Music, art and poetry are in the mix of HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column. 

The Australian Chamber Orchestra will close its 50th anniversary season with a flourish, inviting audiences to step back into 1920s Paris in Cocteau’s Circle. Cabaret, opera and drag star Le Gateau Chocolat joins Canberra-trained soprano Chloe Lankshear, under the direction of Circa’s Yaron Lifschitz, at Llewellyn Hall, November 22.

The National Capital Orchestra takes to the stage with Broadway! – a spectacular concert packed with hits from My Fair Lady, Carousel, The Wizard of Oz and others, conducted by Louis Sharpe. Snow Concert Hall, November 16.

Canberra artist Eryn Marshall unveils Envy, Upcycled, a deeply personal solo exhibition exploring resilience and self-worth through art made from recycled materials created in partnership with the Butterfly Foundation. Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, November 18.

For its final Smith’s@Belco gig of the year, Australian Idol winner Damien Leith performs an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Roy Orbison. Belconnen Arts Centre, November 22.

Fijian-Australian writer Satendra Nandan launches Poems 1975-2025: Waves in the Wounded Sea, a volume spanning 50 years of poetic reflection. The evening features readings and discussions with Frank Bongiorno, Peter Putnis, Will Christie, and contributions by Sara-Lynne Simpson and Gitanjali Nandan. The Street Theatre, November 21.

Rounding off Musica Viva Australia’s 80th anniversary season, Polish-Hungarian pianist Piotr Anderszewski returns to Australia for his first recital tour in over a decade, bringing fresh insight to works by Brahms, Bach and Beethoven. Llewellyn Hall, November 21.

Baritone David Greco joins pianist Roland Peelman for Love Lost and Love Found, the finale of Art Song Canberra’s 2025 season. Wesley Music Centre, November 16.

The inaugural Canberra Fringe brings three days and 15 acts drawn from across the country – including three local artists – offering  affordable, boundary-pushing entertainment. The Pot Belly, Belconnen, November 21-23.