FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Following a meticulous 14-month restoration undertaken by the Gallery’s Conservation Department and supported by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project, Peter Paul Rubens’s The Judgement of Paris is now back on public display as of this June.
As part of Sydney Festival 2022, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs presented a sellout season of Night of the Soul in the majestic ambience of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. The audience, comfortably reclined on yoga mats and cushions, was immersed in a live performance against a backdrop of towering columns and ancient sandstone walls, resonating with sonic choral beauty. In 2024, this magic will be revisited with a rare performance of one of the most sublime a cappella works ever written—Sergei Rachmaninoff’s hauntingly beautiful All-Night Vigil (also known as his Vespers). This sublime concert will be presented in a specially crafted, dream-like environment at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall, on Saturday, July 20. Much like the 2022 experience, the audience will be invited to find the sweet spot between active listening and meditation. The exceptional voices of over 100 singers from the Choirs’ renowned Symphony Chorus will unite as a living, breathing instrument, interspersed with solos from special guests: mezzo-soprano Hannah Fraser, tenor Louis Hurley, and saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello. For this immersive performance, conductor and Artistic Director Brett Weymark has reimagined Sydney Town Hall, creating a unique acoustic environment by removing much of the ground floor seating. The choir will be positioned centrally, surrounded on all four sides by yoga mats where attendees can recline, letting the sumptuous music wash over them. Traditional seating will also be available around the perimeter, on stage, and in the galleries. Best known for his heart-achingly beautiful piano concertos and lush symphonies featured in films like Brief Encounter and Shine, Rachmaninoff had… Read More
Opera Australia is poised to make operatic history next month with the world premiere of a groundbreaking new production of Puccini’s renowned but seldom performed trilogy, Il Trittico. This remarkable staging, commissioned by OA’s Artistic Director Jo Davies, will feature three of Australia’s most promising young directors – Constantine Costi, Imara Savage, and Shaun Rennie – each bringing their unique vision to one of the operas in the triptych. Il Trittico, a powerful collection of one-act verismo operas, offers a diverse experience that ranges from heart-wrenching tragedy to uproarious comedy, all within a single evening. This event marks the first occasion globally where a main stage production of Il Trittico is crafted by three individual directors, underlining the inventive spirit of this production. “We are incredibly excited to have these three extraordinary Australian directors animating Puccini’s magnum opus,” said Ms Davies. “This production tackles significant themes with resonant contemporary relevance, from the deep sorrow of losing a loved one to the intricacies of familial and financial entanglements. The genius of Puccini’s storytelling remains as poignant today as it was a century ago, reflecting our enduring human experiences and inspiring audiences to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.” Constantine Costi will helm Il tabarro, a tale of tense love set on a gritty barge, brought to life by Australian baritone Simon Meadows, soprano Olivia Cranwell, and tenor Viktor Antipenko in his Australian debut. Imara Savage directs the melancholic Suor Angelica, featuring soprano Lauren Fagan as the grieving nun in a convent garden, with OA chorister… Read More
In a nation-defining event, Twisties Chicken has emerged victorious as Australia’s Official Twistie. Following a nation-wide vote that left officials, onlookers, and long-time Twisties Cheese enthusiasts are stunned. This unexpected result capped off a month of vigorous campaigning by both Twisties Chicken and Twisties Cheese, each vying for the ultimate supremacy. The heated battle culminated in a celebratory gathering on Thursday, 27th June, where a monumental portrait by renowned artist Matt Adnate was unveiled. The Official Portrait features Twisties Chicken against Adnate’s signature abstract backdrop, a piece crafted under significant pressure not to look “too cheesy,” as Adnate quipped. Marketing Manager Sam O’Donnell expressed relief at the conclusion of the long-standing debate: “The Chicken vs Cheese debate is one Australians know well; we’re relieved to have settled it once and for all. The most appropriate way to celebrate this iconic win was through an Official Portrait, and having one of Australia’s most famous portrait artists commemorate Twisties Chicken’s win is a suitably twisted way to end this campaign.” While the future home of the portrait is still undecided, O’Donnell hinted at a potential donation to the National Portrait Gallery, should they show interest. The campaign was brought to life by high-profile endorsements from Robert Irwin and G Flip, with Robert championing Team Chicken and G Flip rallying support for Team Cheese. Throughout the campaign, familiar faces like Tanya Hennessy for Team Chicken and Matt Preston for Team Cheese played key roles, especially during the Democracy Twistie stand event at Bondi Beach. The nation responded with… Read More
This July, audiences in Sydney are invited to immerse themselves in “Convergence,” an extraordinary blend of martial arts and Chinese dance, presented by the Hong Kong Dance Company at the Seymour Centre.
