Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Sydney’s ultimate date night: dinner and the opera on Sydney Harbour

Updated: 08/03/2021

Forget Valentine’s Day; this opportunity’s about to trump any idea you’ve ever had before. Opera Australia’s putting on a European gastronomic spread ahead of its annual Handa Opera on the Harbour, renowned as one of the world’s most premier and premium outdoor musical events. The premium harbourside setting will be transformed into a pop-up opera house, complete with bars, restaurants and tiered seating that make the most of the spectacular Sydney skyline views. You’ll get the chance to choose from five different restaurant and bar areas that’ll serve a European-inspired menu that will highlight the flavours of France and Italy in celebration of the triumphant return of Opera Australia’s production of Opera Australia’s La Traviata. For those who bank with HSBC Australia, the Platinum Club will be on-hand as the pop-up dining experience to visit, comprising a sumptuous undercover restaurant and bar with premium Sydney Harbour views. The Club offers exclusive two or three-course sit-down fine dining with table-service, matching wine and a set menu from The Fresh Collective’s award-winning chefs. Opera Australia has partnered with Handpicked Wines as the official wine partner and will have on-hand, a range of award- winning wine selections from Australia’s leading fine wine regions. Reservations for the HSBC Platinum Club are essential. For a more laid-back option, guests can dine with some of the best views on site as a backdrop on the Northern Terrace. Enjoy bistro-style dining from Frenchies Bistro and Brewery with a choice of French-inspired hot, cold and dessert selections. The Southern Terrace will transform into… Read More

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

Tags: handa opera sydney harbour, opera domain, Opera music bowl, Outdoor opera, Sydney Harbour opera, Sydney outdoor music festival, Sydney's ultimate date night dinner and the opera on Sydney Harbour

Life drawing art classes at the Sydney Opera House

by James Banham

Posted: 07/03/2021

Forget hundreds-year old operatic productions on the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage in the Sydney Opera House: this month it’s all about art. A one-time-only event on 12 March, the most beautiful set in Australian musical production, the first act scenery for John Bell’s acclaimed production of Tosca, will open to the public for the first time ever for a one-off life drawing class. Teaming up with Darlinghurst Life Drawing, Opera Australia is offering budding artists the opportunity to attend a two-hour drawing class, located right on the set of Tosca in the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell, Act l of Tosca is a spectacular reproduction of Rome’s stunning Sant’Andrea della Valle church. So warm up those fingers, get those creative juices flowing and prepare for one of life’s once-off experiences like never before. For more info and to book, go to the Opera Australia website. Time: 7:00-9:00pm Cost: $125 + booking fee

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

Tags: Life drawing art classes at the Sydney Opera House, life drawing sydney, Sydney art classes, sydney opera house

Cheap opera tickets by Opera Australia: for those who want to try it

Teodor Ilincai Tosca Opera Australia THE F 4

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

If there’s one thing in life you need to do, it’s to see the opera. And if there’s one company anywhere in the world you need to see it by, it’s Opera Australia. We’ve written about their world class productions so many, many, many, many times which is testament to just how insanely impressive and disciple-making they are. And now, you can access world class productions for a casual 20. In a bid to encourage more people to experience grand opera, Opera Australia is offering $20 tickets to 2,000 first time opera-goers to see its upcoming production of Puccini’s Tosca, which runs from February 22 to March 13, 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program, Opera Australia is able to offer tickets for less than the price of a movie ticket to people who are yet to experience the magic of live opera. For more and to sign up, get along to the Opera Australia website, link above.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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Australian Chamber Orchestra ‘Bach and Beyond’ series premiers this March 2021

by James Banham

Updated: 20/02/2021

For those who missed the February instalment of Rapture and Revolution by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, then never fear, there’s a March instalment on its way that showcases the incredible work of one of time’s most illustrious composers Titled Bach and the Beyond on 31 March 2021 and directed by Matisse Ruby with cinematography by Tyson Perkins, the second film includes a performance from the world’s greatest living flautist Emmanuel Pahud. Recorded during his time in lockdown in Berlin, it’ll make for a rare opportunity to see international and Australian musicians performing music together remotely, as part of ACO’s inaugural 2021 digital season. At a time when we are all grappling with finding trust in this new world and hope for the future, it is astonishing how relevant Bach remains. This evocative and impassioned concert film pitches Bach’s timeless search for redemption alongside compositions by Richard Tognetti, elevated by the mesmerising vocals of Satu Vänskä*. Get your tickets to Back and the Beyond at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s website. *Source

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

Tags: Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra 'Bach and Beyond' series premiers this March 2021, Australian Chamber Orchestra Bach Beyond, Bach Beyond, Classical music Australia, Classical music concerts, Classical music concerts online, Classical music videos

LGBT+ theatre entertainment for Mardi Gras in Sydney: Darlinghurst Theatre Company launches Darlo Sessions

by James Banham

Posted: 20/02/2021

The Darlo in Sydney is redefining what the theatre can be for for audiences and performers. And no time like the present with the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras upon us. Known for removing barriers, the company will be launching ‘Darlo Sessions’ on Friday, 26 February over three weekends to introduce a lush new way to experience Australia’s live music scene. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the amazing queer and gender-diverse performers involved to celebrate the incredible music that they’re creating. It’s an amazing platform for emerging and established queer and gender-diverse artists to experiment in the iconic space, with each night showcasing two artist performances at 7pm and 9pm, allowing patrons to treat themselves to a specially aligned double bill. Head along to see artists like: JarmarzOnMarz Jamaica Moana DVNA Essie Holt Boy and Bucket Erin Clare Hot Potato Band KYVA imbi Huck Hastings (Album Launch) Brendan Maclean + Jack Colwell Okenyo Banoffee Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased through the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, back up top.

