‘Proud’: hall of fame status for Indigenous musician
A man credited with sharing his Indigenous culture with the world has received the highest honour in Australian music, as his family reveal their pride.
Music
In shock news for Australia’s music community, the Sydney-based board of The Song Company has announced that it will appoint a liquidator, bringing to an end over 40 years of activity by the nation’s leading professional vocal ensemble.
"The harp and guitar proved to be the perfect match, showcasing a range of music from the 16th century to the present day in the hands of two excellent players." LEN POWER reviews Resonance, a performance by Alice Giles and Timothy Kain.
HELEN MUSA reviews The Oracle, a performance by Ensemble Offspring, its “biggest and boldest program of the season”.
Music
Beatles great Sir Paul McCartney extends chart record
Sir Paul McCartney has extended his chart record in the UK with The Boys of Dungeon Lane – his 24th number one album.
Update
Farnham gala sells out as fans slam ‘outrageous’ prices
A gala tribute concert for John Farnham has sold out as fans of the music legend voice their disappointment at ticket prices.
Music
Dazzling evening of opera highlights
"What made this opera gala especially intriguing was that it marked the first time Cathy-Di Zhang and Helen Sherman had shared the stage. They clearly relished the opportunity," writes music reviewer BILL STEPHENS.
A show business icon has expressed gratitude after a tribute show was announced celebrating his music and raising vital funds for charity.
Snow Concert Hall is about to make a rare foray into opera this weekend with a planned gala featuring two of Australia’s most respected operatic stars, soprano Cathy-Di Zhang and mezzo soprano Helen Sherman, writes arts editor HELEN MUSA.
The Australian National Eisteddfod’s Bands & Orchestras event last week saw awards spread evenly across the competition, with six Platinum awards, 25 Gold, 32 Silver and 11 Bronze awards presented.
Arts editor HELEN MUSA reviews Art Song Canberra: A Brief History of the Unrequited, a recital by baritone Alasdair Stretch who ventured from the Renaissance well into the 21st century.
"This was a superbly satisfying performance of a grand piece of music... with more than a few moments of spine-tingling beauty as a chord just hung in the air or a voice floated above," writes music reviewer GRAHAM McDONALD.
"From the opening Schubert setting of The Lord is My Shepherd the choir presented choral singing of high vocal quality with fine balance, excellent dynamic control and contrast, and pleasing clarity of diction," writes reviewer IAN McLEAN.
LEN POWER reviews Sea and Stars, Debussy and Gershwin, a performance by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Chorus.
Australia's biggest performing arts company Opera Australia has staged a major financial turnaround, returning to profit in 2025.
'Interwoven' by the Australian String Quartet at Gandel Hall was a "through-composed study of emotional nuance", weaving together strains from the quartet's history spanning 18th century to the 21st century, reviews NICK HORN.
Delta Goodrem has finished fourth at Eurovision, confounding hopes for a first Australian winner as Bulgaria soared to its maiden win.
"Rather than confining itself to classic big-band repertoire, Blamey Street Big Band specialises in re-inventing popular music genres by applying a swing beat," writes reviewer BILL STEPHENS.
SARAH BYRNE reviews a performance of Schubert’s Fantasy and Octet by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
