Saturday, 17 January 2026
Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you, Craig.[1] “Bujari Gamurruwa”. Welcome everyone, as I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians, the Gadigal people, in their language and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.  

This area where we are tonight was a meeting place for the Traditional Owners who called it ‘Tumbalong’, meaning ‘the place where the food from the sea is found’.[2]  

Tonight, we gather from all over Sydney and beyond under the Southern skies, for a wonderful night of music. As Patron of the Sydney Festival and of the world-renowned Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I extend a warm welcome to everyone here - those from Greater Sydney, those from the regions, those visiting from other parts of Australia and to our many international visitors. 

This year is Sydney Festival’s 50th anniversary year, and to celebrate, Artistic Director Kris Nelson has curated 18 days of cabaret, community and connection with some 650 performers from around Australia as well as from 13 overseas countries.   

Symphony Under the Stars has been an iconic feature of the Festival since 1983 and is one of 10 free events open to everyone.  

And speaking of iconic, our very own Sydney Symphony Orchestra Conductor in Residence, Benjamin Northey, whose name has become synonymous with Symphony Under the Stars, will shortly raise his magic wand as he brings the Orchestra to full voice. 

Thank you, Ben, thank you to the Orchestra, and speaking of magic, thank you to William Barton whose always spellbinding performances on the yidaki – or the didgeridoo – as we call it here in the southern part of Australia, is another iconic highlight of tonight’s concert.   

To our audience, thank you for coming - and enjoy! You are as much part of the Festival as the performers, indeed as is The Honourable John Graham MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism who I now welcome to the stage.