Category: CITIES

Cory George joins THE YARD GYM

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With a solid 15 years of industry experience under his belt, Cory George is a revered figure in the realm of strength conditioning, fitness, and nutrition. His insightful tips and tricks have earned him a devoted fanbase, eagerly following his guidance to better health. Now, Cory faces his next thrilling challenge: taking the Aussie-based approach of THE YARD GYM to the global stage. Founded in 2020, THE YARD GYM has already achieved remarkable successes, thanks to the efforts of dynamic duo, Dan and Tiarne Bova. Their industry vision and comprehensive knowledge have crafted a future for fitness that Cory is thrilled to be an integral part of. With the world watching, this franchise-based business is poised for international expansion, guided by the expertise of Cory George, their new Head of Global Growth. So, why is Cory so convinced that this Australian approach to strength and condition training is the future of fitness? The answer lies in the cultural fabric of Australian lifestyle. Surfing, swimming, hiking, and simply enjoying the great outdoors — these have always been integral parts of daily life Down Under. This culture, therefore, naturally gravitates towards a health-conscious living, giving rise to the evolution of group training. Strength training, although vital, has often played a secondary role to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and conditioning, but THE YARD GYM is changing this narrative. Their innovative RIG & TURF concept introduces a renewed focus on strength, encouraging their audience to embrace this oft-neglected aspect of fitness while still adhering to their beloved routines. Cory… Read More

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney in 2023

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As we usher in 2023, there’s no better place to celebrate than the vibrant city of Sydney. Known for its iconic Harbour Bridge and breathtaking fireworks, Sydney offers an unforgettable experience to bid adieu to the old and welcome the new. Whether you prefer an intimate dinner with loved ones, a lively party with friends, or a tranquil spot to marvel at the fireworks, Sydney has you covered. Here’s our curated list of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney in 2023, ensuring an extraordinary start to your new year. Bottega Coco At $150pp for adults and $60pp for children under 10 and located a stone’s throw away from the waterfront, Bottega Coco in Barangaroo is the place to be this year to welcome 2024 in style. Michelin-Credentialled Head Chef Pier Davide Mauiri has curated an opulent set menu, perfect to indulge & ring in the new year. Just a short walk away from both Darling Harbour & Barangaroo Reserve, wander down to the harbourside after dinner to view the stunning fireworks display. Cardea Bar With $120 pp set menu, beverage packages from $110 – $155, if you’re looking for a lavish way to welcome the new year, then celebrate this New Year’s in style with a luxurious dinner and fantastic entertainment at Cardea. Come and be a part of the electrifying atmosphere here in Barangaroo this New Years, and get a front row seat to the midnight fireworks as Cardea is situated just a short walk from the Harbourside. Indulge yourself in our… Read More

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Melbourne in 2023

Melbourne New Years

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, and the anticipation of a brand new year is in the air, Melbourne transforms into a city of celebration! It’s famed for its spectacular fireworks display, bustling street parties, and glamorous soirees that light up New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning to bid farewell to 2023 amidst all the excitement, you’re in luck! Here’s our curated list of Melbourne’s finest venues where you can welcome the year 2024 in style, indulging in mouth-watering cuisine, sipping on premium beverages, and soaking in the electrifying ambiance. Let’s dive in, shall we? Mr Miyagi Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mr. Miyagi, where a feast awaits you! Their exquisite ‘Feed Me Menu’ is bound to tantalise your taste buds. Available from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM, this flavourful experience is priced at $99 per person. To make your celebration even more sparkling, opt for the premium free-flowing beverage package for an additional $29 per person. Reservations are open now. Check out their mouth-watering menu and the venue’s vibrant atmosphere here. Stella Restaurant and Bar Get ready to usher in the New Year in style at Stella Restaurant and Bar. They are offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve Dinner from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM. Savour a sophisticated culinary journey for $225 per person, with the option of premium paired wines at an additional $75 per person. Book your spot here to enjoy the delectable menu in their elegant setting. Not to be missed is the Stella’s New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party. From… Read More

Free opera in Melbourne: Opera Australia bringing back Opera For All!

