Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season

Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australias 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House

Updated: 30/10/2023

Opera Australia, the nation’s flagship opera company, has revealed a truly captivating programme for its 2024 season. The line-up is a sublime blend of timeless classics and avant-garde performances, poised to offer an opera experience like never before. The season opens grandly with the timeless spectacle of La Traviata, transported into a breathtaking realm with cutting-edge digital staging. This seamless fusion of traditional opera with modern innovation is a testament to Opera Australia’s commitment to bringing opera into the 21st century. The company continues to charm the audience with Puccini’s poignant ‘La Bohème,’ a beloved classic that has been captivating audiences worldwide for more than a century. Mozart’s evergreen masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ also makes a glorious return, immersing audiences in a fantastical world filled with enchanting music and whimsical charm. In a bold move, Opera Australia introduces a groundbreaking contemporary piece to the stage. This daring inclusion showcases the company’s continual endeavour to push the boundaries of opera, creating a diverse portfolio that caters to all tastes. Opera Australia’s 2024 season promises a thrilling journey, filled with exquisite performances and daring new productions. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Opera Australia. More info at the Discover 2024 page Image: Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australia’s 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera HousePhoto Credit: Georges Antoni

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: la traviata, opera, opera australia

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

by James Banham

Posted: 09/10/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Captivating Artistry: Exploring History and Culture with Vincent Namatjira’s ‘Desert Songs’

by James Banham

Posted: 09/10/2023

Yavuz Gallery, a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene in the Asia Pacific, is excited to announce the major debut exhibition Desert Songs by Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira OAM. The exhibition will run from the 5th to the 28th of October, 2023, at the Yavuz Gallery, located in Surry Hills, Sydney. This significant event coincides with the upcoming monograph published by Thames and Hudson, as well as a substantial survey, Australia in colour, which will be presented at the Art Gallery of South Australia in 2023 and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, in 2024. To commemorate the launch of the exhibition, Yavuz Gallery will host a complimentary artist talk featuring Vincent Namatjira in an engaging conversation with Alexie Glass-Kantor, the Executive Director of Artspace, on Saturday, 7th October at 2pm. Desert Songs will comprise thirteen new paintings, providing a profound look into the themes of leadership, power, and legacy. The exhibition allows Namatjira to delve into his own deeply personal histories through portraits of influential figures who have shaped his life and journey in art, music, and politics. Namatjira’s bold and unashamedly political paintings challenge viewers to contemplate what it means to be Indigenous in Australia, or indeed, the world. The Yavuz Gallery presentation will also showcase celebrated works by Namatjira, including Vincent and Vincent, Charles on Country, and Desert Songs (Albert Namatjira). Born in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, and currently residing in Indulkana on A?angu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia, Namatjira is an astute observer of national and international politics…. Read More

Category: CITIES, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Aboriginal music, art exhibition, Australian artist, community stories, contemporary art, cultural history, Desert Songs, Guerrilla humour, identity, portraiture, Vincent Namatjira, Yavuz Gallery

Ludovico Einaudi: Classical Brilliance Echoing in the Sydney Opera House

by James Banham

Posted: 09/10/2023

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

Category: CITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC

Tags: 7 million video creations, Ben Marshall, Concert Hall, Experience, February 2024, General Public on sale, Greenpeace, Head of Contemporary Music, inspirational catalogue, Ludovico Einaudi, maestro, performance majesty, pre-sale, sold-out visit, spine-tingling hits, sydney opera house, tickets, TikTok, Underwater

