Here’s arts editor HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column.

Septimus Kelly: Australia’s Chopin celebrates the life and music of Australian Romantic composer Frederick Septimus Kelly, who was also an Olympic gold medal-winning rower and died in World War I. Virtuoso pianist Edward Neeman performs Kelly’s unfinished Sonata in F minor and other works in a commemorative concert presented by Flowers of Peace, directed by Chris Latham. Wesley Music Centre, November 14.

Roger Pulvers, author, journalist, playwright and former ANU lecturer, explores how Japanese culture might help address some of the biggest challenges facing the 21st century, as part of Questacon’s Australia and Japan: A Day of Discovery. Questacon, November 14.

Come Alive 26 returns for its 17th annual Festival of Museum Theatre, with 13 schools presenting 20 performances inspired by collections at the National Library and the Royal Australian Mint. The festival encourages students to explore Australia’s history, culture and people through theatre. ACT HUB, November 10-13.

Singer-songwriter Lior and composer Ade Vincent explore the influence of artificial intelligence on art in To Be Human, a seven-part song cycle featuring the CSO Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Jessica Cottis. The concert features the late Canberra composer Michael Sollis’ Happy Deathday Mister Robot! National Museum of Australia. National Museum of Australia, November 12.

Created by Darren O’Donnell and international performance company Mammalian Diving Reflex, Nightwalks with Teenagers invites adults to experience Canberra after dark through the eyes of local teenagers, who devise and lead the walks. A collaboration between Canberra Youth Theatre and Mammalian Diving Reflex, the production is part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival. Canberra, November 12 to 14.

Dianna Nixon and her studio performers present a three-act fundraising cabaret for Music Theatre Projects, beginning with jazz piano and vocals in the foyer, moving into song and dance in Street 1, then returning to the foyer for raffle prizes and a finale of pop and rock songs. The Street Theatre, November 8.

Renowned harpist Alice Giles returns to Tuggeranong Arts Centre for Under a Starry Sky, a special end-of-year Saturday Salon recital followed by afternoon tea with the artist. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, November 14.

Musical satirists Shortis and Simpson unveil a fresh batch of songs in Satire at Smith’s, turning their attention to the foibles and follies of political leaders in a cabaret of humour, poignancy and commentary on the year nearly survived. Smith’s Alternative, November 14.

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.