Did you know the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Oboe Diana Doherty is also a painter? Or have you ever wanted to step into Chief Conductor David Robertson’s shoes? To celebrate the holiday season, the SSO  has started the bidding on 34 unique experiences that will allow people to get up close and personal with the orchestra’s musicians. The auction is raising funds for the SSO’s Learning and Engagement programme, which reaches more than 35,000 young people each year.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Oboe Diana Doherty.

The items going under the hammer include a chance for two people to join the SSO on their 2018 European tour, visiting 12 cities and venues (including the Philharmonie concert halls in Berlin, Paris, and Luxemburg, among others), flying business class between Sydney and Europe. While this is the most expensive listing, with bidding starting at $30,000, there are a range of other experiences on offer, including a regional tour experience (which starts at $6000) and opportunities to engage with the musicians on a more personal level.

Artistic on the oboe, so too she is with her paintbrush – bidding for...