Category: CITIES

A new experience awaits this winter at Pier One Sydney

Updated: 19/06/2023

Pier One Sydney Harbour has a new winter experience in store for guests, and it’s called “The Glass Room.” After six years of success with “Igloos on the Pier,” Pier One partnered with Alyce Tran, co-founder of In The Roundhouse, to create a new experience that promises to delight visitors this season. The Glass Room is an elevated transformation of one of Pier One’s luxury balcony suites, where guests can enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour while soaking in a cedar hot tub, sipping cocktails, and snacking on treats with friends. The suite has been transformed into a maximalist-inspired interior to create an inviting space, with plush furnishings of pink and red hues that are perfect for group gatherings. “I love colour and I wanted to bring something fresh to transport people into a cool interior that they would enjoy hanging out using trendy shapes, colors and design elements,” said Alyce Tran. “Guests will be immersed in an experience that brightens their mood and lifts their spirits.” Food and drink menus include a selection of cold and hot dishes, such as Sydney Rock Oysters, Whipped Cod Roe and Bottarga, Artisan Cured Meats and Cheeses, Breaded Brie with Kumquat Chutney, and more. Signature cocktails like the Pineapple Daquiri and Limoncello Spritz are available, along with sharing options like Cosmopolitans, Mojitos, and Aperol Spritz. Non-alcoholic carafes include Strawberry Raspberry Fizz and Innocent Mojito, and a variety of wine, beer, and soft drinks are also available. In addition to the food and drinks, guests can take a dip… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

What to expect from the new season by Opera Australia

by James Banham

Posted: 19/06/2023

Mark your calendars for Opera Australia’s much-awaited 2024 Sydney Summer Season, brought to you by the talented guest Creative Director Lindy Hume. Get ready to experience five Sydney Opera House premieres that will leave you awestruck! This season will showcase the virtuosity of Australian talent both on and off the stage, featuring a premier selection of international guest artists. Opera Australia celebrates the potency of opera in contemporary storytelling through this carefully curated selection of operas. Inspired by the European Enlightenment Era, this season features four operas written in the 18th century. Lindy Hume, the mastermind behind this program, says the season is filled with extraordinary music, deep contemplation, and brimming with optimism for the future. With an emphasis on collaboration, this season includes milestone partnerships with Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, Circa, and Opera Queensland, plus a welcome return to the Sydney Festival program. This celebratory season captures how versatile and dynamic the artform can be. Opera Australia’s CEO, Fiona Allan, explained that Lindy Hume was the perfect choice to create an interim Sydney Summer program for OA. Her season is tremendously refreshing, filled with exciting works showcasing a great breadth of artistic talent from all across Australia and around the world. Audiences will be presented with some of Australia’s brightest local and returning talent, including directors Sarah Giles and Yaron Lifschitz, conductor Jessica Cottis, and singers Samantha Clarke, Caitlin Hulcup, Michael Smallwood, Helen Sherman, and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes. Join us for the debut of Kate Gaul’s fantastical and eclectic new production of… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: Best operas, opera, opera australia, What to see Opera Australia, What's on Opera Australia

Superchef Simon Rogan coming to Australia

by James Banham

Posted: 16/06/2023

Internationally renowned British chef, restaurateur, and farm-to-table pioneer, Simon Rogan, is bringing his three-Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume, to Balmoral Beach’s iconic Bathers’ Pavilion for a five-week residency starting from Wednesday 19 July till Sunday 20 August, with only five weeks left until the event. The Bathers’ Pavilion team is excited to announce further details of this fully immersive dining experience. The team behind the residency has gone above and beyond to ensure that the local experience reflects the full L’Enclume experience in an Australian context. This includes wine flights, exclusive cellar list, service, and tableware. The team has also commissioned local ceramicists Malcolm Greenwood, Simon Reece, and Leia Sherblom to create unique versions of the tableware used at L’Enclume. Furthermore, bespoke wood artist Ted O’Donnell is hand carving 100 wooden spoons for a signature dish. Head Sommelier, Valentin Mouillard, and Director of Operations, Tom Sykes, have worked together to create three spectacular wine flights to pair with the eight-course menu. An exclusive private cellar list of extremely rare and hard-to-get vintages has been curated in partnership with The Royal Mail. Both Simon Rogan Restaurants/UMBEL Restaurant Group and Bathers’ Pavilion are passionate about providing opportunities for young hospitality talent and the industry’s great potential for career development. As part of the residency, two chef’s tables on Thursday 27 July and Tuesday 9 August will be dedicated to passionate and driven young professionals in hospitality who are 30 years old or younger. They will get an opportunity to learn from and interact with Simon Rogan and his… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Simon Rogan, Sydney celebrity chef