One of the most successful operas ever composed by an Australian, Brett Dean’s internationally acclaimed Hamlet will finally make its long-awaited Sydney Opera House debut with Opera Australia next month. Directed by Australian theatre royalty, Neil Armfield and based on Shakespeare’s infamous play, Hamlet premiered in 2017 at the Glyndebourne Festival UK and has since been staged at the Adelaide Festival, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and most recently at the Munich Opera Festival. With Dean’s evocative music and thrilling libretto by Canadian Matthew Jocelyn offering audiences additional insights into the inner world of thought and emotion of the crazed son trying to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet is an invigoratingly modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s revenge thriller. Armfield has created a “viscerally physical” (Sydney Morning Herald) production, collaborating with Australian designers Ralph Myers and Alice Babidge to produce a slick royal court with darkness at its heart. Contemporary opera specialist, Anglo-German conductor Tim Anderson will make his Australian debut to guide the Opera Australia Orchestra through Dean’s immensely complex and astoundingly raw, visceral score comprising electronic music and cinema-like surround sound effects. Known as the ‘tortured tenor’ due to his extraordinary performances, British tenor Allan Clayton will reprise the demanding title role opposite homegrown soprano Lorina Gore, singing her spellbinding Helpmann-winning performance as Ophelia, and tour-de-force American baritone Rod Gilfry as Claudius. Australian mezzo-soprano Catherine Carby makes a welcome return to Opera Australia to make her role debut as Gertrude alongside an outstanding local cast and the Opera Australia Chorus, while Scottish accordionist James Crabb will… Read More
For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear, starring veteran stage actor Robert Menzies in the titular role. The production stages Shakespeare’s epic of the imagination in an intimate setting as Australian audiences won’t have seen it before.
Renowned magician Jamie Allan is set to make a triumphant return to London after a sensational sold-out residency in Chicago. Bringing his critically acclaimed show, Amaze, to the Marylebone Theatre from Thursday 25 July to Saturday 24 August, this marks Jamie’s first UK performances in over seven years. A Fusion of Magic and Technology Amaze isn’t just any magic show; it’s an immersive, story-driven spectacle that combines state-of-the-art technology with timeless conjuring techniques. This groundbreaking performance puts wonder directly into the hands of the audience, making them feel like an integral part of the magic. Jamie Allan, celebrated globally for his innovative and high-tech approach to magic, has sold millions of dollars’ worth of tickets worldwide and shattered box office records. His journey began as a teenager when he premiered his revolutionary iMagic creation on ITV’s This Morning in 1995, captivating audiences with his cutting-edge illusions. Since then, Jamie has continuously pushed the boundaries, incorporating holograms, laser beams, 3D video mapping, and interactive social media elements into his performances to mesmerise spectators. A Stellar Career and Show Highlights Jamie starred in the West End hit Impossible and toured the UK for three consecutive years with his award-winning show iMagician, which debuted at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End in 2015. The show made its US debut in 2018, becoming the highest-selling magic show in Chicago during his residency at the 1,525-seat Harris Theatre. In 2021, Jamie co-created Illusionarium and Magic Immersive, both receiving critical acclaim. His book, Everything, published in 2023, garnered widespread praise… Read More
There are lots of events in London parks throughout the summer, but few are so purposeful in their mission in injecting the wholesome feeling that comes from community theatre as the East London Shakespeare Festival. In parks dotted all around London this summer, the Shakespeare theatre company will be showing one of the bard’s most popular plays, Much Ado About Nothing. And if you’ve got kids, bring them along! The group is keen on getting kids involved to plant those seeds of interest and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s work from a young age. They put on some crafty options that kids go wild for. It’s the kind of thing that just makes you smile. And the cast do a truly excellent job of blending contemporary reality with Shakespearean whimsy that you can very easily get into. Throw in a little crowd participation and dance choreography that is as funny as it is engaging, there really is something for everyone. If you’re not a theatre or community theatre-goer particularly, my suggestion is to throw off your preconceptions, go and surprise yourself. In Shakespeare’s delightful comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, audiences are transported to the enchanting setting of a modern-day Messina where sun-soaked mischief and romance intertwine under the Mediterranean stars. Filled with witty banter, clever trickery, and heartwarming moments, this opulent tale showcases the triumph of love amidst playful deceptions, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of human emotions and relationships set against a backdrop of timeless charm and laughter. The East London Shakespeare Festival is known for its… Read More
Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of jazz every Thursday at The Rocks Square, where the vibrant sounds of Australian jazz fill the air under twinkling lights. This captivating new programme, curated by SIMA, brings together the coolest and most creative talents from the local jazz scene, promising a sonic adventure you won’t want to miss. Picture this: mingling with your mates, catching up after work, or making new friends as you sip on refreshing cocktails from Hickson House. The jazzy tunes provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and connection, making it an evening to remember. Best of all, Jazz Sessions is free to attend! You can unwind and savour the music without spending a penny. Whether you’re looking for a delightful post-dinner treat or an engaging after-work activity, this is your go-to event. Rain or shine, the music plays on – join us under the stars at The Rocks Square, or head to 6-8 Atherden St just a two-minute walk away if the weather takes a turn. Let the rhythm move you and experience the magic of Jazz Sessions at The Rocks Square. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the soulful sounds of Australia’s finest jazz artists! More info at the website. Here are the remaining shows:
