Category: MUSIC

Opera Australia presents Mozart’s Requiem at City Recital Hall

Experience an unforgettable evening of music as Opera Australia’s exceptional Orchestra and Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor on Saturday 4 October 2025 at Sydney’s City Recital Hall. Internationally acclaimed for their artistry, the Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus will bring this monumental Mass for the Dead to life. Packed with dramatic intensity, the performance features the fiery Dies Irae and the heart-wrenching Lacrimosa – some of Mozart’s most recognisable and emotionally stirring compositions. Written during the composer’s final days, the Requiem stands as one of the most influential works in classical music, shrouded in a history of mystery and intrigue. A rich programme of musical highlights Alongside the Requiem, the evening will include a carefully curated selection of orchestral masterpieces. Audiences will enjoy The Marriage of Figaro Overture, Tchaikovsky’s spirited Russian Dance, and other virtuoso pieces designed to showcase the immense talent of Opera Australia’s celebrated Concertmaster, violinist Matthieu Arama, as well as conductors Tahu Matheson and Paul Fitzsimons. Event details Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration of musical brilliance. Reserve your seats now to witness the unparalleled majesty of Mozart’s final masterpiece brought to life by Opera Australia’s world-renowned Orchestra and Chorus.

Bundanon launches inaugural Boyd Music Series

Bundanon is set to become a key destination for music lovers in 2025 with the launch of its inaugural Boyd Music Series. This highly anticipated concert series, presented in collaboration with Sydney Opera House, showcases a line-up of world-class chamber musicians and celebrated soloists spanning western and eastern classical traditions. Running from May to November, the series promises to deliver a rich tapestry of sounds, with performances held at the award-winning Boyd Education Centre overlooking the breathtaking Bangli/Shoalhaven River. Curated by Genevieve Lacey, Utzon Music Series Curator for the Sydney Opera House, the Boyd Music Series is an extraordinary opportunity to experience musical excellence in a setting of natural beauty. Featuring both Australian and international artists, the programme includes several debut performances within Australia, offering audiences a rare and intimate insight into some of the world’s leading classical talents. Rachel Kent, CEO of Bundanon, said, “We are delighted to launch this ambitious new chamber music series at Bundanon, bringing the work of these incredible musicians to the Shoalhaven for the first time. Set within the award-winning Boyd Education Centre, with views of the mountains and river, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for these captivating listening experiences.” Genevieve Lacey added, “I am thrilled to support the expansion of chamber music across New South Wales with this dynamic programme of performances, offering audiences the opportunity to experience world-class music in truly unique settings, across both the Sydney Opera House and Bundanon.” A season of extraordinary performances The series began in spectacular fashion on 17… Read More

A night of transcendent music with Opera Australia’s Chorus

For one night only, on 22 May, Opera Australia’s world-renowned Chorus will grace the historic St James’ Church in Sydney for an exclusive performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem. This remarkable concert invites audiences to experience one of the masterpieces of the choral repertoire in an intimate and acoustically exquisite setting. Led by esteemed Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon, the 30-strong Opera Australia Chorus will breathe life into Duruflé’s meditative and deeply moving composition. Written in 1947 and inspired by the traditional Gregorian Mass for the Dead, Requiem is a musical reflection on life and the possibility of a better world beyond. Its nine movements, sung in Latin, weave ethereal harmonies and impressionist colours, culminating in moments of profound peace from the delicate Pie Jesu to the celestial In Paradisum. Accompanying the Chorus will be Chad Kelly on St James’ Bicentennial Pipe Organ, a multi-million-dollar masterpiece commissioned for the Church’s 200th anniversary in 2024. The unparalleled tones of this extraordinary instrument, intertwined with the soaring voices of the Chorus, promise a spellbinding experience for all in attendance. Nestled within the intimate 500-seat St James’ Church, the audience will be enveloped by the warm, resonant soundscapes of the Chorus and organ. This occasion offers a rare chance to witness the talents of one of Australia’s finest vocal ensembles outside their usual home at the Sydney Opera House. This 50-minute performance will be nothing short of transformative, a balm for the spirit and a moment of true reflection, surrounded by the timeless beauty of St James’ Church. Secure your… Read More

