FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Prepare to immerse yourself in an enchanting celebration of musical theatre as the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs take centre stage with their Showstoppers concerts, honouring the legendary partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Get ready for a night of music magic, folks! The Grammy-winning maestros of live electronic music, RÜFÜS DU SOL, are set to grace us with an intimate performance that promises to be as iconic as the Sydney Harbour itself. Mark your calendars for October 10th, because this is one sunset performance you won’t want to miss. Imagine this: the sun dipping below the horizon, casting its golden glow over the Harbour, as RÜFÜS DU SOL unleash their hypnotic blend of live instrumentation and electronic beats. It’s the perfect setting for unveiling their highly anticipated fifth album, giving Aussie fans the first peek at their new tunes. It’s not just a concert—it’s an experience, one that promises to be as exclusive as your secret Tim Tam stash. Now, before you start packing your picnic rug, remember that tickets go on sale Friday, October 4, at 10 AM AEST. You’ll want to be quicker than a kangaroo on a hot tin roof, so head over to rufusdusol.com/sydney to snag your passes to this once-in-a-lifetime event. But wait, there’s more! The band’s website has launched a mysterious countdown, teasing more live performance announcements. Could they be planning to take their groundbreaking soundscapes to a city near you? Only time will tell, but it’s safe to say fans around the world are on the edge of their seats. RÜFÜS DU SOL aren’t just a band; they’re a global phenomenon. Since dropping their last album, ‘Surrender,’ they’ve nabbed a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording, earned two Grammy nods in 2023,… Read More
In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More
Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More
For centuries, people of all cultures have gathered in places of worship to share the joy of music. Live at Yours is an artist-led organisation that brings local and international classical artists to audiences across Australia. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Vladimir Fanshil and Eleanor Lyons during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative aimed to provide a safe and intimate setting for live music. Their mission is simple – to connect audiences of diverse backgrounds, including various religions, nationalities, and occupations. Next month, Live at Yours will present events featuring Konstantin Shamray, Midnight in Paris, and Andrey Gugnin at Sydney’s Great Synagogue and Melbourne’s Toorak Synagogue. These venues, usually closed to the public, offer a unique blend of historical significance and architectural beauty, serving as a time capsule of humanity, music, connection, and culture. The organisation’s programming approach combines the casual tradition of the 19th-century European salon with contemporary local influences, making classical music accessible and appealing to a wide array of audiences. Live at Yours’ upcoming events promise to be an incredible and unique experience, showcasing renowned artists and captivating performances in extraordinary settings. If you’re interested in learning more or attending an event, complimentary tickets can be arranged, ensuring a memorable and enchanting experience. Full 2024 program: Live at Yours is an artist-led organisation that presents local and international classical artists to thousands across Australia.
As part of Sydney Festival 2022, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs presented a sellout season of Night of the Soul in the majestic ambience of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. The audience, comfortably reclined on yoga mats and cushions, was immersed in a live performance against a backdrop of towering columns and ancient sandstone walls, resonating with sonic choral beauty. In 2024, this magic will be revisited with a rare performance of one of the most sublime a cappella works ever written—Sergei Rachmaninoff’s hauntingly beautiful All-Night Vigil (also known as his Vespers). This sublime concert will be presented in a specially crafted, dream-like environment at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall, on Saturday, July 20. Much like the 2022 experience, the audience will be invited to find the sweet spot between active listening and meditation. The exceptional voices of over 100 singers from the Choirs’ renowned Symphony Chorus will unite as a living, breathing instrument, interspersed with solos from special guests: mezzo-soprano Hannah Fraser, tenor Louis Hurley, and saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello. For this immersive performance, conductor and Artistic Director Brett Weymark has reimagined Sydney Town Hall, creating a unique acoustic environment by removing much of the ground floor seating. The choir will be positioned centrally, surrounded on all four sides by yoga mats where attendees can recline, letting the sumptuous music wash over them. Traditional seating will also be available around the perimeter, on stage, and in the galleries. Best known for his heart-achingly beautiful piano concertos and lush symphonies featured in films like Brief Encounter and Shine, Rachmaninoff had… Read More
Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of jazz every Thursday at The Rocks Square, where the vibrant sounds of Australian jazz fill the air under twinkling lights. This captivating new programme, curated by SIMA, brings together the coolest and most creative talents from the local jazz scene, promising a sonic adventure you won’t want to miss. Picture this: mingling with your mates, catching up after work, or making new friends as you sip on refreshing cocktails from Hickson House. The jazzy tunes provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and connection, making it an evening to remember. Best of all, Jazz Sessions is free to attend! You can unwind and savour the music without spending a penny. Whether you’re looking for a delightful post-dinner treat or an engaging after-work activity, this is your go-to event. Rain or shine, the music plays on – join us under the stars at The Rocks Square, or head to 6-8 Atherden St just a two-minute walk away if the weather takes a turn. Let the rhythm move you and experience the magic of Jazz Sessions at The Rocks Square. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the soulful sounds of Australia’s finest jazz artists! More info at the website. Here are the remaining shows:
Renowned for his mesmerising rendition of Les Baricades Mistérieuses and Jean-François Tapray’s variation of Rameau’s Les Sauvages, the talented harpsichord virtuoso Justin is poised to captivate audiences with his artistry. Collaborating with celebrated designer Trent Suidgeest, known for his immersive and theatrical styling inspired by the opulence of the Château de Versailles, Justin promises a performance that transcends mere music. A musical masterpiece comes to life Co-founder and Artistic Director of the renowned ensemble, Paul Dyer, expresses his anticipation for Justin’s Australian debut on the Brandenburg stage. Recognizing Justin as an exceptional performer and a true master of the harpsichord despite his youth, Dyer sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of musical excellence. The grandeur of the Bach’s Concerto for Four Harpsichords, with Justin joined by Neal and Anthony, promises a symphonic experience like no other. The artistry of Justin unveiled With a repertoire that includes intricate pieces like Les Baricades Mistérieuses and Les Sauvages, Justin’s mastery of the harpsichord shines through in every note. His interpretation of these Baroque classics, combined with his innovative flair, transports audiences to a realm of musical sophistication and emotional depth. Collaborating with fellow musicians of exceptional calibre, Justin elevates the performance to new heights, promising a harmonious fusion of talent and creativity. A stylistic symphony inspired by history Under the artistic vision of Trent Suidgeest, the performance takes on a transformative quality, drawing inspiration from the grandeur and elegance of the Château de Versailles. Suidgeest’s immersive and theatrical styling imbues the concert with a visual richness that… Read More
Opera Australia is rolling out the red carpet for younger audiences with its innovative Opera for Under 35s program! A fresh initiative that aims to breathe new life into the traditional art form of opera. In a bold move to attract a younger demographic, OA is offering an enticing deal of 500 tickets priced at just $35 each. This special offer marks the launch of a program dedicated to making opera more accessible and appealing to the under-35 crowd, starting with the Australian premiere of Edward Dick’s acclaimed production of Tosca. Scheduled to mesmerise audiences firstly in Melbourne at the Margaret Court Arena on May 24, followed by a season at the iconic Sydney Opera House starting June 25, Tosca is set to be a landmark event. This initiative is not merely about offering discounted tickets; it’s a comprehensive program designed to cultivate a deeper appreciation for opera among young Australians. Registrants of the program can look forward to a 15% discount on tickets to most OA performances year-round, alongside exclusive further discounts for select shows, with some tickets available at the low price of $35. Additionally, members will receive invitations to special behind-the-scenes events including meet-and-greets with artists, all at no additional cost. Jo Davies, OA’s new Artistic Director, expresses her excitement about the program, highlighting it as a strategic move to lower financial barriers and make opera accessible to all, especially during tough economic times. This approach not only preserves but also propels the art form forward by ensuring it remains relevant and… Read More
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO), a beacon of Australia’s early music scene, is set to awe audiences with its upcoming Baroque Kaleidoscope concert series. Scheduled to unfold at Sydney’s illustrious City Recital Hall from 3 – 8 May, before gracing Melbourne Recital Centre from 9 – 12 May, these performances are a testament to the Orchestra’s dedication to both historical authenticity and innovative musical expression. At the heart of this series lies a meticulously chosen repertoire featuring immortal works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel, and their distinguished contemporaries. In what promises to be a transcendent homage to the Baroque period, the ABO ventures back to its origins. The concert series aims to spotlight the fervour and extraordinary adeptness of Brandenburg’s principal musicians. Attendees can look forward to renditions of widely celebrated compositions, including Handel’s lively “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” and a captivating concerto for two violins from Vivaldi’s acclaimed L’estro Armonico. The stage will be graced by luminaries such as Shaun Lee-Chen, the internationally acclaimed Concertmaster whose renditions as a soloist have garnered widespread admiration, notably in last year’s Gloria & The Four Seasons. Equally distinguished are Principal Second Baroque Violin Ben Dollman and Principal Baroque Flute Melissa Farrow, each having enriched the Brandenburg ensemble with over two decades of expertise. Adding to the ensemble’s distinguished lineup, Adam Masters, recently coronated as Principal Baroque Oboe, will deliver a special performance of an Albinoni concerto. Masters’ unconventional path to music, transitioning from a decade-long career in medicine to pursuing his passion in Baroque oboe… Read More