In what promises to be nothing short of spectacular, the concert is set to feature some of the most beloved arias in opera. These pieces will be brought to life by four of Opera Australia’s premier performers, supported by musicians from Orchestra Victoria and under the expert guidance of esteemed opera conductor, Brian Castles-Onion. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, has expressed delight in BMW’s continued commitment to the Australian cultural landscape through their Opera for All concerts, stating this partnership helps bring more opera to more people. Equally thrilled is Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, who believes this event will bring joy to the community whilst supporting the arts and culture sector. Fed Square, renowned for its capacity to hold 8,000 people and its reputation as a hub for world-class art and culture, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this event. Mark your calendars for one of the biggest free outdoor opera events in Australia in 2024: the “BMW Opera for All.” An invitation is extended to all for an evening steeped in rich cultural experience and unforgettable opera performances. The anticipation builds as the date draws near. Head to opera.org.au for more

Escape to the Mediterranean in Sydney at Zephyr rooftop bar

Zephyr Bar Sydney Summer Shoot December 2022 Photography by Trent van der Jagt 161

We can’t all be in Europe, in fact, it’s winter there so Sydney is the hottest place to be anyway (perhaps literally). If you are craving the Mediterranean vibes though of sipping a frosty beverage, staring at the water and feeling a million miles away from your problems, then there’s only one spot on Sydney you need to be and that’s Zephyr bar. Situated on the 12th floor of city centre located Hyatt Regency is a not-so-hidden gem of a rooftop bar. We say not-so-hidden, because while a peaceful oasis, the great views are coveted so we recommend making a booking! All through the summer months Zephyr is embracing the French Riviera energy and has redone the rooftop setting with trails of bougainvillea and upscale seaside decor in classy navy, white and orange palettes. Naturally they’ve also redone the menu to suit a spot simply screaming let’s have a kiki. “Zephyr’s latest cocktail creations are a sensory journey that brings drink trends and the flavours seen in the Northern Hemisphere summer to Sydney as we enter the warmer months and the timeless attraction of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after summer locations, such as St. Tropez, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands straight to your glass,” explains Zephyr’s Mixologist, Jordan Rizk. With classics, twisty classics and new creations on the menu it’s hard to recommend just one drink that will be the perfect sundowner, however Jordan recommend the hero cocktail, the Zephyr St Tropez Spritz. Tastes of charred pineapple rum, deep of barrel-aged gin, sparkling rosé… Read More

Experience mesmerising Miss Saigon before it closes 16 December!

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Brace yourself for a truly extraordinary love story that has captivated audiences and garnered rave reviews. Don’t miss your chance to witness the breathtaking Australian production of Miss Saigon before its final performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday, 16 December. Critics and fans alike have been swept away by this mesmerizing theatrical experience, praising its “hugely talented cast” and deeming it “as powerful and affecting as ever.” Produced by the legendary Cameron Mackintosh, this production of Boublil and Schönberg’s award-winning musical is a must-see event. Taking center stage is the internationally acclaimed performer Seann Miley Moore in the role of The Engineer, alongside the talented Abigail Adriano as Kim and Nigel Huckle as Chris. The stellar cast also features Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Nick Afoa as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi. Together, they bring depth and emotion to the captivating story. Prepare to be enchanted by the full 24-piece orchestra, which breathes life into the soaring musical score created by the renowned duo behind Les Misérables. From the powerful anthems like “The Heat is On in Saigon” and “Last Night of the World” to the unforgettable melodies of “The Movie in My Mind” and “The American Dream,” the music will transport you to another world. Since its premiere on the West End, Miss Saigon has garnered an impressive 70 major theatre awards, including three Tonys and two Oliviers. It has been performed in 15 different languages, captivating audiences in over 32 countries and 350 cities worldwide. Set against… Read More

