News

Obscura opens with Joseph Tawadros and Emma McGrath

12 February 2025.

Our experimental concert series, Obscura at the Odeon kicks off this Friday with a sold-out concert starring eight-time ARIA award-winner Joseph Tawadros.

London-based Tawadros, who was born in Egypt and grew up in Australia, is known for his joyous on-stage presence and incredible skill with multiple instruments.

Tawadros plays more than 50 instruments, although his favourite is ancient guitar-like instrument, the oud.

At the Odeon this Friday night, he’ll star alongside our very own Concertmaster Emma McGrath, an internationally renowned violinist who is known for her ‘style, verve and personality’ on stage (Limelight).

Joseph’s brother, award-winning musician James Tawadros will also travel to Hobart for the concert, playing percussion. Together the brothers have won five ARIA awards for Best World Music Album.

A vibrant ensemble performs on stage, featuring a musician in a yellow jacket, purple pants, and a purple hat playing an oud with a joyful expression. Beside him, a percussionist plays a tambourine, while other musicians on strings and lute accompany them. The stage setup includes sheet music on stands and microphones capturing the lively performance.

Joseph Tawadros (centre in yellow shirt) performs with his brother James Tawadros (right).

A full orchestra performs on a concert hall stage, with a conductor leading the ensemble. In the foreground, a musician wearing a vibrant patterned shirt and a yellow fez plays the oud, while another musician in a vest and cap plays a tambourine. The string section, woodwinds, and other orchestra members are focused on their instruments, creating a dynamic and culturally rich performance.

James and Joseph Tawadros. Photo by Daniela Testa courtesy of Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Our 2025 Obscura series includes Obscura 2 | Electronica in August, featuring German violinist Hannah Solveij and rockstar young conductor Sam Weller.

In October, the TSO collaborates with master choreographer Graeme Murphy AO for Obscura 3 | Sequenza.

These concerts sell out quickly!

A full orchestra performs on a dimly lit stage, illuminated by dramatic red and white spotlights. The conductor stands at the podium, leading the musicians, who are dressed in black and spread across the stage with strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion sections. The atmospheric lighting and haze create a cinematic and immersive concert experience.

Obscura 2 | Electronica features violinist Hannah Solveij and conductor Sam Weller.

Alt text: A dramatic dance performance unfolds on stage, with a female dancer in a floral dress and high heels stepping toward a male dancer in a dark suit. The stage is bathed in moody blue and golden lighting, with fog and backlit spotlights creating an intense, cinematic atmosphere. In the background, an orchestra is faintly visible, adding to the theatrical setting.

Obscura 3 | Sequenza is curated by master choreographer Graeme Murphy.

Explore Obscura

Get TSO News

Be the first to hear about news, concerts and more! Join our mailing list today.