – The BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winning jazz outfit is celebrated as one of the UK’s most exhilarating live acts, with their effervescent, eclectic sound blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with grime, reggae, Latin, hip-hop and soul. After a sell-out world tour and a 5-star set at Royal Albert Hall, the five-piece return to Australia with their joyous new album Dance, No One’s Watching (2024).
JOAN SUTHERLAND THEATRE
THE SABRES OF PARADISE (Aus excl) – After a 30-year hiatus, seminal British electronic group The Sabres of Paradise reunite for the first time in their Australian debut. Fusing iconic classics and hidden gems, the Australian exclusive show will channel the energy of their legendary Sabresonic warehouse raves and honour the groundbreaking legacy of co-founder and DJ, the late Andrew Weatherall, all accompanied by a spectacular visual display.
WAVYLAND 7TH ANNIVERSARY feat. BKTHERULA, Thaiboy Digital, Babyxsosa + more (Aus excl) – Trailblazers of Australia’s underground scene, WavyLand present two explosive nights of genre-defying soundscapes, left-field beats, cutting-edge audio visuals and electronica. Featuring transcendent Thai-Swedish rap force Thaiboy Digital, boundary-pushing American hip-hop innovators BKTHERULA and Babyxsosa, Brooklyn multihyphenate producer Slauson Malone 1, Stockholm sonic mastermind Oli XL, NYC’s ever-evolving icon Wiki, and groundbreaking Melbourne collective Posseshot.
PALE JAY – Mysterious soul singer, jazz pianist and producer Pale Jay, who has kept his identity hidden behind a mask since his 2021 debut EP, comes to Australia for his global live debut and delivers a one-of-a-kind show orchestrated exclusively for Vivid LIVE featuring a string quartet. The craftsman of soul-infused heartbreak will showcase his signature sound on Bewilderment (2023), a seductive blend of slow disco, lovelorn soul and Afrobeats.
RAVYN LENAE – Redefining the sound of R&B, critically acclaimed neo-soul artist Ravyn Lenae returns to Australia with her honey-sweet vocals and synth-funk. The Chicago-native boasts collaborations with Childish Gambino and Doechii, and her genre-defying sophomore record Birds Eye (2024) was named by SZA as one her favourite albums of the year.
MOUNT KIMBIE – Early stars of London’s electronic scene, Mount Kimbie, have evolved from a hot young club duo into a four-piece indie-rock group, exploring avant-garde post-rock, shoegaze and electronica on their latest album, The Sunset Violent (2024). Known for their post-punk rhythms, the forward-thinking alt-rockers bring their expansive new sound to the Joan Sutherland Theatre.
JESSICA PRATT – With her bewitching voice and acoustic guitar, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt returns to Australia for the first time in 10 years. The revered folk-pop star’s latest record, Here In the Pitch — which dominated 2024’s year-end lists — blends her signature mellow folk with mystical percussion and chamber pop, evoking the shadows and sunshine of the Californian dream.
DRAMA THEATRE
ICHIKO AOBA – With just her voice and nylon-strong guitar, Japanese folk singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba has attracted a global cult following with her enchanting mix of cinematic dream pop and meditative, atmospheric folk. Enamoured by the music of Disney and Studio Ghibli films, Aoba has collaborated with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto and just released her ninth studio album, Luminescent Creatures (2025).
MISS KANINNA – A fearless storyteller, gifted vocalist and explosive live performer, ARIA-nominated rapper/singer Miss Kaninna has taken the Australian music scene by storm with her arresting mix of hip-hop, neo-soul and R&B. The proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman first made waves in 2023, speaking truth to power with her debut single and anti-establishment anthem, Blak Britney.
SURPRISE CHEF – Renowned for their slinky soul and groove-infused jazz mastery, Melbourne quintet Surprise Chef will celebrate the release of their hotly awaited new album Superb. With a cult-like following and praise from the likes of Questlove and Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark, the band continues to make waves internationally.
PHOEBE GO – Previously fronting much-loved acts Snakadaktal and Two People, Phoebe Go is the solo project of Australian alt-pop artist Phoebe Lou. Full of hope and lyrically heavy at its crux, Go’s critically acclaimed debut solo album Marmalade (2024) catapulted her to new sonic heights through its introspective exploration of growing up, staying young, losing your feet and finding them again.
UTZON ROOM
SAHXL – Homegrown vocal prince SAHXL blends R&B and Trapsoul with honest storytelling and powerful melodies. The 21-year-old became the first local artist to sign directly with legendary US label Def Jam, releasing two breakthrough EPs and earning praise from American tastemaker Ebro Darden.
