Category: ARTS & CULTURE

British Museum gets a new leader

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Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE has been appointed as the new Director of the British Museum, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the agreement of the Prime Minister. With a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership in the art world, Nicholas is set to spearhead a new era for one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. A Visionary Leader in the Making Nicholas Cullinan is renowned as one of the UK’s most esteemed museum directors, having steered the National Portrait Gallery to new heights since April 2015. His tenure at the Gallery marked a period of significant change, characterized by a complete re-presentation of the Collection and a substantial redevelopment of the building that expanded public space by a fifth. Prior to his role at the National Portrait Gallery, Nicholas curated exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, showcasing his international perspective and innovative approach to curation. Embracing a New Chapter at the British Museum Taking the helm from Interim Director Sir Mark Jones, Nicholas Cullinan steps into the role with a clear mandate for progress and innovation. George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum, expressed utmost confidence in Nicholas’s ability to lead the institution into a transformative phase. Osborne remarked, “Nicholas Cullinan brings proven leadership today and great potential for tomorrow. His remarkable achievements at the National Portrait Gallery have earned him universal acclaim, and we believe he will continue this legacy at the… Read More

Club Kabarett and Spiegeltent returns to Sydney

fire dancer woman theatre Bernie Dieter s Club Kabarett by 0540 240120 MatthewGedling

Sydney, get ready to be seduced all over again! The incomparable, utterly salacious Bernie Dieter is making a triumphant return to Sydney in her legendary show Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett. From 29 May to 28 July, the opulence and otherworldliness of the Sydney Spiegeltent will transport us to the Berlin Underground with an intoxicating blend of theatrics, circus, aerials, and kabarett. Bringing together a diverse menagerie of misfits and mischief-makers, an electrifying live band, and a mix of Bernie’s iconic and brand-new music, it is a riotous evening that pushes physical boundaries, embraces non-conformity, and sits comfortably on the edge of danger, whilst also tickling your bohemian, gender-bending, and debaucherous funny bone. After sell-out seasons across the globe and setting London’s West End ablaze, Bernie is back in Sydney after a two-year absence, promising a cabaret experience that’s more provocative, more daring, and more outrageously entertaining than ever before. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where the extraordinary is the norm, and the line between the audacious and the sublime is tantalizingly blurred. Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a feast for the senses, showcasing a dizzying collection of the most exceptional artists in the world, from hair hanging to fire breathing, unique aerials to toe-curling contortionists. Bernie’s unique brand of risqué humour, original songs, and bold covers will span the gamut from The Beatles to Gwen Stefani, ensuring every moment is filled with surprise, delight, and a touch of debauchery. This east coast exclusive is your invitation to join the ultimate party, a… Read More

TarraWarra Museum of Art explores the best in contemporary art

art gallery museum PeterAtkins SUPERsystems

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is on the verge of captivating art enthusiasts with three concurrent exhibitions that shine a light on the intricate dance between contemporary art and modernist principles. Set to open from 23 March to 14 July 2024, these exhibitions feature the innovative works of Melbourne-based artists Peter Atkins and Dana Harris, alongside a groundbreaking survey of Clement Meadmore’s industrial designs. Titled SUPERsystems, Atkins and Harris’s exhibition is a testament to the vibrant dialogue between new artistic visions and the foundational elements of modernism. Atkins’s readymade abstraction brings everyday imagery into the realm of high art, redefining American designer Maurice Binder’s iconic title sequence for the film Dr. No into 92 distinct abstract paintings. Harris, on the other hand, offers fancywork, a series of hand-embroidered panels that capture the desolation and beauty of Melbourne’s CBD during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her work meticulously explores the city’s altered rhythms through intricate patterns, supported by Creative Australia. Parallelly, The Industrial Design of Clement Meadmore: The Harris/Atkins Collection grants a comprehensive look at Meadmore’s trailblazing modernist designs, curated meticulously over two and a half decades by Atkins and Harris. This exhibition encapsulates Meadmore’s innovative manipulation of basic materials into functional, yet beautifully minimal designs. Complementing these exhibitions, Systems and Structures draws from TarraWarra’s own collection to spotlight Australian artists who embody the principles of pattern, geometry, and repetition. This show underscores the common threads that link contemporary artistic practices back to the legacies of modernism. Curator Anthony Fitzpatrick regards these exhibitions as a unique opportunity to… Read More

