As the Head of Contemporary Music at the Sydney Opera House, Ben Marshall has spent over a decade transforming the World Heritage-listed venue into a vibrant hub for cutting-edge sound. In his role as the curator of Vivid LIVE, he oversees an ambitious takeover of the House’s stages, consistently programming a mix of global icons, Australian premieres, and experimental club nights. For the 2026 edition, Marshall has assembled a diverse lineup featuring exclusive performances from artists like Mitski and Mogwai, further cementing the festival’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

Vivid LIVE 2026 at the Sydney Opera House is part of the broader Vivid Sydney festival, which runs from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026

Ben spoke to Tony Roma on Thursday Drive about the event.