Symphonic rock is a style of rock music that incorporates elements from classical music. Such elements can for example be classical instruments, classical themes or classical composition schemes. Other characteristics are that the music is often complex, at least when compared to other types of rock and popular music, that elaborate compositions are used (resulting in long songs and concept albums), and that the synthesizer is an important instrument. Symphonic rock had its highest popularity in the 1970s, but around 1980 lost in popularity, possibly because of the rise of punk (the simplistic punk and complex symphonic rock might be considered opposites). Later in the 1980s there was a slight revival.

Symphonic rock groups include:

• Alan Parsons Project
• Electric Light Orchestra
• Emerson Lake and Palmer
• Genesis (early works)
• Marillion
• Moody Blues
• Pink Floyd
• Procol Harum
• Yes
• Rick Wakeman

Symphonic rock is also very closely identified with progressive rock, and may be considered a sub-genre.

See also: List of popular songs based on classical music.