You can now see SIX the Musical in Australia

SIX Musical women theatre singing

SIX the Musical, a global sensation that has wowed audiences worldwide, is making its triumphant return to Australia! Having enjoyed record-breaking seasons across the country, the Tony Award-winning musical is back by popular demand. Tickets are now available for this electrifying show that brings to life the stories of the six wives of King Henry VIII through breathtaking song and dance. Secure your spot to see it at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from August 2024, the Theatre Royal Sydney from October 2024, and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from January 2025. Visit SIXTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU to book your tickets today! Since its explosive debut in 2017 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, SIX has been redefining what audiences expect from musical theatre. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the show presents a modern, pop-infused retelling of the lives of Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. These historical figures are reimagined as pop stars, each reclaiming their story with power and sass that resonates with today’s audiences. With its catchy tunes, empowering narrative, and infectious energy, SIX has not only received widespread critical acclaim but has also built a vibrant online community, affectionately known as the ‘Queendom’. Having captured the hearts of over 3.5 million people worldwide each year and exploding on social media platforms like TikTok, where it has received over 32 million views, SIX is more than just a musical. It’s a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions to celebrate the power and resilience of women. With over 35 major… Read More

New orchestral series for Australia: Baroque Kaleidoscope

orchestra Vivaldi Performance foto Keith Saunders

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

Broadway Legend Patti LuPone does new show in Australia

Patti Lupone

Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone is set to mesmerise Australian audiences this winter with her new concert, “A Life in Notes,” straight from the esteemed stages of Carnegie Hall. The legendary performer will open her Australian tour at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, followed by a national tour with stops in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. “A Life in Notes” presents a musical odyssey through the songs that have marked significant milestones in LuPone’s life, from her youth amidst the rock and roll emergence of the fifties to her formative years in the sixties, and through to her acclaimed success in both her professional and personal life. Conceived and directed by Scott Wittman, with Joseph Thalken as the music supervisor and director, this concert promises an intimate glimpse into the life of a star who has left an indelible mark on the Broadway, film, and television landscapes. LuPone’s illustrious career spans several iconic roles, including stellar performances in Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes, Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, and Tony Award-winning roles in Evita, Gypsy, and Company. Her versatility and commanding presence have also graced television series such as Life Goes On, Frasier, 30 Rock, Penny Dreadful, Pose, Hollywood, American Horror Story, and the anticipated Marvel series Agatha: Darkhold Diaries. Reflecting on her third concert tour in Australia and her enduring connection with the Australian audience since her debut in 1981, LuPone shared, “I love Australia and the many friends I’ve made since 1981. ?I’m so looking forward to coming back. I hope audiences will enjoy my show?A… Read More

In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine, 1900-1930s

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In June 2024, the Royal Academy of Arts is set to unveil a landmark exhibition titled “In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine, 1900–1930s“, which promises to be the most comprehensive display of Ukrainian modern art in the UK to this date. The exhibition, hosted at the Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries from 29 June to 13 October 2024, aims to showcase a pivotal moment in East European art history through the lens of about 70 masterpieces. These pieces are to be borrowed from prestigious institutions such as the National Art Museum of Ukraine and the Museum of Theatre, Music, and Cinema of Ukraine. The spotlight will be on iconic figures like Alexander Archipenko, Sonia Delaunay, Alexandra Exter, and Kazymyr Malevych. Additionally, it will illuminate the contributions of perhaps less internationally recognized yet equally influential artists such as Mykhailo Boichuk, Oleksandr Bohomazov, and Vasyl Yermilov. Each artist played a crucial role in shaping modernism within Ukraine and leaving a significant impact on the broader European art scene during the tumultuous early decades of the twentieth century. Geopolitically, Ukraine’s status as a contested borderland has deeply influenced its cultural and national identity formation. The land had been partitioned among various empires for centuries, with the notion of a unified Ukrainian nation emerging only in the late nineteenth century. Independent, yet fleeting, moments in Ukraine’s history were critical in cultivating a sense of national identity. This intricate history has led to a rich cultural tapestry, blending Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and Jewish influences into a unique cultural entity…. Read More

