AUTHOR: Suzanne Yanko

Editorial: Kooyong’s Classical Champion

It would be a brave voter indeed, who would assess the arts policies and probable programs of the major parties, so little has been said in recent months in the leadup to the Federal election.  Furthermore, there is no significant document on the table like the Gillard government’s  Creative Australia (2013).  Admittedly, the Labor Party’s current policy announced…Read More

MSO: Metropolis 2

We nearly missed this  festival, but fortunately the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra had this information for us…. We’ll  be reviewing the concert so keep your eyes on this space. About the performance A celebration of some of Australia’s – and the world’s – finest living composers, Metropolis New Music Festival showcases the MSO’s commitment to contemporary…Read More

12th Peninsula Summer Music Festival: Schedule of Events

There’s fine music, wine, and food across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond in the 12th Peninsula Summer Music Festival, which takes place between the 1st and 13th of January 2019. Stunning new venues include Peninsula Hot Springs, Whistlewood Gallery, Cruden Farm and Pelican Park.  In his first year as Artistic Director, internationally celebrated oboist, musical…Read More

PENINSULA FESTIVAL PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS

Director Ben Opie has shaped a program that reflects his own innovative musicality and artistic practice of keeping classical music connected and relevant. In one of many festival highlights the acclaimed Australian Haydn Ensemble, a fine Australian orchestra and chamber music group, makes its Victorian debut.  The ensemble specialises in music of the Classical era performed on historical…Read More

Madiba the Musical

Composed and written by Jean-Pierre Hadida, with co-author Alicia Sebrien, Madiba The Musical is not simply a story about a great man; it also examines the impact of a repressive system on ordinary people and deftly summarises Winnie Mandela as a driving force behind her husband’s publicity.  The musical starts with the Narrator (David Dennis)…Read More

Deb’s new work already a winner

Classic Melbourne has pleasure in passing on this announcement from the Melbourne Recital Centre… Melbourne Recital Centre is delighted to announce the recipient of the Merlyn Myer Music Commission 2019: Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, composer and educator Deborah Cheetham AO. The Merlyn Myer Music Commission was initiated to celebrate the work of Australian female composers in collaboration…Read More

Tomfoolery

We have two reviews of Tomfoolery for you, the first by  Jon Jackson, written on  September 13, 2018… It has been quite a long time since I have seen or heard a performance of Tom Lehrer’s satirical works. During the 1950s and 60s, Lehrer wrote and performed songs which challenged the way society saw itself and…Read More

The Romance of Selby

A Selby & Friends concert is always as welcome an event in Melbourne as it is in their  home – for most, that’s Sydney, with some “friends” coming from much further afield.  I was recently able to chat with Kathryn Selby about  her forthcoming Melbourne tour, A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Romantic – 19:30, Jun.…Read More

Honour for Melbourne Musician

Classic Melbourne has important breaking news to share, thanks to the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. The MCO’s  Artistic Director William Hennessy has been honoured in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours, with appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).  The MCO media release summarises Mr Hennessy’s many achievements as follows: “William Hennessy has long been…Read More

Opera initiative opens up primary classrooms

A trip to the opera is a treat that’s not always equally available to young schoolchildren. Until now, that is. What’s more, this new Victorian Opera initiative will surely be welcomed by teachers, freeing many of them from the less enjoyable aspects of a big excursion, like money to collect, keeping control of the children…Read More