Category: ARTS & CULTURE

See legendary Bass Feruccio Furlanetto perform at Sydney Recital Hall

Posted: 15/04/2023

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

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

Tags: feruccio furlanetto, Opera bass singer, Sydney recital, Sydney Recital Hall

National Gallery does Paula Rego’s Crivelli’s Garden

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

by James Banham

Posted: 15/04/2023

The National Gallery in London is set to showcase an upcoming exhibition that pays tribute to the works of the late Dame Paula Rego. Titled “Crivelli’s Garden,” the exhibition centers around Rego’s public commission of the same name, which was created for the Sainsbury Wing Dining Room in 1990. The exhibition will unite the massive artwork with the 15th-century altarpiece by Carlo Crivelli that inspired it. Rego’s life studies of National Gallery colleagues that feature in the final painting will also be on display. The monumental 10-metre-long painting reimagines the narratives of powerful women, including female saints and mythological women, surrounded by a maze-like Portuguese garden. Rego was inspired by depictions of women she encountered in the National Gallery Collection, and also used models that included friends, family members, and Gallery staff for her work. The exhibition will delve into the layers and storylines that Rego incorporated into the artwork, exploring both the art historical references and personal touches she included. “Crivelli’s Garden” was an innovative work for Rego, signaling a new direction for her career, and exploring the representation of women in paintings, as well as their role in society and religion. Despite the challenges posed by her residency, Rego approached her work with boundless energy, and much of the work presented in the exhibition is a testament to her determination and spirit. Though she was invited to produce new artworks inspired by the collection during her residency, the murals she created in that period have remained some of her most celebrated works to… Read More

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

Tags: Arts London, London art, London galleries, national gallery, National Gallery London

See Saint Bartholomew by Bernardo Cavallino at National Gallery

by James Banham

Posted: 12/04/2023

Bernardo Cavallino’s Saint Bartholomew is an awe-inspiring Baroque masterpiece that will be on display in The National Gallery this April 2023. This painting, acquired at a Sotheby’s auction in New York and costing $3.9 million, is the only life-size work of the artist to be in a public collection. Cavallino, dubbed ‘the Poussin of Naples’ for his poetic handling of his subjects, was one of the leading Neapolitan artists of the first half of the 17th-century. No doubt influenced by Jusepe de Ribera’s naturalism as well as by Anthony van Dyck and Peter Paul Rubens, Cavallino was renowned for his small, sensitive paintings. His style is characterised by harmonious colours and virtuoso brushwork with stylised compositions. At 178.8 x 127 cm, Saint Bartholomew has been described as one of Cavallino’s best works – indeed it can be said to represent the full glory and emotionality of the Neapolitan Baroque school led by Caravaggio at its height. With its exhibition in Room 32 alongside other masterpieces from Italian Baroque artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi and Orazio Gentileschi, visitors can appreciate how vital a part this painting plays in telling the story of 17th century Italian art. The gallery already has another work by Cavallino – Christ driving Traders from Temple – but it does not have such a grand scale nor show off with quite so much emotional power as Saint Bartholomew does. 30 years after we last saw it go on public display (at Metropolitan Museum in New York), let us rejoice now that we… Read More

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

Tags: Art London, London art blog, London arts, national gallery, Saint Bart, Saint Bartholomew

What to look forward to in Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour this season

by THE F

Updated: 20/04/2023

There are so many reasons you need to meet the Madama herself. For first-timers, she’s approachable; for singers, she’s versatile and for veterans of Opera Australia’s productions, she’s an emotional rollercoaster that tells a story that never gets old. This year as part of Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on the Harbour, made up of it’s gigantic flotilla stage literally on the water with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as back drop, the Madama takes to the stage again. Having recently opened in Sydney for the season, Karah Son and Diego Torre, two of Opera Australia’s favourites, took to the stage to reprise their roles as Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton respectively. They’re also joined by award-winning Korean Australian soprano Eva Kong. They are also joined on stage by an all-star Australian cast and the Opera Australia Orchestra under the watchful eye of Maestro Brian Castles-Onion who has conducted every opera production since the inaugural season in 2012. The set is an icon in itself, too, featuring a nature-come-urban feel you need to see in person. Highlights to look out for: Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly is on until the 23rd of April 2023 get tickets at the Opera Australia website.

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, OPERA

Tags: madame butterfly, opera, opera australia, Sydney outdoor opera

Why you shouldn’t miss La Boheme according to its stars

The cafe in La Boheme by Opera Australia

by James Banham

Posted: 10/03/2023

In celebration of the Sydney Opera House‘s 50th birthday this year, Opera Australia, its resident opera and performing arts company, is putting on one heck of a line-up. With the renowned and favourite La Boheme currently on stage until THIS weekend, 11 March, your chance to see it for the season is almost up! It’s a moving story of love gained, shaken and then lost forever, written by famed Italian composer – who wrote quite accessible operas for those who are new to the whole experience – Giacomo Puccini. It’s even got those two renowned arias placed strategically back-to-back in the first act of the performance, that do their job in honing you in and driving you (or maybe just me?) to tears every time. They are: Che gelida manina and Si mi chiamano Mimi. They highlight the very moment Rodolfo and Mimi fall in love and do the best job at positioning Mimi as a delicate flower of a woman, who Rodolfo can’t but help being totally taken with immediately. Have a listen here: You can check out our other thoughts and reviews on the La Boheme production here. To find out why La Boheme is so good and such a must-see, we spoke to the latest lead singers, Atalla Ayan and Rebecca Gulinello who play Rodolfo and Mimi, the main lovers’ storyline, through the production. “Singing La Boheme taught me something beautiful about life: The passion and the joy of living every moment, every second as the last one of your existence. Living for the… Read More

