Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Personalise your listening life: Spotify’s new Only You feature

Music woman

Because no one knows you like you do, Spotify’s got onto it and is offering a new global in-app experience, creating personalised playlists celebrating the uniqueness of how you listen. It’s about celebrating how you listen and offers features that do that in all its glory. Think: Audio Birth Chart: Brought to life through the artists you listen to Sun: the top artist you’ve listened to over the last six months Moon: an artist you listen to that best shows their emotional or vulnerable side Rising: an artist you’ve recently connected with Dream Dinner Party: The three artists you’d invite to the dinner party of your dreams. Once selected, Spotify will create a personalised Spotify Mix for each artist to set the mood.  Artist Pairs: The unique audio pairings that you’ve listened to recently, showing your range of listening interests.  Song Year: How you’ve musically traveled through different time periods.  Time of Day: The music and podcast content you listen to either early in the morning or late at night.  Genres/Topics: How music and podcast genres set them apart based on your listening habits. Check it out on Spotify now!

Cinderella on stage is coming to Sydney!

Santino Fontana and Laura Osnes Original Broadway Production of CINDERELLA (c) Carol Rosegg

Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation are teaming up to bring us the Rogers & Hammerstein masterpiece Cinderella on stage in Sydney this year. Continuing their wildly successful collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless musicals, most recently The King and I, Opera Australia and The Gordon Frost Organisation are uniting again to produce the Tony® Award-winning Broadway production for the first time in Australia, with support from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most popular titles, Cinderella was written for television, debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance. More than 100 million viewers saw the broadcast, more people than any other program in the history of television at the time. Cinderella was re-made for television in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren in the title role, Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon as the King and Queen, and Celeste Holm as the Fairy Godmother. A further television remake followed in 1997 with Brandy as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Bernadette Peters as the Stepmother, Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen and Jason Alexander as Lionel. And now, it’s on stage in our fair Sydney with tickets on sale on 30 April, with pre-sales from 26 April – join the waitlist now at cinderellamusical.com.au.

Victoria and Albert Museum London’s got an exhibition of Fabergé eggs and more

Faberge 1

Opening this November, the V&A announces Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution, the first major exhibition devoted to the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith and the importance of his little-known London branch: Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution Gallery 39 and North Court 20 November 2021 – 8 May 2022  With a focus on Fabergé’s Edwardian high society clientele, the exhibition will shine a light on his triumphs in Britain as well as a global fascination with the joyful opulence of his creations. Three of his legendary Imperial Easter Eggs will go on display for the first time in the UK as part of the exhibition’s dramatic finalé. Who or what is Feberge? Carl Fabergé is the man which is now synonymous with his internationally recognised firm that symbolised Russian craftsmanship and elegance – an association further strengthened by its connection to the romance, glamour and tragedy of the Russian Imperial family. Highlights to see: A miniature of the Imperial Regalia, lent by the Hermitage Museum, made for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle will capture Carl Fabergé’s role as official goldsmith to the Imperial family a figurine portrait taken from life of the private bodyguard of the Dowager Empress will be on display – a sculpture on a level of rarity with the Imperial Easter eggs A prayer book gifted by Emperor Nicholas II to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna on his Coronation Day will also sit alongside early photography of the Imperial family with their prized possessions, and more! For more information and to book your visit, head to… Read More

Sydney’s ultimate date night: dinner and the opera on Sydney Harbour

Handa Opera Sydney Harbour HOSH set

Forget Valentine’s Day; this opportunity’s about to trump any idea you’ve ever had before. Opera Australia’s putting on a European gastronomic spread ahead of its annual Handa Opera on the Harbour, renowned as one of the world’s most premier and premium outdoor musical events. The premium harbourside setting will be transformed into a pop-up opera house, complete with bars, restaurants and tiered seating that make the most of the spectacular Sydney skyline views. You’ll get the chance to choose from five different restaurant and bar areas that’ll serve a European-inspired menu that will highlight the flavours of France and Italy in celebration of the triumphant return of Opera Australia’s production of Opera Australia’s La Traviata. For those who bank with HSBC Australia, the Platinum Club will be on-hand as the pop-up dining experience to visit, comprising a sumptuous undercover restaurant and bar with premium Sydney Harbour views. The Club offers exclusive two or three-course sit-down fine dining with table-service, matching wine and a set menu from The Fresh Collective’s award-winning chefs. Opera Australia has partnered with Handpicked Wines as the official wine partner and will have on-hand, a range of award- winning wine selections from Australia’s leading fine wine regions. Reservations for the HSBC Platinum Club are essential. For a more laid-back option, guests can dine with some of the best views on site as a backdrop on the Northern Terrace. Enjoy bistro-style dining from Frenchies Bistro and Brewery with a choice of French-inspired hot, cold and dessert selections. The Southern Terrace will transform into… Read More

Life drawing art classes at the Sydney Opera House

Opera-Australia-Tosca-life-drawing

Forget hundreds-year old operatic productions on the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage in the Sydney Opera House: this month it’s all about art. A one-time-only event on 12 March, the most beautiful set in Australian musical production, the first act scenery for John Bell’s acclaimed production of Tosca, will open to the public for the first time ever for a one-off life drawing class. Teaming up with Darlinghurst Life Drawing, Opera Australia is offering budding artists the opportunity to attend a two-hour drawing class, located right on the set of Tosca in the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell, Act l of Tosca is a spectacular reproduction of Rome’s stunning Sant’Andrea della Valle church. So warm up those fingers, get those creative juices flowing and prepare for one of life’s once-off experiences like never before. For more info and to book, go to the Opera Australia website. Time: 7:00-9:00pm Cost: $125 + booking fee