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers Exhibition Coming to the National Gallery in Autumn 2024

by James Banham

Posted: 09/10/2023

Get ready for an extraordinary art experience as the National Gallery celebrates its 200th anniversary with a major exhibition dedicated to the brilliant works of Vincent Van Gogh. “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will take center stage in Autumn 2024, marking the centenary of the Gallery’s acquisition of two of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, Sunflowers and Van Gogh’s Chair. This eagerly anticipated exhibition will be the first of its kind, focusing on Van Gogh’s imaginative transformations. With over 50 works and loans from museums and private collections worldwide, including iconic pieces from the Kröller Müller Museum in the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the artist’s creative process and his sources of inspiration. One of the exhibition’s primary focuses will be Van Gogh’s time in Arles and Saint-Rémy in the South of France from 1888 to 1890. Here, the artist masterfully transformed the places he encountered into idealized spaces in his art, creating a deeply resonant and poetic framework for his oeuvre. The exhibition will unveil how portraits played a vital role in Van Gogh’s artistic universe, assigning symbolic meaning to his models, such as the Poet and Lover. “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will reveal the evolution of the poetical imagination and the ideas associated with love as central themes in Van Gogh’s work. In Arles, for instance, Van Gogh envisioned the public park in front of the Yellow House, where he rented four rooms, as a Poets’… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

Tags: Artistic genius, Autumn 2024, Christopher Riopelle, Citadel, Cornelia Homburg, Exhibition, Griffin Catalyst, Julien Domercq, Kenneth C. Griffin, Lead Philanthropic Supporter, Long Grass with Butterflies, Masterpieces, national gallery, Saint-Rémy, Series painting, Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, Vincent Van Gogh, Wheatfield with Cypresses

Get a taste of Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle without committing to the whole thing

by James Banham

Posted: 25/09/2023

In an exciting turn of events, Opera Australia has started selling individual tickets for each opera in the Brisbane Ring Cycle. This gives audiences a chance to experience the magic of Wagner’s epic masterpiece without the necessity of committing to the full 15-hour performance. You can now purchase tickets for each of the individual operas that collectively make up Der Ring des Nibelungen or the Ring Cycle. This new production is exclusive to Brisbane and will premiere at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on Friday, December 1, 2023. Previously, tickets were only available as complete packages of all four operas. This new ticketing approach allows you to attend one or more performances, rather than requiring a week-long commitment for the entire Cycle. Each of the four operas – Gods, Giants, Dragons, and Dwarves – are extraordinary works in their own right, filled with fantastical tales and mystical forces. They each stand as pinnacles of the artform, but when combined, they create one of the greatest artistic masterpieces of all time. The Ring Cycle is presented in partnership with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, and in collaboration with Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Dancenorth. This event features the best of Queensland’s brilliant musical and performing talent. Die-hard Ring fans from around the world are set to converge on Brisbane to experience this brand-new, fully digital production. The availability of single tickets will now offer new audiences easier access to this cutting-edge version of one of the most significant… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, OPERA

Tags: aida, Brisbane Ring Cycle, content="Opera Australia, Digital Opera, Individual Tickets, QPAC, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Talent, Ring Cycle Packages, Verdi's Classic, Wagner's Masterpiece

Dive into the Darkness: Unravel the Mysteries of Sydney Spiegeltent’s MANSION

by James Banham

Posted: 24/09/2023

Sydney’s most enchanting and provocative entertainment venue, Sydney Spiegeltent, announces the exciting extension of its captivating season through 2024. Known for its daring and avant-garde performances, the iconic Spiegeltent is all set to mesmerize audiences with award-winning shows for many more nights. Get ready for a chillingly erotic experience this October as the MANSION makes its seductive debut in the Sydney Spiegeltent. From October 25th to November 19th, audiences will be swept into a thrilling world that combines gothic horror, intoxicating dance, spine-chilling aerial acts, and sultry burlesque performances. Expect a heart-thumping storyline that follows the newly widowed Mel Walker and her children, who unknowingly step into an ominous old Mansion filled with seductive spirits and demonic desires. The terrifying allure of MANSION is perfectly complemented by WITCH, a compelling 30-minute prelude performance available for a mere $35 extra. WITCH introduces audiences to the Mansion’s previous inhabitants through hypnotic burlesque, circus, and dance, posing a haunting question about the nature of monsters, victims, and mirrors of our own selves. Brought to you by the inventive minds of Bass Fam, creators of the award-winning shows MATADOR and ORACLE, MANSION is a tantalizing blend of alluring dance, scintillating burlesque, and thrilling acrobatics, which has left audiences and critics nationwide spellbound. Bask under the twinkling festoons of Sydney Spiegeltent, nestled in Sydney’s vibrant inner east, where the best of cabaret, circus, and theatre come alive. Not only can patrons enjoy the performances, but they are also treated to an eclectic mix of crafted cocktails, show-girl strength G&T’s, and… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, SYDNEY

