Latest news
Philip Glass interview
Composer Philip Glass is interviewed this week by The Guardian’s Laura Barnett. He talks about fame, inspiration and people he would like to work with. Click here to read.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra announces its 2014 season
The Sydney Symphony has resumed its identity as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with the release of its 2014 season under its new Chief Conductor David Robertson. Whilst the focus is on the European classics, the year’s offerings ought to please, as the programme includes symphonic masterworks, lighter fare from the movies, choral greats and a spritz of the unusual. The visiting soloists and…
Properly taught music is a must in school, says Richard Gill
Conductor and music educator Richard Gill is passionate about the importance of expertly taught music in the school curriculum. He says ‘ unless children are receiving a first-rate music education, taught by teachers who know about music, children’s brains are being starved, in part, of the necessary stimulants that generate creativity in an individual.’ Click here to read the…
‘Ode to Joy’ is commemorated in stone
Beethoven was paid £50 and was deaf when he wrote his Symphony No 9 Ode to Joy. Commissioned in 1822 by the Royal Philharmonic Society in the UK, it premiered in the UK in 1825, following its world premiere in Vienna the previous year. This weekend, a plaque commemorating the UK premiere and its venue will be unveiled…
‘Lady Sings the Viol’ giveaways – CDs and passes to launch
If you would like to be in the running to win one of two double passes to the cabaret style launch of the CD Lady Sings the Viol, created in style by director Christine Douglas on August 24th at The Independent Theatre in North Sydney – or – Win one of 4 CD giveaways of…
2013 Helpmann Award winners
The 13th annual Helpmann Awards ceremony was held earlier this week in the Joan Sutherland Theatre of the Sydney Opera House. Named after the legenday Australian dancer, actor, theatre director and choreographer Sir Robert Helpmann (1909 – 1986), the awards recognise excellence in live performance, acknowledging its significant contribution to the greater Australian community and recognising distinguished artistic achievement across the major disciplines of…
Latest reviews
Review: A Ceremony of Carols, The Choir of St James’ King Street
Ceremony of Carols Choir of St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney 23 November 2013 Benjamin Britten was born on St Cecilia’s Day (22 November) 1913 and the Choir of St James’ Church celebrated his centenary with a concert focusing on his music. It provided a splendid conclusion to a year of fine performances under the…
Review: Die Walküre, Opera Australia
Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Die Walküre Arts Centre Melbourne/20 November 2013 ***** Now that the glitter has settled on the ‘preliminary evening’, the ‘first day’ of Wagner’s music drama in three acts has been revealed. As was the case with Das Rheingold, audience and critics may be divided on how successfully Opera…