Category: MUSIC

Haydn Ensemble’s new performances

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Step into a world of musical brilliance as the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) takes you on an extraordinary journey with their captivating performances of Haydn’s Time of Day. This enchanting concert series showcases the talents of the AHE’s skilled musicians and pays homage to the renowned Esterhazy orchestra, featuring beautiful solos for each instrument. The AHE aims to recreate the grandeur of the Esterhazy orchestra, capturing its essence with a talented group of soloists. One highlight of this concert is the inclusion of Prince Nikolaus’ favorite instrument, the baryton, expertly played by the virtuoso violone player, Laura Vaughan. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience the unique and magical sound of this instrument, as it is the only one in Australia. In fact, this will be its first-ever performance in Sydney and Canberra, adding an air of excitement to these concerts. Furthermore, the Sydney concert will also mark the Australian premiere of the rarely heard baryton octet. The AHE’s Haydn’s Time of Day performances follow their highly successful tour in the United States in October, where they wowed audiences with nine mesmerizing concerts across the country. Their debut performance at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York was met with great acclaim, as was their showcase performance at the opening of the new Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Audiences were captivated by their exceptional talent, giving standing ovations at every concert. The 2023 season of the AHE has already seen remarkable performances, including Haydn’s Sun & Mendelssohn’s Stars, Haydn’s L’ours… Read More

What to see at Sydney Opera House: the harp played right

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Step into the ethereal world of Mary Lattimore, the acclaimed American harpist and composer, as she prepares to grace the iconic Sydney Opera House with her mesmerising debut performance on December 4. Lattimore, a virtuoso of the 47-string Lyon & Healy harp, has been enchanting global audiences for over a decade with her captivating narratives set to music. Her sonic tales, woven with emotional resonance and vivid imagery, are set to come alive in the intimate setting of the Utzon Room. Not just a solo act, this special performance will also feature the talents of guitarist Paul Sukeena, adding another layer of intrigue to an already spellbinding evening. Lattimore’s latest solo album, “Goodbye, Hotel Arkada” (2023), is a testament to her evolving musical journey. This expansive soundscape incorporates not just the harp, but also guitar, keyboard, Theremin, and more. The album features collaborations with Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, Meg Baird, and Rachel Goswell from Slowdive, further broadening its auditory horizons. Beyond her solo work, Lattimore is a sought-after session musician, having collaborated with a diverse range of indie rock and experimental musicians, including Thurston Moore, Sharon Van Etten, Jarvis Cocker, Kurt Vile, and Jeff Zeigler. Her 2020 album, “Silver Ladders,” created in collaboration with Slowdive’s Neil Halstead, saw her ambient harp paired with richly textured arrangements. Ever since embarking on her solo career in 2012, Lattimore has been crafting intricate stories through her music, inviting listeners to embark on an immersive journey with her. This intimate connection between artist and audience is so captivating… Read More

Ludovico Einaudi: Classical Brilliance Echoing in the Sydney Opera House

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Italian maestro Ludovico Einaudi, renowned globally for his signature blend of neo-classical, pop, ambient, and experimental music, is set to grace the stage of the Sydney Opera House from 2 – 5 February. The Concert Hall, now boasting revitalised sonic surroundings, will hear the exquisite notes of Einaudi’s piano, a decade after he made his Australian debut on the same stage. Audiences can expect an immersive experience as Einaudi, the world’s most streamed classical music artist, presents music from his 2022 album, ‘Underwater’, alongside timeless classics from his extensive 40-year career. The performances will feature Einaudi’s distinguished blend of piano, violin, viola, cello, electronics, and percussion, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that is an exploration of genre and form. The composer’s affinity with the Sydney Opera House is palpable, with Einaudi stating, “It is my great pleasure to return to the Sydney Opera House for four concerts. It is one of my favourite iconic places where I love to perform. Its last passionate and warm audience response still resonates in my heart.” Einaudi’s extraordinary career, spanning multi-million-selling albums; critically acclaimed film and television scores including the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning films, The Intouchables, Nomadland and The Father; and a haunting iceberg performance in the Arctic Ocean for Greenpeace, testifies to his versatility as a composer. His recent success on TikTok, where his 2013 track ‘Experience’ gained over 15 billion views and inspired 7 million video creations, has introduced a new generation to his moving compositions. Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall,… Read More

A night of music and dance: West Side Story returns to Sydney Harbour in 2024!

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Hold onto your seats, Sydney! Opera Australia (OA) has just announced that the sensational musical West Side Story will be making a triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024. And that’s not all – OA is thrilled to renew its partnerships with Dr Haruhisa Handa’s International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW, ensuring a spectacular season for all to enjoy. If you missed out on the electrifying production of West Side Story when it first hit the stage in 2019, now is your chance to experience this larger-than-life extravaganza. The show received thunderous applause and became the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production to date, drawing record-breaking crowds and selling over 65,000 tickets. Prepare to be captivated by the monumental stage, vibrant costumes, and an exceptional cast of singers and dancers as they once again grace the iconic Mrs Macquaries Point. With unmatched views of Sydney’s famous skyline and a breathtaking nightly fireworks display, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers an unrivaled theatrical experience that will leave you in awe. Directed by the brilliant Francesca Zambello, West Side Story transports the energy and grit of New York City right to Sydney Harbour. The iconic songs and mesmerizing dance numbers will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing the magic of this musical masterpiece to life. And let’s not forget Jerome Robbins’ famed choreography, which will once again set the over-water stage ablaze. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her excitement about the continued… Read More

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