Tags: acrobatics, burlesque, cabaret, entertainment, MANSION, Sydney arts, Sydney Spiegeltent, theatre, what's on sydney

Ilkley Literature Festival: a beacon of poetry and literary excellence celebrates 50th anniversary

by James Banham

Updated: 24/09/2023

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Ilkley Literature Festival, the longest-established literary festival in the North. The festival, steeped in a rich poetic tradition, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. From 6th to 22nd October, the small Yorkshire spa town of Ilkley will bathe in the glow of literary fervor, hosting around 100 author events spanning over 17 days. This year’s headline acts flawlessly blend the old and the new, featuring celebrated authors like Jacqueline Wilson, Jeanette Winterson, Clare Balding, Simon Armitage, Gyles Brandreth, and Monica Ali. The lineup also brings laughter and lightness with comedian Shaparak Khorsandi and presenters Melanie Sykes, Helen Skelton, Anton Du Beke, and Ray Mears. A good number of journalists will be sharing insights from their latest books, including Gavin Esler, Luke Harding, Samuel Kasumu, Tim Marshall, James Naughtie, Grace Dent and Polly Toynbee. International literary stars have also graced the event, with Bryan Washington, winner of the 2020 International Dylan Thomas Prize, making his first ever in-person event in the UK at Ilkley to discuss his latest novel, “Family Meal.” C Pam Zhang, whose novel “How Much of These Hills Is Gold” was named one of Barack Obama’s favourite reads in 2020, will be talking about her latest book, “Land of Milk and Honey.” Founded in 1973 by the revered poet W.H. Auden, Ilkley Literature Festival has consistently championed poetry, hosting performances from illustrious poets including Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, and Carol Ann Duffy. This year, it continues its legacy by providing a platform for new and emerging poets…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, BOOKS

Tags: Bitter Linnet, Brontës, Cave Birds, Charlotte Oliver, Daniel Hinds, Emerging Poets, Emma Conally-Barklem, Ilkley Literature Festival, Kristina Diprose, Literature, Marsden, Poetry, Simon Armitage, Stanza Stones, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, William Blake, Yorkshire

Jewish International Film Festival is on across Australia this October

Jewish International FIlm Festival woman

by James Banham

Posted: 24/09/2023

This year, the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns to Australian screens from 23 October – 6 December, presenting a diverse array of enchanting and enlightening tales from Jewish cinema worldwide. Boasting 55 Australian premiere films from 19 countries, the Festival programme includes 30 feature films, 20 documentaries, two series, and six short films, alongside a suite of live events across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, and the Gold Coast. According to Artistic Director Eddie Tamir, the 2023 JIFF reflects the timeless resilience and adaptability of the Jewish spirit, offering a remarkable line-up of films from the deepest roots of Yiddish culture to Australian stories and boundary-pushing tales. He described the Festival as an immersive journey that reflects on the past and acts as a beacon for the future. The Festival begins with the Australian Premiere of ‘Matchmaking,’ Israel’s biggest blockbuster of 2023. This romantic comedy, directed by the mastermind behind ‘Magic Men’, has won the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival and takes audiences on a journey with Moti Bernstein, an Ashkenazi ideal who defies tradition for Nechama, a Mizrahi beauty. As for Australian stories, JIFF 2023 invites audiences to delve deep into history and emotion. ‘Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer’ thrusts viewers into the post-WWII era, where three brothers uncover their father’s suspected revenge spree against Nazis. The closing night film, ‘The Jewish Nazi?’, follows the astounding journey of Alex Kurzem, made “Hitler’s youngest soldier” by a Latvian Nazi battalion after the massacre of his Belarusian family. The Festival’s… Read More

