FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.
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
Mark your calendars and prepare to be enveloped in the soul-stirring sounds of Joep Beving, as the maestro makes his grand return to the Opera House this July. After mesmerising audiences in previous years, Beving is back with a bang, ready to unveil the mystical realms of Hermetism across two spellbinding shows on Monday, 22 July 2024. Each performance promises an experience akin to a spiritual odyssey, underscored by Beving’s deeply introspective, neoclassical sound that has captivated millions globally. This year, the enigmatic Dutch pianist is set to elevate his musical narrations to unprecedented heights, blending his artistry with an awe-inspiring audio-visual spectacle developed alongside the innovative minds of Boris Acket, Merijn Versnel, and Roxanne Percobic. Hermetism, drawing inspiration from Beving’s 2022 album, invites you on an enchanted voyage exploring the essence of spirituality, the elusive nature of time, and the depths of the inner self. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an invitation to transcend the ordinary, led by a masterful storyteller who’s rediscovered his love for the piano and transformed it into a source of universal connection and wonder. Joep Beving’s remarkable journey from personal loss to streaming stardom is a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire. With over 200 million streams on Spotify and a place among the giants of post-classical composition, Beving’s return to the Opera House isn’t just an event; it’s a pivotal moment in the world of contemporary music. As Ben Marshall, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, aptly puts it, “Joep describes… Read More
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO), a beacon of Australia’s early music scene, is set to awe audiences with its upcoming Baroque Kaleidoscope concert series. Scheduled to unfold at Sydney’s illustrious City Recital Hall from 3 – 8 May, before gracing Melbourne Recital Centre from 9 – 12 May, these performances are a testament to the Orchestra’s dedication to both historical authenticity and innovative musical expression. At the heart of this series lies a meticulously chosen repertoire featuring immortal works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel, and their distinguished contemporaries. In what promises to be a transcendent homage to the Baroque period, the ABO ventures back to its origins. The concert series aims to spotlight the fervour and extraordinary adeptness of Brandenburg’s principal musicians. Attendees can look forward to renditions of widely celebrated compositions, including Handel’s lively “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” and a captivating concerto for two violins from Vivaldi’s acclaimed L’estro Armonico. The stage will be graced by luminaries such as Shaun Lee-Chen, the internationally acclaimed Concertmaster whose renditions as a soloist have garnered widespread admiration, notably in last year’s Gloria & The Four Seasons. Equally distinguished are Principal Second Baroque Violin Ben Dollman and Principal Baroque Flute Melissa Farrow, each having enriched the Brandenburg ensemble with over two decades of expertise. Adding to the ensemble’s distinguished lineup, Adam Masters, recently coronated as Principal Baroque Oboe, will deliver a special performance of an Albinoni concerto. Masters’ unconventional path to music, transitioning from a decade-long career in medicine to pursuing his passion in Baroque oboe… Read More
Prepare to be swept away by the magnetic allure of Les Femmes – an all-female musical ensemble comprising former ‘The Voice’ contestants, exuding sophistication, charm, and pure entertainment. This vibrant trio is not just a musical act; it’s an immersive experience paying tribute to the legendary male artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Les Femmes will be gracing the stage at Cardea Bar in Sydney throughout February and March, promising an unforgettable evening of live music, delectable dining, and innovative cocktails. Get ready to indulge in an evening of revelry and musical magic while immersing yourself in the opulent, elegant, and old-world charm that Cardea is renowned for. Details:
Kicking off with La Belle Epoque this March 18-19 2022, the Sydney Art Quartet is taking to the stage to return to their comfortable place of live performance. Renowned for their virtuosic live performances and diverse and often unexpected collaborations, the SAQ masterfully intertwines music within fascinating cultural and creative cultural contexts traversing the wider worlds of history, the arts and the sciences. The Sydney Art Quartet’s 2022 program begins with the exquisitely conceived La Belle Epoque, created in collaboration with Champagne Maison Perrier-Jouët. It’s an introduction to their entire elcohol brand-partnered series, like: Mendelssohn Quartet Op.44/3 – Champagne Blanc De Blancs NV Borodin Quartet No.2 – Grand Brut NV Beethoven Quartet Op.59/2 – Belle Époque Vintage 2013 Smetana Quartet No.1 “From My Life’ – Blason Rosé NV Limited to just three intimately scaled performances, La Belle Epoque is sure to sell out! Book now for Friday March 18 at 7pm, or Saturday March 19 at 3pm or 7pm, at sydneyartquartet.com/belle-epoque
Electric Gardens is on. For lovers of quality tunes at a quality spot, Electric Gardens will deliver its biggest and most diverse lineup yet for its 5th anniversary on 22 Feb. Half a decade of cutting-edge producers and world-class DJs will be celebrated in Sydney’s shining Centennial Park. Mint location. Electric Gardens 2020 features a stellar international and local talent spread across four stages. The Electric Gardens 2020 bill is headed up by acclaimed UK artist Craig David, who will be bringing his widely-praised TS5 show Down Under. Combining his skills as a DJ and live performer, TS5 sees David fuse seasoned classics with contemporary anthems for a sprawling party set, drawing upon his extensive background in UK Garage, dance, pop and R&B. David’s high-energy TS5 set has graced the biggest festivals stages across the globe including Glastonbury, Tomorrowland and will now close out Electric Gardens in riveting fashion. Then, we’re looking at the likes of: Smiley Face, Armand Van Helden (one-half of Duck Sauce) DJ EZ, the master selector who has honed his incredible skills on radio airwaves, clubs and festivals for well over two decades. Gorgon City Pan-Pot and the esteemed Alan Fitzpatrick Reinier Zonneveld will flex his skills with a punchy live set. And more. Go to the Electric Gardens website to sort yourself out.
