Category: MUSIC

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Unveils Exciting 2024 Season

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The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has recently announced its highly anticipated 2024 Season, a diverse and dynamic program of live concert series set to take place at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Melbourne Recital Hall. The upcoming season promises to captivate audiences with theatrical performances and innovative interpretations of the best of Baroque music. One of the highlights of the 2024 Season is the inclusion of renowned international guest artists who will be making their Australian debut alongside the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. French harpsichordist Justin Taylor, Japanese soprano Yukie Sato, and Italian fortepianist Francesco Corti are among the talented musicians set to grace the stage and add an extra layer of brilliance to the performances. Paul Dyer, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “Our 2024 season continues the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s bold mission to excite, to honour, to reinvent and to reignite the energy of early music.” He further emphasized the range of musical experiences the audience can expect, from the harmonious voices of a full orchestra to the intimate performances of next-generation soloists. Co-Founder and Managing Director Bruce Applebaum also shared his enthusiasm, inviting both loyal fans and newcomers to join the orchestra on this exciting journey. He encouraged audiences to be ready to be engaged, uplifted, moved, and renewed, suggesting that the 2024 season would challenge preconceptions and reward curiosity. The season kicks off with “Notre-Dame,” a moving tribute to the iconic cathedral’s enduring spirit as a hub of musical innovation. This concert… Read More

Must See: Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

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If you’re a fan of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 will deliver on the most scandalous aspects in one epic 2-hour musical extravaganza. Darlinghurst Theatre Company is presenting the Australian debut of award-winning electro-pop opera, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 written by composer and lyricist Dave Malloy from July 9 to August 20 at their Eternity Playhouse. Directed by Dean Drieberg, led musically by Musical Director Claire Healy and moves by Choreographer Brendan Yeates, draws on an eclectic mix of musical styles including folk, indie-rock, electro-pop and techno, making it one of the most unique and form-defying musicals ever seen on Broadway, where it was critically acclaimed… and now we’re lucky enough to have it in Sydney! The story follows the young and spontaneous Natasha as she awaits the return of Andrey, her beloved fiancé on the front lines. One dizzying night at the Opera, in a city exploding with hedonism and opulent excess, Natasha falls passionately in love with the dashing, roguish, (and already married) Anatole. To solve her love conundrum, she turns to her lonely friend Pierre (in the middle of an existential crisis) who makes it his mission to extricate her from risk of ruin and in doing so, renew his own soul. The impressive cast bringing this reimagined story to life is Grace Driscoll as Nastasha. Grace hails from the Gold Coast and is a proud biracial woman with a pastiche for shows with long titles. Grace’s professional credits include Shirley… Read More

Live music at Sotheby’s London for Pride Month

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Experience the Symphony of Diversity with Sotheby’s and The Barbican. This summer, immerse yourself in a unique celebration of diversity and classical music. Join us as we pay tribute to the influential queer composers who have shaped our musical history. On 30th June 2023, Sotheby’s galleries on New Bond Street will be transformed into a stage for the award-winning conductor, Oliver Zeffman. Witness the London-born maestro leading a programme that highlights the radical contributions of queer classical composers such as Handel, Caroline Shaw, and Henriette Bosman. This event is more than a concert; it’s an homage to the LGBTQ+ narrative within the musical canon. But the melody doesn’t stop there. The Sotheby’s concert sets the tempo for an expanded performance at The Barbican Centre on 7th July. Nick Grimshaw presents this landmark event, where Zeffman will conduct the renowned Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This occasion marks the first classical Pride concert by a major orchestra anywhere in Europe. Experience the world premiere of Julian Anderson’s Echoes, along with masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Poulenc, and Bernstein. Here are the details for the Sotheby’s event: The performance will take place amidst major Old Masters, creating a harmonious fusion of visual and auditory arts. These masterpieces will be up for auction during the week of 3rd July. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is essential. Reserve your spot today and get ready to sway to the rhythm of equality and pride. Grab your tickets through Sotheby’s website here. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity… Read More

Australia’s Darwin Festival is back!

