The Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic

The Whitlams brings its renowned symphonic collaboration to Newcastle for the first time on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March, with the Sydney Philharmonic joining the band on its trip up the Pacific Highway. The Whitlams was the first Australian indie group to perform with Australia's finest orchestras back in 2004, and after four national tours, it's time for Newcastle to experience the elegance and power of this spectacular show.

The retrospective performance of the band's career will see the Sydney Philharmonic share centre stage, with over 35 musicians playing arrangements by many of Australia's most esteemed composers. Tim Freedman's friendship with the late Peter Sculthorpe is marked by two gorgeous arrangements, and full symphonic treatments have been provided by MSO Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey, Sean O'Boyle, Jamie Messenger, and this performance's conductor Nicholas Buc.

Classic compositions including No Aphrodisiac and Blow Up the Pokies are joined by highlights of The Whitlams' 2020s resurgence with a song from each of the two recent albums, Sancho (2022), and the Americana influenced, Kookaburra (2024).

Tim Freedman says "Once every seven or eight years we get to perform in the middle of the beautiful storm of a symphony orchestra. I am so glad to bring it to Newcastle at last, which has always been our greatest regional supporter"