OneSydney took over the Sydney Opera House on 14 June 2026, bringing worship, music and Christian unity to one of Australia’s iconic stages.
On Sunday 14 June, history was made beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
The 7pm presentation of OneSydney – Together in Christ played to a sold-out Concert Hall, with thousands gathering for an unprecedented evening of worship, prayer and Christian unity that extended until almost 11pm. Never before had Australia’s most iconic cultural institution hosted a dedicated event of this scale and significance, bringing together Christians from Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Protestant, Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions under one roof.
Vision and Organisation
Conceived by Philip Ryall through the Dear Unity movement and presented in partnership with the Christian Alliance Council of NSW, OneSydney gave tangible expression to Christ’s prayer in John 17:21, “that all may be one.” Alongside Ryall, key organisers Paul Sedrak, and Daz Farrell, together with Production Manager Gary Pinto, helped bring this remarkable vision to fruition.
Hosting
MC Karl Faase guided the evening with warmth, wisdom and gentle humour; his thoughtful presence ensured the focus remained firmly on worship, unity, and the person of Jesus Christ. From the opening prayer, delivered in Aramaic and English by Fr Shimshon Temmo, there was a palpable sense that this was no ordinary performance, but something sacred.
Musical Direction and Performance
Musically, OneSydney was presented with exceptional excellence. Under the musical direction of Beau Golden, the house band featuring Michael Dolce on guitar, Joel Burton on bass and Sisa Koroi on drums, provided a superb foundation throughout the evening. Backing vocalists Brad Pinto, Natasha Pinto, Vince Harder and Dee Uluirewa brought richness, versatility and power to every performance. It was refreshing to see their white attire on the stage, instead of the traditional black often worn by backing singers.
The lineup reflected both the diversity and vitality of the Australian Church. International worship leader Matt Maher ministered with humility and conviction, while acclaimed songwriters Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan, whose music has shaped worship around the world, were joined by Bella Taylor Smith and CXMMXNS in stirring performances that resonated deeply with the audience.
Highlights of the Evening
Among the evening’s highlights was the exquisite rendition of The Prayer by Mark Vincent and Tarryn Stokes. Their voices blended with elegance and emotional depth in one of the night’s most beautiful moments. Budjerah brought infectious joy and gospel energy with There Is A River and Are You Ready For A Miracle, while Lara Nakhle’s moving interpretation of Let Them See You offered a moment of quiet reflection.
One of the evening’s most arresting moments came when Dami Im sat alone at the grand piano to perform Agnus Dei. Her crystalline vocals and heartfelt delivery brought a profound stillness over the Concert Hall, delivering one of the evening’s most memorable performances.
Another standout came when Stan Walker and Bella Taylor Smith joined the Mt Druitt Conquerors Pacific Islands Choir for a stirring rendition of What A Beautiful Name. Stan Walker’s commanding voice, Bella Taylor Smith’s radiant tone, and the choir’s exuberant spirit combined to create a powerful expression of praise. Earlier, Stan’s deeply felt and anointed renditions of Amazing Grace and I Surrender further demonstrated the sincerity and power that have made him one of Australia’s most respected artists.
Audience of One brought a fresh and contemporary expression of worship through a dynamic hip-hop dance performance, while dancer Michaela Barta from Dallas presented the visually captivating piece with The Alabaster Jar. One Body Worship, Southland, The Commons Band, and The Waltzing Church each contributed their own distinctive voices and styles, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary worship.
Choirs and Musical Traditions
The majestic St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir filled the Concert Hall with breathtaking harmonies, while the Australian Byzantine Choir and Melkite Choir offered reminders of the ancient traditions that have shaped Christian worship for centuries. Together, these ensembles beautifully reflected the breadth and depth of the global Church.
Messages and Reflections
Messages from Dr Mary Healy, Dr Ramez Samuel, and Grant Bayldon, CEO of World Vision Australia, added spiritual depth and thoughtful challenge. Pastor Blake Young and Fr Chris Eaton MGL shared a light-hearted yet meaningful exchange that embodied the spirit of fellowship and unity that permeated the evening.
Unity and Worship
As Christian leaders from numerous traditions gathered for united prayer, the significance of the occasion became impossible to ignore. It was a powerful witness to the Body of Christ standing shoulder to shoulder in mutual respect and shared faith.
The evening reached a fitting climax as artists, choirs and worship leaders joined together in a moving rendition of The Blessing. Thousands of voices filled the Concert Hall in a moment of joy, reverence, and hope.
Conclusion
Historic in scope, exceptional in execution and profound in spirit, OneSydney offered a compelling vision of what becomes possible when Christians gather around the person of Jesus Christ. Long after the final note had faded, one sensed that something genuinely significant had unfolded within the Sydney Opera House, a moment destined to resonate far beyond a single evening.
Reviewed by: Simone Waddell