Category: LIFESTYLE

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s got a surprise for ‘Mozart’s Clarinet’

Handels Messiah Brandenburg Orchestra THE F 2

The Brandenburg Orchestra’s is Australia’s answer to baroque music. And if you haven’t heard of them before or been to a show, then it’s time you know: you’re missing out. This season, they’ve taken on a new soloist for their Mozart series, Craig Hill, who’s got an over forty-three-year history with Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, performing the piece over many decades including twice with the Brandenburg. While the wistful Adagio is familiar to many from its use in numerous well-known film scores such as Out of Africa and The King’s Speech, Hill will perform on the traditional period basset clarinet in a rare chance for audiences to hear the work on the instrument it was originally intended and from one of the country’s leading clarinetists. The performance is an homage to the composer (Mozart) as it was his last piece before his untimely death at age 35. Before you go to the Brandenburg Orchestra website to buy tickets, here are the dates to plan: DATES City Recital Hall, Sydney Thu, 28 April, 7:00 PM?  Fri, 29 April, 7:00 PM  Sat, 30 April, 7:00PM?  Tue, 3 May, 7:00 PM?  Thu, 12 May, 7:00 PM?  Sat, 14 May, 2:00 PM?  Melbourne Recital Centre?  Thu, 5 May, 7:00PM  Sat, 7 May, 7:00 PM?  Sun, 8 May, 5:00 PM?  Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Fri, 13 May, 7:00PM 

The ultimate road trip in Australia – as voted by everyone

Road trip

The Great Ocean Road has been named the Nextbase Ultimate Aussie Road Trip 2022. So, if ever there was a time to hire a car, buy a car, borrow a car – it’s now. With over 1,600 votes, the Great Ocean Road finished ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA and the Tasmanian Ring Road.  Deciding it was time to settle the debate once and for all, the world’s leading Dash Cam manufacturer Nextbase asked the public which Australian road trip is the crown in the road.  From the shortlist of 10, the Great Great Ocean Road finished top, ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys and the Tasmanian Ring Road. In total, 1,635 Australians voted across November through to January 31, 2022.  THE TOP-10 ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS: Great Ocean Road, VIC Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA Tasmanian Ring Road, TAS  Cairns to Normanton (on your way to NT), QLD Darwin to Kakadu, NT South Coast including Eurobodalla Shire Region and Narooma , NSW   Alice Springs to Uluru, NT Longreach to Rockhampton loop including Emerald and Carnarvon, QLD Birdsville Track, QLD & SA Bright, Falls Creek, Omeo loop, VIC If this is your kind of thing, then hey, check out some of the best SUVs for the job!

Sydney Art Quartet announce their 2022 concert season

Sydney Art Quartet music cielo

Kicking off with La Belle Epoque this March 18-19 2022, the Sydney Art Quartet is taking to the stage to return to their comfortable place of live performance. Renowned for their virtuosic live performances and diverse and often unexpected collaborations, the SAQ masterfully intertwines music within fascinating cultural and creative cultural contexts traversing the wider worlds of history, the arts and the sciences. The Sydney Art Quartet’s 2022 program begins with the exquisitely conceived La Belle Epoque, created in collaboration with Champagne Maison Perrier-Jouët. It’s an introduction to their entire elcohol brand-partnered series, like: Mendelssohn Quartet Op.44/3 – Champagne Blanc De Blancs NV  Borodin Quartet No.2 – Grand Brut NV Beethoven Quartet Op.59/2 – Belle Époque Vintage 2013 Smetana Quartet No.1 “From My Life’ – Blason Rosé NV  Limited to just three intimately scaled performances, La Belle Epoque is sure to sell out! Book now for Friday March 18 at 7pm, or Saturday March 19 at 3pm or 7pm, at sydneyartquartet.com/belle-epoque