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

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Hear the greatest opera arias in 90 mins at Sydney Opera House

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Described as the ‘best of opera without the boring bits’, Opera Australia is putting on a 90-minute show that’s jam-packed with tunes that most people will be familiar with and not realise! The opera masterpieces are famous around the world, not just the soundtrack from a commercial and come from a completely different time by some of the greatest musical minds in history. Performed by an all star operatic cast, they’ll perform tunes that the audience will no doubt recognise from car and pasta adverts, along with films such as Pretty Woman and Star Trek. On now until 3 March 2021, the performances go for 90 minutes for $69 for adults (fees may apply). Concession prices available. Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

Tags: Best of opera, Hear the greatest opera arias in 90 mins at Sydney Opera House, opera, opera australia, sydney opera house, Sydney opera short concerts

Melbourne: the NGV Triennial EXTRA festival returns

by James Banham

Posted: 15/01/2021

Art lovers rejoice! The National Gallery of Victoria’s Triennial EXTRA, its free late-night festival, returns in 2021 featuring a program stacked with live performances, DJs, dan ce, food, pop-up bars and after-hours access to the NGV Triennial exhibition, launching Friday 15 January and running nightly until 14 February. Here are some highlights to add to the diary. AS SHE FLOATS BY SCOTTY SO – Tue-Sun, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Exhibiting NGV Triennial artist Scotty So appears across the Ground Level of NGV International silently lip syncing a Chinese Opera inspired by the myth of the Chinese moon goddess Chang’e. Dressed in a holographic Tang dynasty style Hanfu robe with hair and makeup styled after the traditional images of the moon goddess, So performs as an offering to the spirits of the space. SCARLETT NIGHT BY SCOTTY SO –Tue-Sun, 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Scarlett So Hung So, artist Scotty So’s drag persona, takes visitors on a journey through time in Adam Nathaniel Furman and Sibling Architecture’s NGV Triennial installation Boudoir Babylon 2020, paying homage to Japanese actress and singer Yoshiko Yamaguchi, 60s songstress Rebecca Pan, Greek diva Maria Callas and Australia’s queen of pop Kylie Minogue. OPENING WEEKEND DJS – 15, 16 & 17 Jan, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm – Setting the scene on the Forecourt and in the Garden, local DJs performing during EXTRA’s opening weekend include emerging talent Millú; local nightlife mainstay Andee Frost; disco, funk and electronic specialist Edd Fisher; and multifaceted classical house DJ and curator Merve. JEFF KOONS ON ICE BY HAMISH MCINTOSH – Mon, Wed & Fri, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm & 7.00… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, LIFESTYLE

Tags: ngv, ngv melbourne, ngv triennial

Opera’s back! Opera Australia’s 2021 season kicks off

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

In what’s probably the best piece of news to start 2021 with, Opera Australia’s back. After a hiatus of what felt like forever because of the pandemic, a brand new season has just been announced, kicking off with a show in English that everyone can appreciate. With emotions flying, the leadership of Opera Australia announced the Merry Widow will take to the stage at the Sydney Opera House in all its 50s art deco glamour. This is on from 5 January. Followed by Verdi’s Ernani in collaboration with La Scala in Milan, it’s a first for Opera Australia and the Opera House, shining a light on the magic of Verdi’s Italian classics. Followed by other classics like Tosca and a few other firsts, Opera Australia is stopping at nothing to return its singers to the stage in their world-class best. Watch below to see more about the season ahead or head to the Opera Australia website.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

Tags: Opera Australia 2021, Opera Australia summer 2021, Opera Australia Summer season, Opera summer season 2021, Operas back

Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace: the December exhibition you need to see

by James Banham

Updated: 05/12/2020

This December, the Queen’s Gallery at the inner sanctum of Buckingham Palace is opening its post-Corona doors again, putting on a show that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Her Majesty’s collection. Bringing together 65 of the most spectacular paintings in the Royal Collection, which usually hang in the Picture Gallery, one of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, guests will view paintings widely acknowledged to be among the highlights of the Royal Collection, including spectacular works by Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Dyck and Canaletto. The exhibition has been made possible by the removal of the paintings from the Picture Gallery to allow for essential works to take place as part of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme. These works will include the replacement of electrics and pipework, some of which has not been updated since the 1940s. A team of art handlers and conservators have spent four weeks carefully emptying the Picture Gallery of paintings and decorative arts from the Royal Collection. Old Master paintings have hung in the room since it was first created for George IV in the 1820s. While the display of paintings is occasionally refreshed, the Picture Gallery has not been entirely emptied of its contents since it was last redecorated in 1976. For more, to book a visit and explore more, visit the Royal Collection Trust’s website.

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

Tags: Art London, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace art gallery London, Buckingham Palace art gallery tour, Masterpieces Buckingham Palace, Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace

Guggenheim Bilbao: See Kandinsky until May 2021

by James Banham

Posted: 21/11/2020

Got the travel bug and feeling inspired by the creative? Then, it’s worth knowing the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao presents Kandinsky, a comprehensive exhibition of paintings and works on paper of artist Vasily Kandinsky (b. 1866, Moscow; d. 1944, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France) drawn primarily from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation’s rich holdings. The exhibition traces the aesthetic evolution of a pioneer of abstraction, a renowned aesthetic theorist, and one of the foremost artistic innovators of the early twentieth century. In his endeavor to free painting from its ties to the natural world, Kandinsky discovered a new subject matter based solely on the artist’s “inner necessity” that would remain his lifelong concern. See the whole exhibition in 33 minutes here!

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Guggenheim Bilbao

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.