News Desk
SIDNEY: Emirates has renewed its long-standing 23-year partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra until 2028, reinforcing a shared commitment to connecting people through world-class music, culture, and travel experiences.
As Emirates’ longest-running non-sports sponsorship globally, the renewed partnership with Sydney Symphony Orchestra builds on more than two decades of collaboration and will continue to bring extraordinary musical performances to audiences in Australia and around the world.
Celebrating the renewal of the Emirates partnership, an ensemble from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra took to the tarmac at Sydney Airport to perform in front of the flagship Emirates A380. The piece, Takeoff, commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and composed by Jessica Wells exclusively for Emirates, pays tribute to the iconic aircraft. The performance is a symbol of how music and aviation share the power to connect cultures and transcend borders.
As part of the renewed agreement, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will expand its presence on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, with a rotation of orchestral performances, recently adding The Planets. The content will allow millions of Emirates passengers to experience the artistry of one of the world’s leading orchestras while travelling across the airline’s global network.
Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, said: “Music and travel come together in their ability to inspire, connect and move people. We are proud to renew our partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a cultural institution that represents excellence, creativity and global connection. This next chapter of our collaboration not only strengthens our support for the arts in Australia but also allows us to share the orchestra’s extraordinary performances with millions of passengers worldwide through ice.”
Through the renewed partnership, Emirates will continue to support the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s live performances, digital initiatives, and audience engagement, while offering exclusive ticketing and hospitality experiences and presenting partner opportunities across selected concert series.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs more than 150 concerts each year to live audiences of over 350,000 people and reaches millions more globally through recordings and digital platforms. The partnership with Emirates continues to play a key role in expanding that reach, ensuring classical music remains accessible to audiences around the world.
Craig Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Emirates, whose support over many years has enabled us to share extraordinary musical experiences with audiences in Australia at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall and beyond. This renewal celebrates our shared values of excellence and innovation, and we are particularly excited to bring more of our performances to Emirates’ global audience through ice.”
The partnership forms part of Emirates’ broader commitment to supporting arts and culture in Australia and globally. Alongside its extensive sports sponsorship portfolio, the airline continues to invest in music, literature, visual arts, and cultural institutions that enrich the communities it serves.