Trends that will change the future of the car industry by 2030

car hyundai nsw

As technology advances, numerous industries are experiencing dramatic changes, and the automobile industry is one of them. Today, new brands, new propulsion methods, new safety measures, etc. are springing up in different places around the world. Given this, we are can only imagine what the future of the car industry will look like. So, let’s examine the trends that will shape the future of the auto industry by 2030. New business models could boost the revenues of automotive It has been projected that there will be a huge increase in the pool of automotive revenue. Similarly, we will experience diversification that allows data-driven and on-demand mobility services. As a result of this, there could be a 30% boost in the automotive revenue pool by 2030. Notably, this means an increase of $1.5 trillion in the revenue pool. Also, drivers and passengers will have more time to enjoy services and media during their transit time. All thanks to the advancement in autonomous technology and connectivity that we could experience by 2030. As much as 15% of new vehicles could be fully autonomous Let’s talk more about autonomous vehicles. Currently, there are lots of regulatory and technological challenges that autonomous vehicles are dealing with. These challenges include security/safety concerns, consumer understanding, and pricing. As a result of these issues, it is difficult for these automobiles to be commercialized. Nonetheless, it has been forecasted that these challenges would have been resolved by 2030. If this is so, fully autonomous vehicles could be responsible for as much as 15%… Read More

9 most iconic celeb-owned alcohol brands

Ryan Reynolds gin

You may know your go-to Friday night cocktail recipe off by heart, but did you ever stop to think about who might be manufacturing your favourite tipple? As it turns out, many celebrities are involved in the alcohol industry, and are more than just a pretty face; they’re often the brains behind what goes in the bottle… These are some of the most successful celeb-owned alcohol brands we recommend adding to your bar cart ASAP. Ryan Reynolds Ryan Reynolds was always an avid lover of gin and became a co-owner and creative director of Aviation Gin simply because he loved the taste, crowning it the best gin on the planet. The gin is well-loved because of its clean taste and versatility. It can be consumed on its own, but is recommended as a base for cocktails due to its tasty, mix-able culmination of seven botanicals. Aviation was valued at around $610 million and is available for purchase worldwide. George Clooney In 2013, Clooney, alongside Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, launched Casamigos, a tequila and mezcal label. The group first started manufacturing this tequila according to their personal tastes (a tasty tequila with no need for salt or lime), to be shared among family and friends, but eventually went public with the creation. Casamigos sold in 2017 to Diageo for $1 billion, and is now one of the most highly-regarded tequilas on the market. Graham Norton Talk show host, Graham Norton, has submerged himself in the alcohol industry with his collection of wines and gins. Norton… Read More

Coming this July, MG’s latest electric vehicle will take to the roads

MG SUV car blue

MG is rejoining the pack when it comes to making our world cleaner, lowering the amount we drop on fuel (thanks, Russia) and generally doing better for the planet, one car at a time. Recently, MG Australia announced that the latest ZS EV is set to consolidate MG Motor Australia and New Zealand’s position as a leader in the affordable new energy vehicle space when it launches in July this year. Read about our test drive of the MG ZS SUV In the global push to electrify the roads and cut carbon emissions, MG is doing its part with the ZS EV SUV for inner city jaunts. Complete with a comprehensive styling makeover, a completely new interior treatment and a new, more efficient and better-performing power train are just some of the exciting new enhancements for Australia’s best-selling electric SUV, which will go on sale from $46,990 drive-away right across Australia. But what else is there to look forward to, if you’re in the market for a new ride? Well… There are two different types of car available at launch Customers will be able to choose from two variants, with the new value-led Excite complementing the stylish, luxurious Essence.  Get it from anywhere With over 85 dealers offering the MG for purchase, you can get it from any major hub. The new ZS EV will be backed by a national network MG Motor dealers and will be covered by MG’s 7-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which also includes the high-voltage battery. Get it early, get it cheap And… Read More