Cheap opera tickets by Opera Australia: for those who want to try it

Teodor Ilincai Tosca Opera Australia THE F 4

If there’s one thing in life you need to do, it’s to see the opera. And if there’s one company anywhere in the world you need to see it by, it’s Opera Australia. We’ve written about their world class productions so many, many, many, many times which is testament to just how insanely impressive and disciple-making they are. And now, you can access world class productions for a casual 20. In a bid to encourage more people to experience grand opera, Opera Australia is offering $20 tickets to 2,000 first time opera-goers to see its upcoming production of Puccini’s Tosca, which runs from February 22 to March 13, 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program, Opera Australia is able to offer tickets for less than the price of a movie ticket to people who are yet to experience the magic of live opera. For more and to sign up, get along to the Opera Australia website, link above.

Australian Chamber Orchestra ‘Bach and Beyond’ series premiers this March 2021

Bach Beyond

For those who missed the February instalment of Rapture and Revolution by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, then never fear, there’s a March instalment on its way that showcases the incredible work of one of time’s most illustrious composers Titled Bach and the Beyond on 31 March 2021 and directed by Matisse Ruby with cinematography by Tyson Perkins, the second film includes a performance from the world’s greatest living flautist Emmanuel Pahud. Recorded during his time in lockdown in Berlin, it’ll make for a rare opportunity to see international and Australian musicians performing music together remotely, as part of ACO’s inaugural 2021 digital season. At a time when we are all grappling with finding trust in this new world and hope for the future, it is astonishing how relevant Bach remains. This evocative and impassioned concert film pitches Bach’s timeless search for redemption alongside compositions by Richard Tognetti, elevated by the mesmerising vocals of Satu Vänskä*. Get your tickets to Back and the Beyond at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s website. *Source

LGBT+ theatre entertainment for Mardi Gras in Sydney: Darlinghurst Theatre Company launches Darlo Sessions

Singer 1

The Darlo in Sydney is redefining what the theatre can be for for audiences and performers. And no time like the present with the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras upon us. Known for removing barriers, the company will be launching ‘Darlo Sessions’ on Friday, 26 February over three weekends to introduce a lush new way to experience Australia’s live music scene.  To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the amazing queer and gender-diverse performers involved to celebrate the incredible music that they’re creating. It’s an amazing platform for emerging and established queer and gender-diverse artists to experiment in the iconic space, with each night showcasing two artist performances at 7pm and 9pm, allowing patrons to treat themselves to a specially aligned double bill.  Head along to see artists like: JarmarzOnMarz  Jamaica Moana  DVNA  Essie Holt Boy and Bucket Erin Clare  Hot Potato Band  KYVA  imbi Huck Hastings (Album Launch) Brendan Maclean + Jack Colwell  Okenyo  Banoffee Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased through the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, back up top.

Perrier collaborates with renowned Japanese artist and filmmaker Takashi Murakami

murakami

The latest artist to restyle the recognisable Perrier bottle is renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Incorporating his famous flowers and characters Kaikai and Kiki, the original range of bottles will be made available through select retailers and two highly collectible Limited Edition Perrier screen-printed glass bottles will be available to win through competitions.  The Perrier x Murakami collaboration continues the long-standing creative relationship between Perrier and some of the world’s greatest and respected artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Bernard Villemot, Raymond Savignac, Carlu, and Jean-Gabriel Domergue. Murakami is considered one of the most important Japanese artists of our generation. Drawing from traditional Japanese painting, sci-fi, anime, and the global art market, Murakami creates paintings, sculptures, and films populated by repeated motifs and mutating characters of his own creation. His wide-ranging work embodies an intersection of pop culture, history, and fine art. He also has a history of collaborating with major brands such as Louis Vuitton, Supreme, Vogue Nippon & Commes des Garcons, Google, KAWS, Vans, UNIQLO and PANGAIA.  Murakami says, “When Perrier first approached me I felt extremely lucky to have the opportunity to collaborate with this sparkling water brand with such a long history. It held many positive associations for me. For example, when I was 32 and started living in New York, I used to drink Perrier a lot.” “I also wonder if today, when we can no longer unthinkingly hug, kiss, or shake hands, the stimulating sensation of the Perrier bubbles on our tongues will be even more heightened as one… Read More

Hear the greatest opera arias in 90 mins at Sydney Opera House

Merry Widow Opera

Described as the ‘best of opera without the boring bits’, Opera Australia is putting on a 90-minute show that’s jam-packed with tunes that most people will be familiar with and not realise! The opera masterpieces are famous around the world, not just the soundtrack from a commercial and come from a completely different time by some of the greatest musical minds in history. Performed by an all star operatic cast, they’ll perform tunes that the audience will no doubt recognise from car and pasta adverts, along with films such as Pretty Woman and Star Trek. On now until 3 March 2021, the performances go for 90 minutes for $69 for adults (fees may apply). Concession prices available. Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au