Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More

Royal Shakespeare Company tells the story of Pericles

Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical voyage as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) sets the stage for its latest production, Pericles, a tale of love, hope, and the miracles that bind us. Directed by Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey, this production marks her directorial debut with the RSC, infusing Shakespeare’s poignant work with a fresh and vibrant perspective. Prepare to be swept into a world of intrigue as Prince Pericles faces a life-threatening dilemma. After solving a perilous riddle set by a king, Pericles finds himself on the run, embarking on an epic voyage that will test his courage and resilience. This journey sees him battling princes, marrying his true love, and embracing fatherhood. Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing—Pericles must also navigate the treacherous waters of storms, shipwrecks, abduction, and devastating loss. Adrift in an ocean of grief, the pressing question remains: will Pericles ever see his family again? The curtains will rise at the iconic Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where audiences can immerse themselves in this stirring narrative from July 26 to September 21. Leading the cast is the versatile Alfred Enoch, recognized for his captivating performances in both television—like How to Get Away With Murder—and on stage, including roles in Red and Romeo and Juliet. Joining Enoch is an impressive ensemble featuring Rachelle Diedericks as Marina, Leah Haile as Thaisa, Chukwuma Omambala as Cleon, Christian Patterson as Simonides, and Gabby Wong as Dionyza. Together, they are set to breathe life into a tale that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The RSC is renowned… Read More

NGV hosts and exciting new design showcase for Melbourne city

This visionary showcase invites eight of Australia’s top landscape architecture and design firms to reimagine the future of the Yarra River, or Birrarung, presenting innovative ideas on how communities can better engage with, access, and preserve this vital ecosystem.

Melbourne Affordable Art Fair is back

Melbourne art lovers, mark your calendars: The Affordable Art Fair is making a dazzling return to the Royal Exhibition Building from August 29 to September 1, 2024. This event, celebrating the 25th global anniversary of the Affordable Art Fair, promises to be its largest and most exciting Australian program yet, offering an unmissable experience for families and art enthusiasts alike. This year’s fair is packed with fun and engaging activities designed to captivate visitors of all ages. The refreshed Children’s Art Studio, led by the talented Dion Parker, invites kids to dive into creative activities and enjoy free face painting, ensuring they have a blast while exploring their artistic side. Meanwhile, parents can soak in the vibrant display of artworks with ease. The Artists in Action segment is a must-see, featuring live sketches, an innovative ART ATM offering unique pieces, and a spectacular larger-than-life ‘reading room’ installation. These dynamic showcases are sure to leave you inspired and entertained. Art aficionados will be thrilled by the largest Australian gallery lineup ever assembled under one roof, with over 60 Australian and international galleries presenting a kaleidoscope of masterpieces. This year’s event emphasizes transparent pricing and a relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage directly with gallerists without any pressure. Adding to the excitement, the Young Talent Exhibition shines a spotlight on emerging artists under 35, providing them with a platform to showcase fresh perspectives and creativity. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover the next generation of art stars. Don’t miss the Access Partner Showcase, featuring a… Read More

Melbourne’s new cultural festival: Now or Never is on

Building on its phenomenal debut last year, this ten-day extravaganza will draw upon the talents of over 250 local and international creatives, transforming some of the city’s most iconic venues into hubs of immersive digital art, cutting-edge performances, and thought-provoking talks.