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The 2023 Darwin Festival is set to ignite the Australian arts scene with 18 days of spectacular performances from local talents, national and international artists, and a range of shows that will delight both tourists and locals. From August 10 to August 27, the festival will feature over 80 events spread across 28 venues, with more than 850 artists from the NT, Australia, and overseas taking the stage. Music lovers will have plenty of options to choose from, with performances from a diverse range of genres on offer. The INPEX Sunset Stage in Festival Park, one of the Territory’s most popular open-air venues, will host a dynamic line-up of live music, featuring Aboriginal women from Groote Eylandt and Dr. Shellie Morris’s Yarnumamalya Ayangkidarrbalangwa, ’90s rock legends Regurgitator, ARIA-winning Budjerah, dance-pop mavericks Haiku Hands, Unearthed High winner Jacotene, Arnhem Land’s rising star Yirrmal, and History of House, a musical journey through disco, pop, and house, with DJ Groove Terminator and Soweto Gospel Choir. The closing weekend of the festival will take place at the iconic Darwin Ski Club, featuring a mesmerising waterfront concert by Queensland virtuoso Katie Noonan performing Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and a musical journey led by The Whitlams Black Stump Band, revisiting cherished hits and debuting new originals. Apart from live music, the festival boasts an impressive roster of events across theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual arts, and family-oriented shows. The 17-year-old National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) will showcase the diversity and achievements of First Nations musicians and foster the careers of acclaimed artists…. Read More

Verdi’s Rigoletto is back at Sydney Opera House

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Opera Australia is proud to present Verdi’s beloved opera, Rigoletto, at the Joan Sutherland Theatre from June 13-26, 2023. Regarded by the composer himself as his finest work, Rigoletto features captivating melodies, a gripping plot, and complex characters that explore themes that remain relevant today. The story follows a tale of love and revenge, examining the corrupt nature of power and wealth within society. Verdi’s score includes some of the most renowned operatic tunes, such as “La donna è mobile” and “Bella figlia dell’ amore”, which have achieved worldwide recognition, appearing in popular culture from pasta adverts to blockbuster movies. Leading the cast is rising Italian baritone, Ernesto Petti, making his Australian and role debut as the vengeful Rigoletto, alongside Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume, who will sing the role of Gilda. Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will reprise his role as the Duke of Mantua, while Roberto Scandiuzzi, one of the world’s most prominent basses, will portray the ruthless Sparafucile, as well as performing in Aida this winter. Renowned Italian maestro Renato Palumbo will conduct the Opera Australia Orchestra, and Elijah Moshinsky’s glamorous production is inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, featuring a revolving two-storey dollhouse set, 1950s-inspired costumes, and a charming Fiat 500. Rigoletto is one of Opera Australia’s most popular and enduring productions, featuring magnificent sets, exciting performances, and Verdi’s sensational score that continues to captivate audiences.

New theatre bar coming to Australia: Club Broadway

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Get ready to put on your dancing shoes because Australia’s newest and most unique nightclub experience is hitting Sydney this Saturday, May 20th, and Melbourne in June. Check the website for the full location list. Club Broadway is the first full-scale 18+ musical theatre nightclub to grace Australia, and it promises to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Think Archer Street in London! DJ Dan Murphy, a passionate musical theatre aficionado, will only play musical theatre songs all night long for club-goers to sing and dance along to. But this isn’t just any nightclub – it’s a musical theatre rave! Original versions of showtunes will be played – no dance remixes – so attendees can sing and dance to the musicals they know and love. The night is billed as a combination of a rave with a night at the theatre. So, expect to see some special performances and surprises along the way. Musical theatre themed fancy dress ups are encouraged but not mandatory. Opening night is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the second night on Friday, May 26th, from 8 pm till midnight in the basement of the Imperial in Erskineville, which’ll feature a live performance from singer Jacqui Dark. Tickets are also available for Melbourne’s opening night on Sunday, June 11th, from 5 pm till 9 pm at Sircuit in Fitzroy – performers to be announced. Organiser DJ Dan Murphy said: “This’ll be a dream come true for anyone who loves a showtune. You’ll feel right at home… Read More

Sheldon Riley launches new single: Insane

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Sheldon Riley’s hauntingly beautiful vocals first captured the world’s attention at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy. A year later, he returns with his much-anticipated single, ‘INSANE.’ The song showcases Riley’s vocal range and emotional depth, and it’s easy to see how the global pandemic played a role in inspiring the musician. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter found himself confined to a red zone during the pandemic and used the time to explore his creativity and delve deeper into his emotions. Riley says that he realized that his strength lies in writing music from the heart and telling his story directly. As a result, ‘INSANE’ is an emotional track that explores the complex theme of loving someone who doesn’t reciprocate the love in the same way. In the accompanying cinematic music video, Sheldon Riley takes on the role of director. He brings his bold and entrancing aesthetic to life, delivering a visual experience that is just as captivating as his vocals. The music video features an outfit made from over 62 meters of ethically sourced human hair that Riley spent over 30 hours designing and constructing. The result is a stunning display of craftsmanship that demonstrates Riley’s passion and commitment to his art. “I wanted to produce a piece that was innovative and original while still retaining a sense of darkness that is uniquely me and effectively conveys the intended story,” said Riley. “I was inspired by some of my favorite movies that explore the subtleties of insanity; big, dark films like the Harry Potter… Read More