3% – ARIA award-winning First Nations hip-hop collective 3% bring their uncompromising sonic power to deliver a showcase of Blak excellence. Exploding onto the scene with their scorching 2023 anthem OUR PEOPLE, the supergroup comprises Yuin and Thungutti rapper Nooky, Noongar rapper/songwriter and actor Dallas Woods, and soulful Gumbaynggirr singer Angus Field.
G2G – Commanders of Sydney’s DIY punk scene, G2g fuse post-punk riffage with playful vocals. Unleashing pep-charged tunes on their long-awaited debut album The Gherkin (2024), the punk rockers’ live shows are known for their infectiously ragged, fun-filled fury.
VELVET TRIP – A kaleidoscopic fusion of psych-pop and rock, Velvet Trip will celebrate the release of their forthcoming EP, Glimmers. Fresh from captivating audiences while supporting Djo and performing at Australia’s most renowned festivals, the Gadigal outfit delivers a euphoric performance that pulses with colour, movement and boundless energy.
EMILY WURRAMARA – ARIA award-winning artist and Warnindhilyagwa woman, Emily Wurramarareturns with her soul-stirring voice and captivating blend of folk, country, blues and R&B. Building on the success of her latest album NARA, Emily continues to explore themes of self-acceptance, connection to country and ancestral storytelling in her music.
STATION MODEL VIOLENCE – Sydney post-punk outfit Station Model Violence is the new project formed by DX, best known for Total Control, and Buz from RMFC with members of cult Sydney band Den. After only a handful of live shows and a single demo, the psychedelic rockers have already generated buzz in the lead-up to recording their debut LP this year.
YASMINA SADIKI – A seasoned veteran of Sydney’s live music scene, rising neo-soul extraordinaire Yasmina Sadiki brings her shimmering vocals and seductive melodies to the Utzon Room. With cinematic grooves and a love for vocal improvisation, the young singer-songwriter has become one of the city’s most in-demand musicians.
STUDIO
TRACKWORK 5TH BIRTHDAY feat. Brodinski, Vv Pete & Utility – Sydney label Trackwork will celebrate their fifth birthday with the explosive French producer Brodinksi, the SZA-co-signed Sydney-based rap trailblazer Vv Pete and Trackwork fearless founder and scene-smashing producer Utility.
Studio Party by BARNEY KATO feat. Sex Tags – DJ Fett Burger and DJ Sotofett – Beloved anti-hero, Sydney party raconteur and self-proclaimed music snob Barney Kato returns with two of his all-time favourite DJs, Norway’s legendary Sex Tags crew – Fett Burger and Sotofett – known for their unpredictable, mind-blowing long-form psychedelic forays into jungle, techno, dub, disco, house, punk, ambient, breakbeat and outer limits.
Studio Party by DSTREET feat. DJ MARIA., Sunju Hargun & Tangela – Back after their wildly popular 2024 Vivid LIVE set, Sydney’s hottest covert party collective dstreet returns to the Studio for a night of deep, psychedelic and immersive sounds featuring Japan’s techno “trance but not trance” queen DJ MARIA., Thailand-based underground tastemaker Sunju Hargun and dstreet founder and homegrown talent Tangela.
Studio Party by HOUSE OF MINCE feat. Boris & The Mince Angels – Sydney’s beloved queer dance collective returns for one of Vivid LIVE’s most euphoric offerings with The Mince Angels and legendary Berghain resident Boris, one of the most dedicated protagonists of Berlin’s vibrant queer electronic scene.
Studio Party by DUNJ feat. Shackelton, Azu Tiwaline & DUNJ Crew – Known for their bass-heavy and storied DIY parties held around the harbour, the collective of DJs and producers will be joined by world-renowned underground artists, English maestro of psychedelic trance Shackelton and acclaimed Tunisian producer Azu Tiwaline, along with their original DUNJ Crew for a hypnotic, percussive night.
Studio Party by MAD RACKET feat. Red Rack’em, Cousin (live) with Mad Racket DJs – The inner west’s longest-running dance party institution, Mad Racket return with its core crew – Sydney DJs Ken Cloud, Simon Caldwell, Zootie and Jimmi James – this time joined by Bristol-based underground mainstay Red Rack’em and Sydney’s Cousin, whose deep and understated, yet powerful take on house, dub and techno continues to soar.
KEY INFORMATION
WHAT: Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House
WHEN: Friday 23 May – Saturday 14 June 2025
WHERE: Sydney Opera House, various venues