Category: CITIES, ADELAIDE, ARTS & CULTURE, BRISBANE, CANBERRA, HOBART, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, MELBOURNE, PERTH, SYDNEY

Tags: brisbane, canberra, documentaries, film festival, gold coast, hobart, Jewish cinema, Jewish International Film Festival, JIFF, melbourne, perth, sydney

Bell Shakespeare Announces 2024 Season

by James Banham

Posted: 24/09/2023

For the first time in over a decade, Bell Shakespeare presents a thrilling new production of King Lear. Staging this epic work in an intimate setting promises Australian audiences a fresh and captivating experience unlike any before. Bell Shakespeare’s 2024 season also sees the triumphant return of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set to tour at over 23 venues throughout the nation. This ambitious undertaking aims to reach areas it failed to visit in 2021 due to the pandemic-related disruptions. Artistic Director Peter Evans adds a thought-provoking dimension to the season with In A Nutshell: The Poetry of Violence, exploring Shakespeare’s depictions of violence. In an energetic statement, Artistic Director Peter Evans said, “Welcome to Season 2024, where we relish Shakespeare’s highest achievements in the ridiculous and the sublime: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear. The season promises a unique blend of the familiar and the new, comedy and tragedy, the ridiculous and the sublime.” Kicking off the season at the Sydney Opera House from 6 – 30 March, Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises magic, mirth, and mayhem. This production, which had already toured to several regional venues in Australia in 2021 before COVID border closures disrupted remaining dates, is set to return in 2024 at 23 venues across New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, and the ACT. After a lengthy hiatus since 2010, King Lear, directed by Peter Evans and starring Robert Menzies (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet) in the titular role, is set to make a grand comeback. Premiering in Sydney… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE

Tags: Bell Shakespeare, In A Nutshell, King Lear, melbourne, Peter Evans, Play In A Day, Robert Menzies, Shakespeare Classics, Shakespeare on Film, Sonnets & Semillon, sydney, theatre

ARTS & CULTURE

dancers NTGDS CC Ballet Shoes 1024x512 Press Image 270824 2

National Theatre’s new show is a must-see this season

27/09/2024

By James Banham

Hold onto your top hats, theatre enthusiasts, because the National Theatre is sprinkling a little stage magic with its latest announcement. They’re rolling out the red carpet for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book, “Ballet Shoes,” adapted by the talented Kendall Feaver, who you might remember from “The Almighty Sometimes.” This festive family feast will pirouette into the Olivier Theatre from 23 November 2024, promising to be the must-see show of the holiday season. Directing this enchanting spectacle is Katy Rudd, making her triumphant return to the National Theatre after her hit with “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.” Rudd’s directing prowess, paired with an all-star creative team, assures audiences are in for a visual and emotional treat. The set’s magic is conjured by Frankie Bradshaw, with costume wizardry by Samuel Wyer, and toe-tapping choreography by Ellen Kane. Composer Asaf Zohar crafts the musical atmosphere, while Gavin Sutherland handles dance arrangements and orchestrations. Lighting, sound, and video design elevate the experience, thanks to Paule Constable, Ian Dickinson, and Ash J Woodward respectively. The cast is a diverse tapestry of talent including Stacy Abalogun, Yanexi Enriquez as the ambitious Petrova Fossil, and Pearl Mackie as the nurturing Sylvia. They join a vibrant ensemble featuring the likes of Eryck Brahmania, Cordelia Braithwaite, and the dynamic trio of Grace Saif as Pauline Fossil, Justin Salinger as GUM/Fidolia, and Daisy Sequerra as Posy Fossil. Together, they bring to life the story of three adopted sisters living in a delightfully crumbling house garnished with… Read More

