An ensemble of Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform aboard the 60-metre superyacht The Jackson during Vivid Sydney 2026, combining live classical music with harbour dining as the festival’s lights reflect off the water.
The exclusive Vivid Gold Degustation Dinner runs on select Saturday nights and the Sunday of the long weekend from 22 May to 13 June. Guests will experience a five-course degustation paired with Penfolds wines while the vessel cruises Sydney Harbour.
The Jackson has positioned itself as one of Sydney’s largest privately chartered entertainment spaces on water, with capacity for up to 300 banquet-style guests. The superyacht features state-of-the-art AV systems, a five-metre LED screen, performance stage, multiple bars, and a dance floor.
According to The Jackson’s official website, the dinner cruise will feature “musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, whose artistry and precision have made them one of Australia’s most respected ensembles”.
The format represents an intimate alternative to traditional concert hall performances. Rather than the full orchestra’s 180 annual concerts at the Sydney Opera House, guests will hear select SSO musicians in a dining atmosphere designed for conversation alongside performance.
“Guests will experience the power of live classical performance in a setting unlike any other,” The Jackson’s website states.
Vivid Sydney runs from 22 May until 13 June 2026, featuring the annual festival of Light, Music, Ideas and Food across multiple harbour venues.
Quick Facts
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1932 by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has become one of the world’s finest orchestras. Resident at the Sydney Opera House and led by Chief Conductor Simone Young, the Sydney Symphony is Australia’s flagship orchestra and performs over 180 concerts each year to more than 350,000 people.
The Jackson
The Jackson is a 60-metre superyacht fitted with state-of-the-art AV, a 5-metre LED screen, performance stage, multiple bars, a dance floor, and luxury restrooms on each level. The vessel is based at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour.
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is a world-leading multi-arts festival returning from 22 May to 13 June 2026, transforming iconic landmarks and venues with a multi-artform program of Light, Music, Minds and Food. Produced by Destination NSW, Vivid has grown into one of the world’s largest light festivals since launching in 2009.