Leonardo da Vinci experience Melbourne: a journey into the mind of a genius

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Dedicated to exploring the life of arguably the greatest creative genius the world has ever known, THE LUME Melbourne is thrilled to announce the opening of “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius” in March 2024. This unparalleled experience promises to be the most ambitious, immersive, and breathtaking yet. It’s been two years since Van Gogh at THE LUME forever changed how art is experienced in Australia, presenting masterpieces such as “Starry Nights” in an accessible way that captivated audiences. Now, get ready to step inside the world’s most famous works of art as Mona Lisa and The Last Supper come to life on THE LUME’s colossal canvas at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This ground-breaking presentation allows visitors to be immersed in the grandeur and intricacies of these masterpieces, providing an intimate encounter with the brilliance of Leonardo’s artistry not possible in traditional museum settings. Leonardo da Vinci, an artist, inventor, scientist, philosopher, and musician, transcends his era. Not only did he create masterpieces never surpassed for their beauty, technique, and anatomical accuracy, but his pioneering contributions in architecture, engineering, and even flight laid the foundations for many modern innovations, making his influence more profound and far-reaching than anyone who has followed. As with all experiences at THE LUME, this isn’t your typical stroll through an art gallery. Prepare to enter a world where the lines between art and reality blur. Engage all your senses with sights, sounds, scents, touch, and taste as you navigate through the vast 3,000m² multi-sensory gallery. The… Read More

Watch Aida opera free by Opera Australia this December

Aida opera

In an unprecedented move designed to bring world-class opera performances to a global audience, Opera Australia (OA) has announced that it will livestream its critically acclaimed production of Aida on 11 December 2023. This groundbreaking production, available worldwide, will be streamed in real time from Brisbane, offering a unique opportunity for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience the magic of Verdi’s famous Aida, right from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative initiative by Opera Australia aims to provide increased access to world-class opera performances, in line with CEO Fiona Allan’s statement that “This is an exciting way for us to share opera of such scale and complexity with audiences beyond the city in which we are currently performing.” The livestream is set to broadcast at 7:00pm AEST, with the performance remaining available on-demand for two weeks following the initial broadcast. In a testament to the production’s quality and innovation, the broadcast will be hosted by Revival Director Shaun Rennie and Australian soprano Jane Ede, featuring special guests during the pre-show and intermission, offering greater insights into Verdi’s Aida and the world of opera.The production, which has been praised as a “captivating cinematic experience that fuses live performance and video” by Time Out, is directed by Davide Livermore and features the Australian-Armenian soprano Natalie Aroyan, OA favourite Diego Torre, and international guests soprano Elena Gabouri and bass Alexander Vinogradov. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the spectacle of Aida, as it brings together breathtaking choreography, striking costumes and stunning visual… Read More

Haydn Ensemble’s new performances

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Step into a world of musical brilliance as the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) takes you on an extraordinary journey with their captivating performances of Haydn’s Time of Day. This enchanting concert series showcases the talents of the AHE’s skilled musicians and pays homage to the renowned Esterhazy orchestra, featuring beautiful solos for each instrument. The AHE aims to recreate the grandeur of the Esterhazy orchestra, capturing its essence with a talented group of soloists. One highlight of this concert is the inclusion of Prince Nikolaus’ favorite instrument, the baryton, expertly played by the virtuoso violone player, Laura Vaughan. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience the unique and magical sound of this instrument, as it is the only one in Australia. In fact, this will be its first-ever performance in Sydney and Canberra, adding an air of excitement to these concerts. Furthermore, the Sydney concert will also mark the Australian premiere of the rarely heard baryton octet. The AHE’s Haydn’s Time of Day performances follow their highly successful tour in the United States in October, where they wowed audiences with nine mesmerizing concerts across the country. Their debut performance at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York was met with great acclaim, as was their showcase performance at the opening of the new Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Audiences were captivated by their exceptional talent, giving standing ovations at every concert. The 2023 season of the AHE has already seen remarkable performances, including Haydn’s Sun & Mendelssohn’s Stars, Haydn’s L’ours… Read More