In an Australian exclusive, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will perform one of the final works by the late, great composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. Last and First Men, an extraordinary multimedia work narrated by Tilda Swinton.

Johann Johannsson's Last and First Men

Location:

Bennelong Point
2000 NSW
Australia

Venue:
Sydney Opera House
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Jóhann Jóhannsson

Access and Inclusion

  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Event Details

Journey to a stunningly evocative future, with the exclusive Australian premiere of the late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Last and First Men, a multimedia work and live score. Shot in black and white, this enigmatic film was also directed by Jóhannsson, with recorded narration by actress Tilda Swinton. Be mesmerised by the haunting live musical accompaniment by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and conductor Benjamin Northey, with Else Torp on vocals (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds ‘Distant Sky’) & Kate Macoboy (vocals, Theatre of Voices). Be transfixed by this one night only performance in the majestic Joan Sutherland Theatre.

Seven years in the making, Jóhannsson’s opus takes Olaf Stapleton’s visionary 1930 sci-fi novel and transforms it into a deeply moving exploration of humanity’s dystopian future, mixing documentary and fiction with breathtaking 16mm footage, Swinton’s indelible voice, and the composer’s wonderfully strange and mesmerising score.

The Icelandic Jóhannsson, sadly passed away in 2018. The Sydney show follows its successful performance with the London Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a fitting tribute to the beloved musician.

Conducted by Benjamin Northey.

General Public tickets on sale Friday 22 March 2019.

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Access and Inclusion

  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.