Feel the heartbeat of Jazz in Melbourne

Melbourne is in for a treat this April as We Call It Jazz: A Journey Through the Heart of New Orleans makes its Australian debut. After wowing audiences in Madrid, the immersive jazz experience is hitting the Brunswick Ballroom, offering Melburnians a chance to soak up the soulful magic of New Orleans without the long-haul flight. Kicking off on the 5th of April, this Fever-created show dives deep into the rich heritage of jazz, celebrating its street-corner origins and its boundless improvisational nature. The Brunswick Ballroom itself, with its cosy setting and speakeasy vibes, perfectly captures the spirit of a 1920s New Orleans jazz bar. Expect an hour of electrifying live music as exceptional musicians take the stage, blending vibrant arrangements with the freewheeling, unpredictable nature of true jazz. Guests will be seated cabaret-style, cocktails in hand, completely immersed in a warm, intimate atmosphere that makes every performance a one-of-a-kind event. For those looking to host similar unforgettable experiences, outdoor venue hire in Melbourne offers the perfect setting, combining stunning landscapes with a dynamic musical vibe. Following the huge success of Fever’s Candlelight Concerts, We Call It Jazz promises to open the world of jazz up to a new audience, recreating the genre’s magic in a way that’s accessible, authentic, and unforgettable. Performances begin on the 5th of April, with additional shows on the 13th and 27th at 6.30pm and 9pm. Tickets start at AUD$45.00 and can be snapped up via the Fever app or website. Don’t miss your chance to experience the rhythm, freedom, and sheer… Read More

Drum TAO’s debut of The Dream: must-see fusion of tradition and spectacle

Brace yourselves, London—the internationally acclaimed Japanese drumming powerhouse, Drum TAO, is finally making its grand entrance into the West End, and trust us, this is not your standard night out at the theatre. Their jaw-dropping production, The Dream, is set to crash onto the stage of the iconic Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 March 2025. After smashing it across Japan, Singapore, and Europe, they’ve decided it’s about time London got in on the action—and really, we couldn’t agree more. What makes The Dream such a show-stopper, you ask? Oh, just a cheeky combo of mind-blowing taiko drumming, intricate choreography, and enough high-energy athleticism to make even elite athletes feel lazy. Add to that contemporary costumes and a visual spectacle to rival anything Vegas can throw at you, and you’re in for a wild ride. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an all-encompassing experience that will make your jaw hit the floor—a few times. Originating from Oita, Japan, and going strong since their 1993 debut, Drum TAO is all about pairing the traditional with a contemporary twist. Their weapons of choice? Massive Wadaiko drums (basically, the heartbeat of Japanese percussion) paired with hauntingly beautiful melodies from instruments like the Shinobue (a lightweight flute), Koto (a dreamy harp), and Syamisen (a guitar-like masterpiece). Combine that with their intense physicality and modern musical interpretations, and it’s no wonder they’ve racked up millions of YouTube views, sold-out runs Off-Broadway, and legions of fans across the globe. Ten million spectators worldwide can’t be wrong,… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

New music to know: fresh fusion of Turkish & Egyptian indie sounds by Selin Sümbültepe

MDLBEAST Records, renowned for championing innovative talent across the MENA region, proudly unveils the “Hemhal” EP—a mesmerising blend of Turkish and Egyptian indie music. This five-track release underscores the label’s devotion to the alternative music scene, boldly traversing cultural and musical boundaries with a sound that defies convention. “Hemhal” is a tapestry of sounds and styles, weaving indie pop with the rich traditions of Turkey and Egypt. At the forefront are the evocative vocals of Selin Sümbültepe and Maii Waleed, whose voices soar over the meticulously crafted soundscapes by producer Zeid Hamdan. The EP delves into themes of love, identity, and the universal human experience, inviting listeners to embark on an emotive journey. Selin Sümbültepe, celebrated for her albums “C?zgan” (2017) and “Ben Estim Sen Esme” (2021), brings her multi-instrumentalist prowess and storytelling flair to this collaboration. Her Turkish roots and the vibrant culture of her hometown, Hatay, infuse her sound with authenticity and depth. As she works on her third studio album, Sümbültepe continues to push boundaries, with “Hemhal” showcasing her adeptness at genre-blending. Egyptian indie sensation Maii Waleed adds a complementary layer to the EP with her hauntingly beautiful lyrics that explore love, disappointment, and identity. Known for her influential “Moga” EP (2013), Waleed solidifies her place as a leading voice in the Egyptian indie scene with this latest project, adding emotional richness to the collective work. At the core of “Hemhal” is the visionary Zeid Hamdan, a luminary in the Middle East’s indie music circuit. Dubbed one of Lebanon’s cultural icons by… Read More