Sunset Variations is the most unique thing to do in Sydney right now

• Sunset Variations is Sydney’s new free live music series at the Sydney Conservatory.
• Every Friday, Sydney’s most experimental musicians will soundtrack the city’s world-famous golden hour.
• Picnics are permitted but you can’t BYO alcohol or glass.
• READ MORE: The most romantic things to do in Sydney for couples.

The iconic Sydney Observatory sits atop the steepest hill in the city, drawing much of its value from a shockingly beautiful vista stretching from one side of Sydney Harbour to the other. Since 1788, this heritage-listed meteorological station and science museum has been a source of great inspiration for Sydneysiders, even if they aren’t reaching for the stars.

In the past few years the Sydney icon has served as a unique space for all types of events and performances. But it’s latest may be the most unique yet, conceived as a concert series blending the spiritual bliss of golden hour with experimental live music.

Sunset Variations has been running for a few weeks now, each Friday bringing in a host of eccentric Australian artists for free performances set against the sunset.

Pitched as a “immersive and evolving 3-hour set” by the same team behind Ultimo’s Powerhouse Museum, the live music series throws ambient sounds at the buttery night sky, scoring the sun as it sinks into the harbour to create one of the world’s most magnificent nightly shows.

We’ve already seen beautiful sunset performances from the likes of instrumental duo Wilson Tanner and composer xmunashe, with the next edition falling on Valentine’s Day with experimental electronic artists e fishpool locked in. Next up will be the spellbinding Maryam Rahmani on Friday, February 21 while the powerful RONA caps the Sunset Variations series on Friday, February 28.

Considering free live music programs are all the rage in Sydney right now, we’re thinking Sunset Variations is exactly the kind of off-kilter idea that the city needs as we push towards a more vibrant and dynamic nightlife.

There will be an on-site bar popping up for the event as well as food available to buy. Sydney Observatory has always been one of the most popular picnic spots in Sydney so you’ll be able to bring your own set up. Although there’s strictly no BYO alcohol or glass. The concerts are free, but you’ll need to RSVP your interest in advance.

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Sunset Variations

Where: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000
When: Every Friday until February 28
Price: Free (with RSVP)

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