See legendary Bass Feruccio Furlanetto perform at Sydney Recital Hall

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Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto, known for his magnificent vocal skills and spellbinding stage presence, the likes of which we see a lot of in his performances with Opera Australia, is set to perform a solo recital at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on 27 April. This musical prodigy has been heralded as one of the greatest voices of his generation and is renowned for his vast range, thundering vocal power and masterful acting. The audience can expect a thrilling showcase of Furlanetto’s illustrious career, which spans almost five decades. His previous recital performances in Australia received five-star reviews, and the new program he has devised for this season will be an itinerary of his life in music. The show will include splendid compositions from Brahms, Mussorgsky and Rachmaninov, as well as beloved bass arias from some of the operatic world’s most famous and enduring works such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Boris Godunov and Don Carlos. Award-winning pianist Natalia Sidorenko would accompany Furlanetto on stage, making her debut in Australia. Together they will bring to life a night of superb musical virtuosity that is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The audience can look forward to a fusion of the talents of two brilliant artists, the incomparable Furlanetto with his powerful, booming voice and the virtuosity of Sidorenko’s piano playing. This event is a must-see for all music lovers, whether they are fans of opera or classical music. The concert hall’s excellent acoustics will be the perfect setting to hear Furlanetto’s resonant… Read More

Melbourne’s Spanish Steps: renowned cellist in town

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The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will perform with special guest musician, Canadian American cellist Elinor Frey in her Australian debut for the first concert series of 2023, Spanish Steps. Transporting audiences to the Spanish Steps in Rome, the concert’s rich program explores Italian composers and their affinity with Spain in an era of cultural enlightenment. The concerts will take place at Sydney’s City Recital Hall from 24 February – 10 March 2023 and Melbourne Recital Centre from 2 – 5 March 2023. The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has fast become synonymous with the best in Australian baroque music, played between Sydney, Melbourne and countless other cities and venues around the world. Founded by Paul Dyer, he said, “we are so excited to be joined on stage by Elinor Frey in February for what will be her debut Australian performances. Elinor is such a spectacular musician, one I have wanted to bring to Australia for quite some time, and this program will really show off the rich and wondrous sounds of two different period cellos by way of rarely-performed works by Boccherini and the Australian première of Sammartini’s Concerto for piccolo cello. “We’ve once again enlisted award winning designer, Alexander Berlage to work on this production, and we plan to really immerse the audience in a fiery, Spanish-inspired world. It will be a riveting way to start the year for the Brandenburg!” Playing seldom performed works by Boccherini and Sammartini, guest performer Elinor Frey will reveal her astounding artistry, playing two separate cellos throughout the concert including the violoncello piccolo, an instrument rarely performed live. She will be joined onstage by the full orchestra led… Read More

Taking bands back to their roots: Crooked Colours in Brisbane

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Aussie music legends, Crooked Colours, will head back to the venue that gave them their big break, The Brightside, Brisbane, for a one-night only gig open to the public on 9 March 2023. So if local music vibes are your thing – preferably with a drink-in-hand courtesy of Smirnoff, then this is for you. It’s happening thanks to the Smirnoff Origins series where Smirnoff Seltzer is taking Australia’s biggest musicians back to the venues that gave them their start, supported by the country’s most hotly-tipped talent. In a series of one-night-only intimate gigs hosted along the eastern seaboard, the events-Smirnoff Origins-will pay homage to the crucial role that live music plays in helping emerging talent cut their teeth, build their fan base and become fully fledged stars. Crooked Colours are next to step up to the stage, returning to Brisbane’s much loved nightclub,The Brightside on March 9, 2023.The Perth based duo found their feet at the iconic Brisbane venue, and this summer they will return to the venue where they honed their skills as musicians, generated fans and found their love for performing. Following on from one of the band’s biggest inspirations The Presets, whose Smirnoff Origins Sydney show sold out within 30 minutes, the next instalment of Smirnoff Origins is sure to be the hottest gig this summer. Crooked Colours are also tasked with finding Smirnoff’s hottest opening act, putting the call out to Queenslanders to find an emerging new artist to open their show. The chosen artist will also receive a $5,000 performance fee,double gold tickets… Read More