Sydney’s Chiswick unveils plans for winter including a new seasonal menu

by James Banham

Posted: 15/06/2023

Woollahra’s Chiswick is embracing winter with a series of exciting activities that will delight guests all season long. Live Music Tuesdays, Roasts & Jazz Sundays and the highly anticipated annual Truffle Dinner are among the highlights. Throughout June, Chiswick will host an array of live bands every Tuesday evening from 6 pm onwards, while guests dine on Head Chef Taylor Cullen’s garden harvest menu. Meanwhile, truffles take center stage in special menu items throughout the winter season, culminating in the annual truffle dinner on June 21st. In July, Roasts & Jazz Sundays will feature rotating menu options of succulent pork and beef accompanied by live jazz performances. The series of events will culminate in ‘Christmas in July’ on July 30th, featuring a special menu of Matt Moran’s honey glazed ham, Chiswick roast turkey, duck fat potatoes, and spiced parsnip and carrot. Chiswick’s winter cocktail selection, including Penny in NY, Yulefest Records, and Sorreal Clarity, perfectly complements the cooler season. Alongside the cocktails is a wine list curated by Head Sommelier Georgie Davidson-Brown, featuring sustainable, elegant drops from the country’s top producers. Experience the true essence of winter at Chiswick, where enticing flavours, captivating performances, and warm hospitality blend together harmoniously to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Verdi’s Rigoletto is back at Sydney Opera House

by James Banham

Posted: 14/06/2023

Opera Australia is proud to present Verdi’s beloved opera, Rigoletto, at the Joan Sutherland Theatre from June 13-26, 2023. Regarded by the composer himself as his finest work, Rigoletto features captivating melodies, a gripping plot, and complex characters that explore themes that remain relevant today. The story follows a tale of love and revenge, examining the corrupt nature of power and wealth within society. Verdi’s score includes some of the most renowned operatic tunes, such as “La donna è mobile” and “Bella figlia dell’ amore”, which have achieved worldwide recognition, appearing in popular culture from pasta adverts to blockbuster movies. Leading the cast is rising Italian baritone, Ernesto Petti, making his Australian and role debut as the vengeful Rigoletto, alongside Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume, who will sing the role of Gilda. Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will reprise his role as the Duke of Mantua, while Roberto Scandiuzzi, one of the world’s most prominent basses, will portray the ruthless Sparafucile, as well as performing in Aida this winter. Renowned Italian maestro Renato Palumbo will conduct the Opera Australia Orchestra, and Elijah Moshinsky’s glamorous production is inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, featuring a revolving two-storey dollhouse set, 1950s-inspired costumes, and a charming Fiat 500. Rigoletto is one of Opera Australia’s most popular and enduring productions, featuring magnificent sets, exciting performances, and Verdi’s sensational score that continues to captivate audiences.

Category: CITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, OPERA, SYDNEY

