Category: ARTS & CULTURE

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

Ukraine

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

plan your visit crop photoshop

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

Chicago dancers stage theatre

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

‘WHAT A FEELING’ World Premiere at BFI FLARE

What a feeling women dancing

The World Premiere of WHAT A FEELING by Kat Rohrer is set to debut at the BFI Flare, London’s LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, on March 15, 2024. WHAT A FEELING marks Kat Rohrer’s first entry into fiction features, weaving a tale of love across cultural divides and societal expectations. This romantic comedy shines a spotlight on two middle-aged women, Marie Theres (Caroline Peters) and Fa (Proschat Madani), who boldly step out of societal margins to claim their space in a world ripe with possibilities. Supported by the Austrian Film Institute, the film boasts a stellar cast including Nicole Ansari-Cox, Barbara Spitz, Anton Noori, Gohar Nurbachsch, Allegra Tinnefeld, Heikko Deutschmann, Rafael Haider, Petra Morzé, Joseph Lorenz, Ines Kratzmueller, Adriane Gradziel, and many others. The storyline captivates from the start, with Marie Theres, a dedicated doctor gearing up for her 20th wedding anniversary, only to have her world turned upside down by her husband Alexander’s (Heikko Deutschmann) confession, leading to a fateful encounter with Fa at Bigi’s (Barbara Spitz) queer bar. Fa, with her carefree, spontaneous nature and openness about her love life, is starkly different from the more reserved Marie Theres. Despite the initial mismatch, an unexpected and complicated romance blossoms between them. Their story is a testament to the unpredictable, often winding paths love takes, reminding us that finding one’s place and person in the world can defy norms and expectations. WHAT A FEELING is set to be released in theaters across Austria on April 19, 2024, promising audiences a heartwarming, thought-provoking film that celebrates love… Read More

Sydney Philharmonia does Elijah this season

Conductor orchestra choir

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is delighted to announce a monumental performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, featuring the internationally renowned operatic baritone, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, in the lead role. This singular event, scheduled for 7pm on Saturday, May 18, at the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and drama. Under the direction of the esteemed Brett Weymark, audiences will experience the old testament tale of Elijah, brought to life through Mendelssohn’s profound musical composition. At the heart of this performance is Teddy Tahu Rhodes, whose voice has captivated audiences across the globe for its “velvet like richness” and “great resonance,” aspects that have earned him accolades including the ARIA, Helpmann, and Limelight awards. Artistic Director Brett Weymark expressed his enthusiasm, noting that for the role of Elijah, “only one name comes to mind – Teddy Tahu Rhodes.” This performance not only showcases Rhodes’ magnificent talent but also embodies the grandeur of 19th-century music-making, enriched with the emotional depth and humanity that Mendelssohn embedded in his work. Elijah remains a masterpiece, celebrated for its penetrating exploration of human determination and faith, played out through its captivating orchestration and choral arrangements. This production by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, employing the powerful combination of a 400-voice Festival Chorus and a cast of exceptional soloists, is designed to mesmerize the audience with every note and emotion conveyed. Beyond the enthralling music, this event is a unique opportunity to witness a cast of established and emerging talents, including Celeste Lazarenko, Sian Sharp, Andrew Goodwin,… Read More

Limbo The Return: a highlight of Sydney theatre

Limbo performance theatre

Welcome to a circus spectacle of otherworldly proportions, “LIMBO The Return” is the exhilarating new headline show captivating audiences at The Grand Electric, the hottest venue in town. This acclaimed production marries the thrilling essence of live circus, cabaret, and acrobatics with the heart-pounding live music composed by New York’s own Jank master, Sxip Shirey. Set in a realm delicately balanced between heaven and hell, “LIMBO The Return” showcases an international ensemble of top-tier circus performers and musicians, creating an experience that transcends the ordinary. Having spellbound crowds in Spiegeltents across Newcastle and Adelaide, “LIMBO The Return” now sets its sights on Sydney for its headline season. The show has been embraced with open arms, drawing in audiences eager to witness its jaw-dropping, fire-breathing, and gravity-defying acts. Critics, too, have been fervently enthusiastic, with Upside Adelaide awarding the show a five-star review, lauding it as “a whirlwind of excitement and wonder… that will leave you wanting more.” Elsewhere, See Do Eat Review echoed this acclaim in their own five-star praise, highlighting the band as “musical geniuses” and heralding the show as their “favourite show of the Fringe”. More than a decade ago, the original LIMBO production propelled its creators, Strut & Fret, onto the global stage. After selling out at the Sydney Festival, it embarked on an international tour gracing stages from Brussels to Bogota. The show even captivated Madonna, who attended twice during its London season. Its follow-up, “LIMBO Unhinged,” enjoyed a hugely successful and critically acclaimed run at the Sydney Opera House, before… Read More

National Gallery’s record-breaking year

National Gallery art Rape Europa

In 2023, art enthusiasts around the world flocked to experience the awe-inspiring collection and captivating exhibitions offered by the National Gallery, London. The Gallery proudly announced an astounding total of 4,287,434 in-person visits to its premises and various immersive programs both locally and across the globe. This momentous achievement reflects the unwavering passion and dedication of art lovers who seek to connect with the beauty and creativity encapsulated within the National Gallery’s treasures. A Global Spectacle of Art Appreciation The impact of the National Gallery reverberated globally, with 952,551 visits recorded during the 2023?4 exhibition tour of Asia, spanning acclaimed venues such as the Shanghai Museum, The National Museum of Korea, and Hong Kong Palace Museum. Additionally, 154,202 visits were made to captivating National Gallery displays and exhibitions during their UK tour. These figures illustrate the far-reaching influence of the National Gallery’s artistic prowess, captivating audiences from diverse cultural landscapes. Thriving at Home: Trafalgar Square Triumph Undoubtedly, the beating heart of this remarkable feat lies in the impressive 3,096,508 visits to the Gallery in Trafalgar Square during 2023, representing a remarkable 14% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the Gallery welcomed 26,201 school students and teachers, affirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation’s appreciation for art. Moreover, the Gallery’s Summer on the Square free outdoor festival of creativity drew an exhilarating 25,932 visits, underscoring the Gallery’s role as a vibrant hub of artistic expression and inspiration. Embracing the Digital Realm: Unprecedented Engagement In an age defined by digital connectivity, the National Gallery demonstrated exceptional… Read More