North Sydney's popular Sunset Series returns this autumn with an ambitious lineup spanning classical orchestration to contemporary soul, reinforcing the area's commitment to accessible cultural programming in public spaces.
The free concert series, held on three consecutive monthly Sundays, transforms St Leonards Park into an open-air venue combining live performances with family activities, food offerings, and community engagement opportunities.
This season opens on March 16 with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra, whose 50-piece ensemble will showcase their versatility beyond traditional classical repertoire with performances that include swing arrangements. The orchestra will be preceded by Billie McCarthy, whose jazz-folk vocals provide a more intimate musical counterpoint to the orchestral main act.
April's installment pivots toward contemporary sounds with GODTET headlining. The instrumental group has built a following for their experimental approach that merges jazz foundations with psychedelic elements and improvisational techniques. Support act BlauHaus will present a solo performance utilising live looping to create layered acid jazz and funk compositions.
The May 11 Mother's Day finale features Thando, a vocalist whose work spans soul, R&B, and funk traditions. Her powerful vocal presence will be complemented by Natalie Slade, whose soulful compositions have garnered international recognition.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker frames the series as part of a broader municipal philosophy about public space activation. "Events like Sunset Series reinforce the importance of accessible open spaces and the role of live music in fostering social connection," Baker notes, highlighting the council's view of cultural programming as community development rather than mere entertainment.
This approach to programming outdoor spaces as cultural venues rather than simply recreational areas represents an emerging trend in urban planning, where municipalities increasingly view public parks as platforms for cultural engagement.
For music enthusiasts, the series offers exposure to both established local institutions like the North Symphony Orchestra and emerging artists spanning multiple genres in a single afternoon. For families, the combination of quality music with interactive elements creates an entry point for children to engage with live performance in a low-pressure environment.
As urban densification continues in North Sydney, programming like the Sunset Series addresses the growing need for communal experiences that bring diverse residents together in shared public spaces – creating temporary cultural commons in an increasingly privatised urban landscape.
Location: St Leonards Park
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Cost: Free
For more information, visit www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/sunsetseries
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