You can’t miss Champagne Moments at Shell House this winter

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 09/06/2023

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the winter blue, look no further than the palazzo-style spaces in Shell House, one of Sydney’s chicest bars and eateries. Teaming up with Perrier Jouët Champagne, Shell House is launching a six-week program of interactive events showcasing music, entertainment, culture, dining and drinking, aptly named Champagne Moments. With a range of events taking place within Shell House, there’s something to suit every vibe: While some events require only a reservation (although get in early, Shell House is often booked out!), other high end events are ticketed and have limited spots. A night with the James Morrison Quartet A true virtuoso, Morrison’s talents extend beyond the trumpet as he skilfully masters the piano, all brass instruments, and double bass. The event takes place across both the Clocktower Bar and the Dining Room. Champagne and canapés on arrival in the Clocktower Bar, accompanied by live music from The Menzies Jazz Trio. Guests will then move into the Dining Room for a special three-course menu crafted by Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Head Chef Aaron Ward with a paired wine option selected by Alex Kirkwood. The evening culminates as James Morrison and his exceptional jazz ensemble take to the stage for 2 x 50 sets of unforgettable live jazz. Date: Tuesday 27th June Time: 6:30pm Price: $225 (Glass of Perrier Jouët, canapés on arrival + 3 course menu + entertainment) Wet, Cold & Delicious #2 – Tuna Dinner with John Susman and Narito Ishii Beginning in the Clocktower Bar with a… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: shell house, sydney, what to do in winter

Become a part of the National Gallery London this summer

by James Banham

Posted: 27/05/2023

The National Gallery‘s Artist in Residence, Céline Condorelli, is creating a new exhibition from September 13, 2023, to January 7, 2024, that will feature various installations inspired by the Gallery’s iconic collections. Visitors can enjoy a new work of art by reclining on the floor of one of the Gallery’s most imposing rooms and admiring the new 25-by-64-metre textile sculpture on the ceiling. Additionally, visitors can hear field recordings and everyday voices of Trafalgar Square through a new audio work that connects the inside of the Gallery with the world outside. Céline Condorelli, who lives and works in London, focuses on bridging the boundaries between public and private, art and function, work and leisure, to reimagine the culture and society’s role of artists within them. She is the third Artist in Residence chosen since the launch of the National Gallery’s new Modern and Contemporary Programme. Condorelli’s work responds to the visitors’ experiences of looking at art by addressing the historical significance of furnishings and picture hangings, the use of carpets for children during storytelling activities, and scanning and imaging technologies pioneered by the Gallery’s scientific department. Moreover, she reflects on how visitors engage with art and spaces in the Gallery. Céline Condorelli’s residency will culminate in a publication and a display featuring her work at the National Gallery. With the support of the Contemporary Art Society, one of the works relating to the residency will enter RAMM’s collection. The Artist in Residence program is sponsored by Hiscox and is a collaboration between the National Gallery,… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

Tags: Art in London, London art, Londonist, national gallery, National Gallery London, what to do london, What's on London

What to look forward to at VIVID Sydney this year

by James Banham

Updated: 27/05/2023

Get excited because Vivid Sydney is back for its 13th year and the opening night was nothing short of spectacular. The night featured a Welcome to Country ceremony, fireworks, drone shows and a Lighting of the Sails at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Indigenous artists representing different language groups added a special touch to the ceremony with an incredible performance. The festival will run for 23 days and will showcase over 300 events featuring the world’s most innovative artists, talented musicians and thought leaders. This year’s theme, ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally,’ celebrates Mother Nature as the master creator of all things beautiful. You can expect to be blown away by the stunning art installations that are inspired by nature, among other things. Australia’s largest event has expanded to become a world-class program shining a light on all cultural aspects of the city and drawing in visitors from all over the world. With a variety of activations and events happening across various locations in Sydney, including Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, and the Royal Botanic Garden, there is something for everyone. This year’s program is the biggest in the festival’s history. Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said, “I am looking forward especially to Vivid Music – seeing our venues come alive with some incredible artists – it is one of the best programs to date.” And Festival Director Gill Minervini added, “We have raised the bar on the size and scale of the events and activated new parts of the city. Our lineup features more diverse… Read More

Category: CITIES, SYDNEY

Tags: Guide to Vivid Sydney, Sydney arts, Sydney what's on, vivid, Vivid 2023, vivid sydney, Vivid Sydney 2023, What to do Sydney