Glenn Barkley Assorted works in studio 2024. Image courtesy the artist and SullivanStrumpf. Photography by Ainslie.Co

New art in Sydney Glenn Barkley comes to Sullivan+Strumpf

23/09/2024

By THE F

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully bizarre world of Glenn Barkley as Sullivan+Strumpf’s Sydney gallery rolls out the red carpet for his latest solo exhibition, “experimental idiocy.” From Thursday, November 14 until Saturday, December 21, 2024, visitors will have the chance to explore a compelling new body of work that turns the fleeting digital chatter and shifting political climate into enduring pieces of art. Barkley, a trailblazer in the ceramics field, is pushing boundaries once again, transforming everyday digital noises into permanent art statements. His work in “experimental idiocy” features text from political speeches and online rhetoric, emblazoned onto ceramics to create a lasting commentary on our evolving cultural landscape. You’ll encounter phrases like “double haters” and “Anglosphere mind virus,” each firing up a conversation about the world we live in. This exhibition marks Barkley’s first solo outing in Australia following a string of successful museum projects. Known for challenging traditional ceramic norms, Barkley’s latest creations abandon functionality, turning vessels into platforms for sharp social critique. The exhibition is not just about pushing clay; it’s about pushing ideas. Central to “experimental idiocy” is Barkley’s concept of “mnemonic archaeology,” where he digs into memories influenced by personal experiences and global changes. This introspective dive allows him to revisit past concepts, imbuing his work with profound depth and resonance. For those who are mad for ceramics or just curious about cutting-edge art, this exhibition is a must-see. Barkley, whose works are housed in collections both here and abroad, has also made waves with his book, “Ceramics:… Read More

What to see this Christmas at Sadler’s Wells

21/09/2024

By James Banham

This Christmas, Sadler’s Wells is rolling out the red carpet for a festive extravaganza that’ll warm even the chilliest of hearts. As London’s winter wonderland cranks up the charm, the iconic theatre is pulling out all the stops with a trio of enchanting performances that promise to dazzle audiences from every walk of life.

Bell Shakespeare in Sydney has a new lineup

21/09/2024

By THE F

Well, folks, strap yourselves in because Bell Shakespeare is rolling out a 2025 Season that’s hotter than a Sydney summer, and it’s all about celebrating their 35th anniversary in style. For the first time in almost three decades, they’re bringing Shakespeare’s political rollercoaster, Coriolanus, to the stage. You can catch this epic tale of war and politics at The Neilson Nutshell in Sydney and the Fairfax Studio in Melbourne. It’s a story as fresh as your morning flat white, directed by the talented Peter Evans. The star-studded cast features Logie winner Hazem Shammas and the legendary Peter Carroll, so you know it’s going to be a banger. And speaking of bangers, let’s talk about their new production of Henry 5, helmed by the celebrated Marion Potts, making her grand return to Bell Shakespeare after 15 years. This production is spicing things up with a female lens on the timeless tale of young men off to war. The spotlight shines on Lebanese Australian actor JK Kazzi, making his mainstage debut, and trust us, he’s set to make waves. Henry 5 delves into the gritty realities of war, the price of power, and the journey from reckless youth to revered leader. It’s Shakespeare at his finest – raw, real, and ready to rumble. Not to be outdone, the national tour of Romeo & Juliet will be whisking theatre-goers off their feet in 26 venues across this great land. Artistic Director Peter Evans is at it again, bringing his 2023 hit production to life with newcomer Madeline Li… Read More

New opera about Australia debuts in Victoria Australia

19/09/2024

By James Banham

In collaboration with Opera Australia, Perth Festival, and Brisbane Festival, this opera is the creation of renowned composer Jonathan Mills and acclaimed librettist Meredith Oakes, inspired by Murray Bail’s Miles Franklin-winning novel.