The Birth of Song - Haydn, Beethoven & Schubert.
18th Century Unpacked with the Australian Haydn Ensemble

Join the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) for the second instalment of our exciting new series of interactive lecture-recitals, 18th Century Unpacked — designed to deepen your connection with our mainstage touring programs.

In The Birth of Song, we explore the origins and evolution of the art song, tracing its journey from Haydn’s charming folk song arrangements to Beethoven’s lyrical settings and Schubert’s profound lieder.

Presented and performed by renowned Australian baritone David Greco, alongside musicians of the AHE, this engaging one-hour event invites you to experience Haydn’s wit, Beethoven’s creativity, and Schubert’s poetic depth in an intimate and accessible format.

Featuring live excerpts from Haydn’s Scottish songs, Beethoven’s Irish song settings, and selections from Schubert’s Winterreise, this captivating program reveals how the simple song blossomed into one of the most beloved forms of classical music.

Join like-minded music lovers for a relaxed and informative event in the glorious surrounds of the Friends Room in the State Library of New South Wales.

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MORE ABOUT THE 18TH CENTURY UNPACKED SERIES

18TH CENTURY UNPACKED

Enhance your concert experience with our exclusive five-part pre-concert series, designed for anyone passionate about 18th-century music, historical performance, and period instruments. Held in conjunction with the State Library of NSW and alongside our 2025 season, this program offers you five curated pre-concert events, each including a glass of wine on arrival, nibbles, and a deep dive into the music and historical context of our performances, guided by guest experts. Bring a friend or come solo and connect with other local music-lovers.

Your ticket includes:

• A one-hour, relaxed, and engaging lecture-style event led by AHE musicians and guest experts, complete with an interactive Q&A session.

• Glass of wine on arrival, nibbles and cash bar available.

Event Details:

• When: Tuesdays at 6:00 pm throughout the year. Arrive for a welcoming glass at 6:00 pm; the session begins at 6.30 pm and ends at 7.30 pm, followed by an opportunity to chat with fellow music-lovers until 8pm.

• Friends Room, Ground Floor, Mitchell Building, 1 Shakespeare Place Sydney NSW 2000

  Please arrive to the Mitchell Building, the old Library building opposite the Botanic Gardens. Enter via the main stairs (accessible lift available on the right-hand side of the stairs), and follow the signs to the right to the Friends Room.