End of an era: Cuckoo Callay on Crown Street Sydney closes

by James Banham

Updated: 26/05/2023

ESCA Group is bidding farewell to Cuckoo Callay after six years of unforgettable memories. This eclectic venue will be closing its doors on 11 June, making room for an exciting new venture. But before they say their final goodbyes, Cuckoo Callay is bringing back their all-time favourite dishes for a limited time. The iconic Return of the MacDaddy, a combination of bacon, mac and cheese all stuffed into a flaky croissant, is making a comeback along with the mouth-watering Lemon and White Chocolate Hotcakes. For those feeling a little savoury about their departure, the Lamb Rendang Roti Tacos are also returning. Co-Founder of ESCA Group, Ibrahim Moubadder says, “It’s bittersweet to bid farewell to Cuckoo Callay. The venue wriggled its way onto Crown Street and brought locals a quirky combo of delicious food and great memories. However, we do believe it’s time to embark on a new adventure that pushes the boundaries and challenges the ordinary.” Dine with Cuckoo Callay before they close and fill out a ‘goodbye postcard’ to thank staff members for the memories. Filling out one of these cards will give patrons a chance to win 1 in 5 exclusive double dinner experiences to be the first to experience the newest venue at the soft opening. But don’t worry, ESCA’s newest Japanese Izakaya-style restaurant, It?, will be opening later this year in place of Cuckoo Callay. So mark your calendars and don’t miss your last chance to try their quirky creations before they close their doors forever on 11 June.

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

New gallery exhibition by Newell Harry in Albury

by James Banham

Posted: 25/05/2023

Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) has announced a major exhibition by internationally celebrated contemporary artist Newell Harry, marking the artist’s largest solo project to date. Titled Esperanto, this exhibition marks the first time the gallery has presented a major solo exhibition of works by a contemporary Australian artist. The exhibition will open on 28 July 2023. Newell Harry is an Australian-born artist of South African and Mauritian descent, whose work draws from an intimate web of connections across Oceania and the wider Indo-Pacific, to South Africa’s Western Cape Province where his extended family continue to reside. Through an ongoing syncretic process of collecting, trading and documenting, Harry examines the cultural agitation brought about by the movement of people, objects and knowledge as a result of colonial expansion, migration and globalisation. Esperanto presents the breadth of Newell Harry’s practice, woven together in a complex network of ideas and narratives. The exhibition recognises pivotal moments in Australian, South African and Indo-Pacific histories of the 60s and 70s, such as the end of the White Australia Policy, the 1967 referendum, anti-apartheid rugby protests, environmental and anti-nuclear testing movements, as well as themes of South African pop culture, ideas of trade, gift giving, family stories of migration and care, and an open engagement with notions of museological display and value. The exhibition features a major new commission, a large-scale photographic series set in Sydney’s Callan Park that speaks to central ideas in the artist’s practice, such as the complexity of identity, championing of the ‘other’ via the anti-narrative, and… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Albury art, Gallery exhibition, New gallery exhibition

ARTS & CULTURE

A Cindarella Royal Opera Affair at the Sydney Opera House

28/11/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to dust off your glass slippers and prepare for a royal night out as Opera Australia rolls out the red carpet for the Australian premiere of Cinderella (Cendrillon), opening at the Sydney Opera House this summer. And here’s the twist—this isn’t just another fairy tale outing. Think dazzling voices, high-fashion-meets-18th-century costumes, and, the pièce de résistance, an all-Australian, mostly female-powered superstar cast. All Hail the All-Australian Cast Leading the charge is mezzo soprano Emily Edmonds in her debut as leading lady, stepping into Cinderella’s much-coveted shoes. It’s her big moment, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better royal-to-be. Playing Prince Charming in the iconic ‘pants role’ is Margaret Plummer, making her return home from a sparkling international career. She’ll share the spotlight with fellow powerhouse Sian Sharp, an Opera Australia principal singer who knows how to bring the charm. And in a role that’s truly otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother will be brought to life by beloved soprano Emma Matthews—just what you need for some magical, operatic sparkle. Of course, no Cinderella story is complete without a wicked stepmother and, less-than-ideal stepsisters. Angela Hogan and Dominica Matthews will channel their inner villainess with all the outrageousness you could hope for, while Ashlyn Tymms takes her Opera Australia principal role debut alongside Jennifer Black and Jane Ede as the hilariously dreadful stepsisters. Throw in Richard Anderson as Cinderella’s father, Shane Lowrencev as the King, and Iain Henderson and Virgilio Marino as the Dean of Faculty, and you’ve got yourself an ensemble fit for a… Read More

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More