Joseph Tawadros: “I love a Sydney that has live music”

My Sydney Story: 

For me the Opera House is definitely up there when I think of Sydney. Everyone dreams of performing there, and the first time I played there was at the age of 16 in the foyer of Sydney Opera House for the Asian Music and Dance Festival. My first proper performance on the Concert Hall stage came with my first Australian tour with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 2006. To think that was almost 20 years ago.

There was a sense of achievement and honour performing a full program of my works at this iconic venue and I’ve been very lucky to have frequented the stage after those formative years. It’s always exciting to perform there, it feels like home and the audience is always receptive and enthusiastic. My three performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2019, the last concerts before the pandemic, were also a highlight for me.   

For me Sydney is home. It’s the place that I’ve grown up and the city I know best. Dear friends and family are here, and one becomes comfortable with local restaurants and sense of community in their area. 

— Joseph Tawadros AM 

Read more Sydney Stories from William Yang, Angelica Osuji, Brett Weymark and Katie Noonan.