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

Tags: Atalla Ayan, la boheme, la boheme opera australia, opera australia, Rebecca Gulinello singer, sydney opera house

First time opera; first time opera singer – Rebecca Gulinello tell us about La Boheme in Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 10/03/2023

Whether you’re an opera aficionado, or after a new experience for the first time, there’s one thing you can be sure of – you’re not alone! People from all walks of life with all kinds of musical tastes gather on a nightly basis at the world famous Sydney Opera House – which is turning 50 this year! – to see operas by the world-renowned Opera Australia company, which this season is putting on La Boheme and giving even its singers a unique first experience! New singer Rebecca Gulinello is making one of her preliminary performances in the production, taking to the stage after she only took to her first stage performance this January! We got to speak with the highly talented, new singer about her performance as Mimi in La Boheme. Here’s how it went. How excited are you to be playing Mimi this season? To be taking on this role for me is a great responsibility because this stage is my home base. Sydney Opera House is iconic and one of the most coveted stages any singer in the world wants the privilege of being able to sing on. It is where other greats have sung before me and all my incredible colleagues in the company currently perform. To believe in my own greatness and to trust in my voice, my hard work and efforts towards this debut has been the most challenging. The mindset of a singer is also similar to that of a professional athlete. You must maintain a sense of rigour, routine, mental… Read More

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

Tags: Best operas, La Boheme Australia, La Boheme opera, opera, opera australia, Rebecca Gulinello opera, Rebecca Gulinello singer

Why you need to see La Boheme – we speak to lead male singer Atalla Ayan

by James Banham

Updated: 10/03/2023

Opera Australia is putting on La Boheme this season at the Sydney Opera House, as part of their year-long celebration of the world famous Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday this year in 2023. Ahead of the show wrapping-up and to remind you that yes, you do need to see it before it leaves the stage, we had a chat to its lead tenor, Atalla Ayan, opera singing extraordinaire who is taking on the role of Rodolfo for Opera Australia in this production on at the Sydney Opera House until 11 March 2023. How exciting is it for you to be taking it on the role of Rodolfo with Opera Australia? Singing Rodolfo means a lot to me – it was the very first role I’ve sang on stage professionally and it is certainly very close to my heart. Singing Rodolfo means experiencing the joy of singing and the passion for living every moment as the last one. Are you excited to be singing in the Opera House? I just love singing in Sydney! People are the nicest, the House is great to sing in and colleagues are the best. It is a pleasure and a true gift for me singing in the magnificent Sydney Opera House! And an honour, really. Also, I’ve got to make a point: the audience is just amazing! H emotionally invested do you have to be in your character. How do you do it? Singing La Boheme taught me something beautiful about life: The passion and the joy of living every moment, every second as… Read More

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

Tags: Atalla Ayan, Best operas, la boheme sydney, Opera guide Sydney, Opera singer Atalla Ayan, sydney, sydney opera, sydney opera house, What opera to see in Sydney

Opera Australia’s singer shine bright in new Adriana Lecouvreur

Opera Adriana Lecouvreur woman lying in purple water

by James Banham

Updated: 12/02/2023

From 20 Feb to 7 March, Opera Australia will put on the ultimate story of love, drama and costumery with a hint of espionage, that is Adriana Lecouvreur. Played this season by Opera Australia favourite, Ermonela Jaho, the role demands the finest talent in both singing and acting, and Albanian soprano’s renowned musical and storytelling skills make her perfect to return to Sydney to reprise the part. Michael Fabiano will return also, after his last performance with the Company in 2019, to make his role debut as the romantic lead, Maurizio. Coming from the cast of Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera, Fabiano will first perform his debut Australian solo recital at Melbourne City Recital Hall on February 12. See more info on that here. The production this year is a new reimagining by director Rosetta Cucchi, which will bring to life Cilèa’s operatic incarnation of the true story of Adrienne Lecouvreur is one of many adaptations of her fascinating life across a variety of artforms. Cucchi’s vision of this high-tension love triangle drama, including a stunning silks performance, will have audiences intrigued by Adriana’s scandalous tale until the final curtain falls. Book tickets at the Opera Australia website

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

Tags: Best Sydney operas, opera australia, sydney opera, What to see Sydney, What's On Sydney

Melbourne’s Spanish Steps: renowned cellist in town

by James Banham

Updated: 11/02/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, MELBOURNE, MUSIC

Tags: Melbourne's Spanish Steps renowned cellist in town

Taking bands back to their roots: Crooked Colours in Brisbane

by James Banham

Updated: 23/01/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, BRISBANE, CITIES, FEATURES, MUSIC

Tags: Crooked Colours, Smirnoff Origins, Taking bands back to their roots Crooked Colours in Brisbane

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.