Ensemble gives voice to the ‘opposite direction’
When Luminescence Chamber Singers step on to the stage for Luminescence and the Machine, they won’t just be singing – they’ll be revamping what a vocal ensemble can be, writes HELEN MUSA.
Music
HELEN MUSA talks to renowned flautist Sally Walker, who recently made the tough decision to step away from her contracted role at the School of Music after eight years.
"This thoroughly absorbing performance was one that will last long in the memory". MICHAEL WILSON reviews Uprisings, a performance by The Oriana Chorale.
"These musicians are exceptional... artists of professional standard, playing challenging music at an advanced level." SARAH BYRNE reviews the Australian Youth Orchestra's Voyage of Discovery concert.
Music
Peelman taks the Art Song chair
An uncomfortable changing of the guard has taken place at Art Song Canberra, with chair Ditta Zizi stepping down and former Canberra International Music Festival director Roland Peelman voted in as president, reports HELEN MUSA.
Music
British singer saluted for long service to the folk festival
Arts editor HELEN MUSA meets British folk singer Martyn Wyndham-Read, who was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award the National Folk Festival.
Music
Crowds pack the folk festival opening concert
Arts editor HELEN MUSA reviews the opening concert of the 60th National Folk Festival at Exhibition Park.
Canberra-raised Leonard ("Lenny") Weiss will conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra next week, becoming the first Australian ever to lead the ensemble at its home, Symphony Hall.
"Canberra Choral Society’s Our Stories gave its audience an unusual collection of material and much to reflect upon," says reviewer ALANNA MACLEAN.
LEN POWER reviews Romance Sublime! a performance by soprano Lorina Gore and pianist Anthony Smith.
"There are few musicals in the repertoire so well suited to the dramatic staging offered by Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, and this one lives up to the hype." Arts editor HELEN MUSA reviews Handa Opera's production of Phantom of the Opera.
NICK HORN reviews The Devil’s Violin, a performance by the Australian Chamber Orchestra led by guest violinist Ilya Gringolts.
"This piano recital journeyed across five centuries of Spanish music, from transcriptions on Sephardim music to the fiery spirit of modern Spanish composers." ROB KENNEDY reviews a recital by pianist Marcela Fiorillo.
"You know you’re in for something a little out of the ordinary when you’re greeted at the concert venue by the original, giant and creepy AF doll from Squid Games," writes reviewer SARAH BYRNE.
Music festival Birdsville Big Red Bash has been cancelled for 2026 after heavy rains. It's more bad news for live music lovers after the collapse of Bluesfest.
"A gentle radicalism lies at the heart of the 60th National Folk Festival as co-artistic directors Michael Sollis, Holly Downes and Chris Stone embrace a 'make love, not war' spirit suited to troubled times," writes HELEN MUSA.
It’s time for Canberra’s Italians and those who wish they were to kick up their heels as the Viva Italia in Canberra Festival returns with an expanded program, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Italian heritage.
"With three violinists and a continuo section of three more players, this ensemble certainly made beautiful music together." LEN POWER reviews 3 On 3, a performance by Apeiron Baroque.
Musica da Camera reverted to being entirely a string orchestra for this first concert of the year under the direction of German violinist Daniel Röhn, writes reviewer GRAHAM McDONALD.
