The Sydney Youth Orchestra presents Lied der Nacht

The Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) proudly presents Lied der Nacht, a spectacular season finale featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, “Song of the Night.”

The Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) proudly presents Lied der Nacht, a spectacular 2025 season finale featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, “Song of the Night.” Under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Stanley Dodds, this ambitious performance showcases the extraordinary talent and emotional depth of Sydney’s finest young musicians.

Mahler’s Seventh Symphony is a journey through darkness into light. Spanning five movements, this masterwork explores a rich nocturnal landscape - from the mysterious shadows of B minor to the triumphant blaze of C major. With its haunting “Nachtmusik” serenades and ghostly scherzo, the symphony evokes a dreamlike world of transformation and contrast.

Featuring an expansive orchestration including tenor horn, cowbells, mandolin, and guitar, Mahler’s Seventh demands both technical precision and emotional maturity. Under Stanley Dodds’ expert direction, SYO’s young performers will bring fresh insight to this complex and deeply expressive composition.

Joining the Sydney Youth Orchestra for this unforgettable evening is the SYO Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Williams, one of Australia’s most versatile and accomplished conductors. Their program includes:

• Koehne – Elevator Music
• Kats-Chernin – Wild Swans (Selections)

• Copland – El Salón México

Meet the Conductors

Stanley Dodds – Chief Conductor, Sydney Youth Orchestra

Currently serving as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Cavatina Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland, Stanley Dodds is also Principal Conductor of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor of SYO since 2024. A former violinist with the Berlin Philharmonic for over 30 years, Dodds is renowned for his dynamic leadership and commitment to youth music education.

Stephen Williams – Conductor, SYO Philharmonic Orchestra

Stephen Williams brings decades of experience across symphonic, jazz, and educational music. He has conducted at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and has led Australian ensembles at international festivals in Europe, Asia, and the USA. Williams is also the founding Music Director of the Northern Beaches Symphony Orchestra and a key figure in NSW music education.