The inaugural Horizon Classical concert. Haydn and Copland. Thursday 23 April 2026 · Alexandria, Sydney.
New Horizons was the first public presentation of Horizon Classical — a new concert platform founded by Hans Sangtoki to rethink how conductors are trained and how classical music is experienced. Performed before an audience of over 120 at the International Reformed Evangelical Church in Alexandria, the evening was built around two works that have little in common except their quality: Haydn's joyful, witty morning symphony and Copland's great American landscape.
The concert also featured an open conducting studio with Professor Benjamin Northey, offering an unusual window into the rehearsal and interpretation process for the audience.
Haydn's sunrise symphony — four movements of warmth, wit, and orchestral colour. Written in 1761, a first morning of its own kind.
The complete ballet suite — thirteen minutes of pastoral American landscape, culminating in Copland's unforgettable setting of the Shaker hymn Simple Gifts.
“Immediately, the ensemble impressed with an unanimity of purpose and expression. Sangtoki is both a disciplined leader and an expressive and emotional conduit allowing the orchestra to find much expression through dynamics and tempi.” Victoria Watson · SoundsLike Sydney · April 2026
Full documentation of the New Horizons concert — available for download below.
The second Horizon Classical concert. Glinka · Tchaikovsky · Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Calvin Abdiel. Friday 24 July 2026 · Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music.