A digital journey through the National Gallery’s rich history

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As we delve into the heart of the National Gallery’s captivating legacy, a treasure trove of stories and experiences awaits, unveiling the profound impact of art on lives and communities. The gallery’s illustrious history is woven with tales of generosity, evolution, and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its timeless allure. A Legacy of Artistic Influence Life surrounded by art clearly had an impact on several young children of the National Gallery’s founding figures – two of whom later exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy as esteemed artists, testament to the profound influence of artistic immersion from a young age. Threads of Generosity and Growth Numerous narratives within NG Stories spotlight groups instrumental in nurturing the collection’s growth. The 113 subscribers who united to purchase Constable’s iconic “The Cornfield” in 1837, grounding a legacy that resonates to this day. Additionally, reflections on pivotal campaigns to preserve masterpieces by Titian for the nation in 1972, 2008, and 2012 underscore the enduring impact of collective generosity, shaping the collection’s remarkable scope. Evolution of Roles and Significance NG Stories delves into the evolution of pivotal roles at the Gallery, encompassing scientific, learning, framing, and art handling aspects, each intricately woven into the fabric of the Gallery’s mission. This exploration illuminates the vital significance of these roles in the day-to-day care of the collection, enriching our understanding of the meticulous curation and preservation efforts that safeguard the Gallery’s cultural treasures. Embracing Digital Enrichment Lawrence Chiles, Head of Digital at the National Gallery, expresses a resolute commitment to leveraging… Read More

Tickets available for Chicago in Sydney

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Due to an unprecedented demand, CHICAGO, the musical described by The Times (UK) as “The sharpest, slickest show on the block”, has announced additional performances. Fans will be delighted to hear that tickets for shows up until 21 July are now on pre-sale, with general public sales commencing on Friday, 22 March. This comes as a result of the show’s immense success and stellar reviews in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, where it sold out and garnered five-star accolades from critics and audiences alike. The spectacular production is set to dazzle Sydney at the Capitol Theatre starting from 9 June. Australia’s distinguished theatre producer, John Frost for Crossroads Live, has curated a remarkable cast for this season of CHICAGO. The lineup includes Anthony Warlow, who brings to life the suave lawyer Billy Flynn, with Zoë Ventoura as the formidable Velma Kelly and Lucy Maunder as the ambitious Roxie Hart. The cast also features the comedic genius Peter Rowsthorn as Amos and the talented Asabi Goodman as the prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, alongside a vibrant ensemble that accelerates the show’s energy and style. Set in the roaring 1920s, CHICAGO offers a tantalizing tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who turns a crime of passion into a frenzy of media sensationalism with the help of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn. The musical not only entertains but mirrors the scandal and the intrigue of the jazz age with its spectacular choreography, unforgettable songs, and gripping storyline. The 1996 Broadway revival of the show, choreographed by Ann… Read More

How to appear in Opera Australia’s “West Side Story”

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH dance

Ever dreamed of lighting up the stage in one of the most iconic musicals of all time? Well, pack your dancing shoes and prepare for an exhilarating experience because Opera Australia is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s bound to get your heart racing. For the first time in musical theatre history down under, fans of the legendary “West Side Story” can purchase a unique walk-on role, taking their place in the spotlight on the breathtaking Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage. Imagine the applause, the lights, the energy – and you, right there in the heart of it all! This isn’t just any role. Each night, during the up-coming season, one lucky individual will join the talented cast on-stage for the electrifying ‘Dance at the Gym’ scene. It’s a chance to not just watch the drama unfold but to be an integral part of it, to move to the rhythms of Leonard Bernstein’s timeless score amidst the backdrop of Sydney’s shimmering skyline. But wait, there’s more to this star treatment than just the performance. The walk-on role comes with perks that would make even the most seasoned actors envious. From professional hair and makeup, a custom costume fitting, to a rehearsal with the Assistant Director to perfect your moments in the spotlight. Before the show, you’ll meet and greet the ensemble, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. And because such nights are best shared, the experience includes four Premium Reserve tickets, allowing you to bring your own cheering squad. Your evening of glamour doesn’t… Read More