Bundy Rum does coconut: the new small batch distillery edition

Man cocktail coconut

The second flavour in its Small Batch Distillery Edition, with all the notes of a sun-drenched tropical island, the new batch by Bundaberg Rum is ideal for the season. Coconut Reserve has been expertly crafted by filtering hand selected 16-year-old rum reserves through coconut shell charcoal to develop intriguing and sophisticated notes of chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar, and toasted coconut. This one-of-a-kind rum is one of the distillery’s finest – perfect for enjoying neat, on the rocks, mixed with pineapple juice, or used in a Pina Colada. But why should you care? The Bundaberg Coconut Reserve is the second release from the Small Batch Distillery Edition series that was first released in November last year. The series was created to mark the anniversary of the Distillery’s opening with Bundy celebrating its 133rd birthday this year, using new-aged flavour trends with old-age rums that have been mastered over hundreds of years. So if ever there was a reason to try something new, it’s now. Get Bundaberg Rum Distillery in-store or online for RRP $84.95

Tread softly gin: Tread Softly has launched two delicious gins featuring delicate botanicals

tread softly gin

Progressively eco-conscious brand Tread Softy has launched two new gins – Tread Softy Dry Gin and Tread Softly Pink Gin. Lighter in alcohol (37%) compared to most contemporary gin, this botanical range is loaded with juniper and finger limes, pink peppercorn, hibiscus, cinnamon, lemon myrtle and nutmeg.  Tread Softly Dry Gin: A traditional style of gin, infused with juniper, jasmine and native citrus characters, the palate is imbued with notes of angelica, pink rose and chamomile as well as hints of eucalypt and nutmeg.  Tread Softly Pink Gin: Featuring a delicate blush colour, Tread Softly Pink Gin is lusciously distilled with juniper and finger limes. Evocative, and aromatically charged on the nose, secondary notes provide a profusion of pink peppercorn and hibiscus, complemented by cinnamon, lemon myrtle and nutmeg.  The brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by planting an Australian native tree for every 6 bottles sold. Since 2019, they have planted over 500,00 trees in conjunction with Carbon Neutral.  “We recently achieved a celebratory milestones of planting 500,000 trees for Carbon Neutral. Now Tread Softly fans and gin lovers can help make a positive contribution to the environment by helping us work towards our goal of planting 1 million trees,” said Ross Marshall, general manager at Fourth Wave Wine.  Tread Softy Gin is available from liquor retailers nationally at RRP $59.99 each. 

The colour and excitement of Sydney Mardi Gras 2022: a photo story

Mardi Gras Parade 2022

The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went off with a bang in 2022, taking over – yet again – the Sydney Cricket Ground in lieu of its usual Oxford Street route due to the pandemic. But despite news of war, bad weather and general average news around the world, the crowd gathered in celebration and love for one and all, shining a light on diversity, inclusion and equality regardless of who you are and who you love. Here are some highlights from the evening.

A new range of delicate French Rosé that’s perfect for your next party or picnic

Everything's Coming up (French) Rose!

Are you looking to add a bit of ‘French Flair’ to your next get together? Or what about something a little special for mum for Mother’s Day?  Thanks to Dan Murphy’s there are now four new elegant, light French Rosé available to gift mum or help make your next celebration a hit. But what’s so special about French Rosé you ask? Well, French Rosé tends to be drier and more delicate. The best rosé wine in the world is considered to come from France, in particular the Provence region. While traditionally it was enjoyed during the summer months in France, the French have now taken to enjoy this elegant wine all year round and usually have it as an aperitif or with a meal.  “We are really excited to offer these stunning French Rose wines to Australian rosé lovers. They have been carefully sourced from some of the leading winemakers in France from the renowned rosé regions of Provence and Languedoc and many have won awards for their outstanding flavour,” said Anne Charlotte Ferrari, business manager at Dan Murphy’s Imported Wine.  Meet the range, now available in Dan Murphy’s. Mirval Cotes de Provence Rosé (RRP $34.99): This rosé is a complex, flavoursome blend of cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle, bursting with notes of raspberry, wild strawberries, citrus and melon. Recently place in Wine Spectator’s Top 100, this delicious rosé is considered to be one the best examples of rosé in the world. Surrounded by exclusive valley locations and exceptional terroir, this rose is the result… Read More