Friday 16 August, 2024 St. James’ Church Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Chamber Singers Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) The queue to get into the St James’ Church was moving slowly as the distant thunder was rumbling. Fortunately we were all seated by the time the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Chamber Singers filed in to the choir […]
Read More… from Review: Voices of the Italian Baroque at St James Church
Monday 12 August 2024 City Recital Hall Council: Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) Council is the musical duo of Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane. Their song-writing is original but somehow assuringly familiar and the songs are interspersed with classical music both old and ultra-modern. The overall effect is a […]
Are you ready to be transported back to the golden era of Motown? Don’t miss this 10-piece powerhouse band, featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of some of the greatest Motown legends. Get ready to groove to the iconic sounds of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha […]
Wednesday 7 August 2024 Sydney Opera House Sydney Symphony Orchestra Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) Violinist Augustin Hadelich’s performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was a virtuosic performance of great proportion, it took our appreciation of this much loved concerto to a new level. From the opening bars we […]
Read More… from Review: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House
Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing – Kassi Valazza In times of deep uncertainty and change, a profound sense of comfort can often be found in things that feel familiar and true. Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing, with all its folksy sincerity, is a case in point. The album is slow and unhurried, meandering through 10 songs about […]
Matthew talks with Joshua about his debut Jazz quartet record Volant (the act of flight), influences and inspirations of African scales and rhythms, recording improvisations, meditation and nature’s connection to jazz. […]
Bliss – Turiya Turiya—an eclectic jazz trio comprised of harp, double bass and drums—stuns with 50 minutes of ethereal sounds and dreamlike tapestries. Frontwoman Michelle Smith leads the way on harp with a virtuosic display of glissandos and trills, colouring otherwise traditional fusion compositions with a distinct and refreshing sound. Drummer Talya Valenti and bassist […]
“His touch is distinct and clear as glass…the Horowitz of Jazz Piano” – Martial Solar (Paris) The legendary James Morrison Quartet joins forces with Grammy award-winning pianist, Marian Petrescu (from Romania) for one night of sublime jazz in the city. With dazzling technique and dynamic interpretation this is a celebration of all that is intoxicating […]
Saturday 3 August 2024 City Recital Hall Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) In Silence & Rapture the ACO combines the music of JS Bach and Arvo Pärt with contemporary dance choreographed by Sydney Dance Company’s Rafael Bonachela, and the question I am pondering is was it a […]
Read More… from Review: Silence & Rapture at the City Recital Hall
One of the most celebrated artists of his era. Returning to Australia in December 2024, and with a career spanning almost four decades, GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Bell has performed with virtually every major orchestra, and maintains engagements as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, […]
Monday 29 July 2024 Sydney Opera House King’s College Choir, Cambridge Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) I feel conflicted. When I look at the stage I see a couple of the boys fidgeting (they caught my eye because the rest of the choir were still, focused and disciplined). Fidgeting with their gowns, their hands, […]
Read More… from Review. King’s College Choir, Cambridge at the Sydney Opera House
Saturday July 27, 2024 Riverside Theatres Parramatta National Theatre of Parramatta Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) In his new play, Karim, James Elazzi explores the frictions inherent to age, race, sexuality and identity. It is a dark play dealing with themes of family disfunction, drug addiction, loneliness and the breakdown of relationships, but Elazzi […]