COLIN STEELE retreats to the cloisters to review three books of disparate themes – biography, mystery and satire – but all based in academia.
Review
"As your eyes move across, you feel the impact of the cloud of spears hovering, and it takes your breath away." BARRINA SOUTH reviews a new installation at the National Gallery of of 2500 handmade spears suspended from the gallery ceiling.
"Despite more than 50 years in the music business his stage presence was still fresh and exuberant and his voice still strong and true of pitch, even in the high register." IAN McLEAN reviews Gilbert O'Sullivan.
MICHAEL WILSON reviews Finlandia, the finale of the Canberra International Music Festival 2025.
"The sounds of each piece rolled into the next work leaving listeners confused. And the production lacked professionalism and polish." IAN McLEAN is disappointed at the Canberra International Music Festival's Cycles and Variations concert.
IAN McLEAN reviews Hollywood Songbook, a performance by Ali McGregor and Signum Saxophone Quartet.
"The overarching theme of Garden is connection and growth – between generations, between dancers, between the elements that surround us and, literally, of a garden." SAMARA PURNELL reviews Garden, a dance performance by QL2.
"Directors who try to put their own stamp on a Noel Coward play need to tread warily," warns reviewer LEN POWER.
"It was a privilege to experience the extraordinary artistry, and sensitive partnership, of these wonderful musicians." NICK HORN reviews Echoes of the Iron Curtain performed by Satu Vänskä and Konstantin Shamray.
"You would not have known that this was the first collaboration between Finnish pianist Paavali Jumppanen and Australia’s Flinders Quartet, so assured was the performing," writes reviewer ALANNA MACLEAN.
"Amy Orman as Charity Hope Valentine brings impressive overseas professional experience to the role, which demands expertise to capture the spirit of the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. " BILL STEPHENS reviews Sweet Charity.
"Dramatically, there is room for improvement in this production. Stage movement could be more theatrically aware... momentum was lost as a result." NICK HORN reviews the Canberra International Music Festival show Magic Realism.
