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

Simon Tedeschi plans to place the evening’s repertoire entirely in the hands of the audience when he returns to Canberra for an unscripted concert of musical requests. Audience members can nominate pieces before the performance, creating a program shaped on the spot by one of Australia’s most celebrated pianists. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton, September 18.

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the National Film and Sound Archive for a performance of Bernard Herrmann’s soundtrack to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, performed in sync with the screening of the classic film. The program also includes a pre-concert discussion and the premiere of Nightfaring, a new commission by Australian composer Leah Curtis, conducted by Jen Winley. Llewellyn Hall, September 16 and 17.

The 2026 Italian Film Festival returns with a showcase of contemporary Italian cinema. Early highlights include the romantic drama Three Goodbyes, the road movie The Greater Good, the thriller The Eyes of Others, the comedy Twin Stars, the schoolroom drama Classmates and the fantasy adventure Incanto. Palace Electric Cinemas, September 16-October 14.

Canberra Repertory Theatre steps back into the 1920s with Denise Deegan’s Olivier Award-winning comedy Daisy Pulls It Off, directed by Kate Blackhurst. Ashleigh Butler stars as scholarship student Daisy Meredith, whose adventures through treasure hunts, school rivalries and escapades parody classic schoolgirl stories. Elaine Noon plays her loyal friend Trixie Martin. Canberra Rep Theatre, September 12-26.

Music lovers can enjoy a spring day in Gundaroo with the Ellery String Quartet performing four concerts across historic 19th century venues, including three village churches. Featuring repertoire spanning four centuries, the event combines chamber music with a leisurely walk through the village. Various Gundaroo venues, September 18.

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