With genre-defying street parties, legacy-making performances and free outdoor gigs, Vivid Music 2025 is our most diverse and dynamic program yet.  

Vivid Music’s curator and producer, Julian Ramundi, has scoured the globe (and Sydney’s own backyard) to create a line-up that celebrates diversity and excellence in sound – the result is a dream program that spans genres, cultures and communities.  

Whether you’re here for the iconic, the immersive or the unexpected, there’s something for everyone. Check out his must-see gigs from the bumper program below and the rest of the program here.

10 Years of NLV Records 

In a nutshell: Late-night energy, experimental beats 

“Celebrating a decade of Nina Las Vegas’s groundbreaking label, this full-venue blowout across two stages at Sydney’s iconic Metro Theatre is a genre-defying homage to Australia’s club scene. The line-up reads like a who’s who of future sounds: 1300, Gold Fang, Ninajirachi, FOURA, Strict Face, and a back-to-back set from NLV and Anna Lunoe. It’s going to be a belter, don’t miss it.”  

My Sis: Celebrating 10 Years of Bad Apples Music 

In a nutshell: An all-female First Nations music takeover 

“A powerful night of culture, storytelling and sisterhood, My Sis features an all-female First Nations line-up curated by Briggs’s trailblazing label, Bad Apples Music. The line-up crosses Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand), featuring Barkaa, Ladi6, Alice Skye, RIAH, MĀ and Kenzie From Welly. This is hip-hop, neo-soul and R&B with meaning, movement and mana, a celebration of 10 years of the label.” 

Stella Jang + Ivoris | Tumbalong Nights 

In a nutshell: Two stars from two hemispheres on our stage under the stars  

“Stella Jang brings her trilingual indie-pop flair straight from Seoul, blending jazz, ballad and RnB. Sharing the stage is Melbourne’s Ivoris, whose sweetly nostalgic RnB melodies have made her a streaming sensation. Together, they offer a joyful, heart-on-sleeve night of free music in the heart of Vivid Sydney at the Tumbalong Stage.” 

An Evening with Warren Ellis 

In a nutshell: An incredible career retrospective and an intimate performance 

“Dirty Three co-founder. Nick Cave collaborator. Composer. Conservationist. Warren Ellis is a legend of Australian music. In this intimate conversation, Ellis shares his creative journey and his passion for protecting endangered species in Sumatra, as documented in the new film Ellis Park. The evening also includes a special solo set and is not to be missed.” 

Tangerine Dream at City Recital Hall  

In a nutshell: A night of electronic music history 

“The Berlin School pioneers return to Sydney for the first time in over 40 years. Known for their iconic synth scores (Thief, Risky Business) and sprawling, innovative compositions, Tangerine Dream’s immersive set at City Recital Hall promises to be dreamy and hypnotic.” 

Vivid LIVE Highlights 

Anohni and the Johnsons: Mourning the Great Barrier Reef 

In a nutshell: A cinematic concert featuring an international exclusive 

“Anohni’s only Australian shows in a decade blend live performance, intimate storytelling and haunting visuals of the Great Barrier Reef. More than music – it’s an environmental elegy and will stay with you long after the last note.” 

Beth Gibbons 

In a nutshell: A haunting performance from an astounding English singer-songwriter 

“The iconic voice of Portishead returns with her first-ever solo show, drawing from her acclaimed new album Lives Outgrown and other past projects. Expect a raw, mesmerising performance from one of music’s most enigmatic figures.” 

The Sabres of Paradise 

In a nutshell: A spectacular show that fuses ambient, dub and early techno 

“The original five-piece live group in this pioneering UK electronic outfit reunites after 30 years. With visuals by Innerstrings, it’s a full-bodied rave through music history.” 

Pat Metheny 

In a nutshell: One of the greatest jazz guitarists takes to the Sydney Opera House stage 

“A 20-time Grammy winner and one of the most influential guitarists of all time, Pat Metheny returns to Sydney with his masterful Dream Box tour. Experience jazz innovation at its most intimate, intricate and inspired.”