The Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic | Civic Theatre Newcastle, NSW

Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am UTC+11:00

Civic Theatre Newcastle | Newcastle

The Whitlams Official
Publisher/HostThe Whitlams Official
The Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic | Civic Theatre Newcastle, NSW
Advertisement
The Whitlams brings its renowned symphonic collaboration to Newcastle for the first time on 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 performanceโ€™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 supporterโ€.
"...the kind of arrangements which assume intelligence not just on stage but in the audience.
It's wit and risk and flair." Sydney Morning Herald
"...superbly orchestrated with a sophistication of sound rare in a pop gig." The Age
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Civic Theatre Newcastle, Newcastle Permanent, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia, Newcastle

Tickets
Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Newcastle

Bed By 10 Is Coming To Newcastle NSW!
Sat, 14 Mar at 06:00 am Bed By 10 Is Coming To Newcastle NSW!

15 Steel St, Newcastle West NSW 2302, Australia

Morning of The Earth @Tower Cinemas
Sat, 14 Mar at 07:30 am Morning of The Earth @Tower Cinemas

183-185 King Street, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2300

Michael McNaughton Live @ The Lot
Sat, 14 Mar at 08:30 am Michael McNaughton Live @ The Lot

116 Maitland Rd , Newcastle, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2296

{Newcastle} Sarah McLeod & Dallas Frasca - The GREEN ELECTRIC Tour
Sat, 14 Mar at 09:00 am {Newcastle} Sarah McLeod & Dallas Frasca - The GREEN ELECTRIC Tour

The Stag & Hunter Hotel

Bob Marley Tribute Cruise w\/ Roaring Lion
Sat, 14 Mar at 09:00 am Bob Marley Tribute Cruise w/ Roaring Lion

202-150 Wharf rd, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2300

SHENANIGANS - Neon Nights Edition
Sat, 14 Mar at 10:00 am SHENANIGANS - Neon Nights Edition

The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel

Bed By 10pm Is Coming To Newcastle!
Sat, 14 Mar at 04:00 pm Bed By 10pm Is Coming To Newcastle!

King Street

Newcastle Jets v Auckland FC
Sat, 14 Mar at 05:00 pm Newcastle Jets v Auckland FC

McDonald Jones Stadium

Stronger Together Black Tie Ball 2026
Sat, 14 Mar at 06:00 pm Stronger Together Black Tie Ball 2026

NEX Newcastle

The Years at Queens Wharf Hotel
Sun, 15 Mar at 04:00 am The Years at Queens Wharf Hotel

Queens Wharf Hotel

Newcastle is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Newcastle Events