2010
John Waters
A wonderful evening of gossip and memories from a man whom I have admired for decades and I also do own each and every one of his extraordinary films which I believe are brilliant. John Waters chatted on stage and answered questions from a devoted and extremely knowledgeable crowd. He certainly has a sincere following.
Grand Final: Young Performers Award 2010
Three astonishingly talented performers. Pianist Oliver She won the evening with the Rachmaninov 3rd. and we also received outstanding performences of the Samuel Barber Violin Concerto with Richard Pollett who did a small tribute to Paganinni with a brief stance of bended knee and pointed foot and also Ross Edwards' Clarinet Concerto with Ashley William Smith in tartan and mohawk. Judging such evenings must be difficult and a great responsibility
The Brisbane Festival September 2010
A huge annual month long international festival of dance, music, art, theatre from the grand Balets and choral symphonic works to comedy to wild bands to wool wrapped trees and backyard recitals. There were over 450 performances and 63 events. There were five world, ten Australian and seven Queensland premieres. More than 1,600 artists from Cuba, the UK, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Ireland, Sweden, France, Estonia, the USA and all over Australia.
A huge annual month long international festival of dance, music, art, theatre from the grand Balets and choral symphonic works to comedy to wild bands to wool wrapped trees and backyard recitals. There were over 450 performances and 63 events. There were five world, ten Australian and seven Queensland premieres. More than 1,600 artists from Cuba, the UK, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Ireland, Sweden, France, Estonia, the USA and all over Australia.
Baroque Tarantella:- 7 Sept- The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra under direction of Christina Pluhar with guests from her group L'Arpeggiata from Paris. Brilliant evening with some of the artists from my favourite Ancient Music band who often appear with Philippe Jaroussky. (see clip on the page linked to L'Arpeggiata.)
The Oracle:- Stunning solo dance with Paul White which included a beautiful section of nude dance. The piece was choreographed with and for Paul by Meryl Tankard to Stravinsky's Right of Spring. "I have followed the structure of the music," says Tankard. "Paul wears an old cloak, a pair of underpants, a beautiful medieval bonnet and a fur stole as a skirt. The cloak can be like hair or a dress and, in the story, he can look like a king or a queen or a young girl. (The piece) has got a medieval, primitive feeling about it." White says that because the theme of Rite of Spring is a sacrifice, "the way we depict that is by dancing yourself to exhaustion".
Ron Mueck Exhibition
A group of major works by Australian-born, London-based sculptor Ron Mueck whose sculptures are some of the most widely acclaimed and identifiable works in the international contemporary art arena. Often naked and suspended in states of self-consciousness, introspection or deep contemplation, his figures present both emotional and physical states of exposure. Astounding in their realism, Mueck’s works have earned him a singular place as the creator of some of the most evocative sculptures of our time. Featuring celebrated works from Australian and international collections, in addition to new sculptures, it will be one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of Mueck’s work ever presented. You can stare up close at the pores in the skin and each individually placed hair. They range from gigantic to miniature and what an impressive exhibition it was.
An exhibition of memorabilia and the history of the contribution of the Gay and Lesbian population of Queensland right back to the convict days. This 4 month long exhibit at the Museum of Brisbane was sponsored by the City Council and the State Government which was good to see as were the familiar faces that appeared in so many of the photographs and clippings.
Asia Pacific Triennial of Art
A major event here and always full of spectacular surprises.
Established in 1993, it is the only major series of exhibitions in the world to focus exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia and the Pacific, including Australia. The pieces below I appreciated especially. The room where you entered barefoot to wander sightless, except for whiteness, through thousands of lengths suspended white soft rope. The feeling was of swimming underwater. It was a physical experience hit with people of all ages.
November 2010 I attended the Uplate at GOMA ‘Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future’ exhibition of around 100 gowns from 1959 to the present. Brisbane being the only Australian city for an exhibition which will only be seen in Paris, New York. A major exhibition developed by the renowned institution, Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The fully booked late sessions on Friday evenings for 3 months included drinks, DJ's and hundreds of well dressed fashion/art followers.
Established in 1993, it is the only major series of exhibitions in the world to focus exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia and the Pacific, including Australia. The pieces below I appreciated especially. The room where you entered barefoot to wander sightless, except for whiteness, through thousands of lengths suspended white soft rope. The feeling was of swimming underwater. It was a physical experience hit with people of all ages.
Rufus Wainwright
October 15th I finally had the privilege of seeing Rufus Wainwright at the Concert Hall. The audience were requested not to applaud until he had left the stage after the first song cycle. He made his slow entrance on stage in a postmodernist version of a Victorian funeral gown, complete with an extravagant feathered collar and a 17-foot-long train. He sang his entire new album for around 55 minutes and left the stage. The audience then applauded. After interval he then sang familiar great songs for another hour or so. What a voice and he used the piano like a 90 piece orchestra. It was a generous concert. He is charming, he is beautiful, he is an entertainer and he is great. I want him to write a song for one of my films. I need to have the audacity to ask. In fact during the first set I imagined the images for a new film I am determined to make.
AIDA
October 26
According to the publicity the audience and critics raved about this production but I was exceedingly underwhelmed by the set, some of the singers, the chorus and the dancers,
Valentino
21st Century: Art in the First Decade
December:- More than 200 works and featuring over 140 artists and artist collaborative groups from more than 40 countries all created between 2000 and 2010 and occupying the entire Gallery of Modern Art.
2011
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The Art Galleries reopened on the 17th February after being closed since the floods. Big celebrations. Heading off for coffee there to say hello.
March
Comedy Festival here in Brisbane.
2nd March I saw the generous and phenomenal Lily Tomlin. At 71 she is a legend who literally jumps around the stage going from one character to another, tells stories and makes jokes for almost 2 hours. What a night. Even Ernestine the telephone operator made an appearance near the end of the evening.
Is it a cultural event to buy a shirt from Joe Dallesandro? Received 2 March 2011.
22nd March The Australian String Quartet with Internationally acclaimed cellist Li-Wei. A wonderful concert.
26th March I attended the launch of the first EP "Less Arty More Party' by the band 'The Belligerents' (my neighbours). I filmed the event and clips can be seen on this site and elsewhere. A sell-out crowd had a wild screaming time to send the band on an Australian Tour.
May
13 May - Opening night of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
staged by
heartBeast vicious theatre ensemble.
Cast:- Selina Kadell, Ben Van Trier, Jordan Kadall, Emily Pollard, Peter Crees, David Bentley, Adrienne Costello, Thomas Hutchins, Samantha Cable, Ian Bielenberg, Kristian Santic and directed by Michael Beh.
A snappy production with universally wonderful acting. A new group that should be seen and encouraged. There is a whole bunch of talent there to be enjoyed and to admire.
p.s. two of the cast, David and Peter, are friends.
August
12th Off to see Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre's production Cabaret. What a remarkably brilliant company they are. Such strong voices, fabulous orchestra and a stunning cast. It was moving and exciting. My friend and I laughed and were brought to tears by this unique and sexy production.
October
24th Oct:The Queen Visits Brisbane and I am out on the street to see her yet again.
November
2nd Nov: Stephen Fry and Alan Davies live QI in the Concert Hall. (My Cousin bought me a ticket,)
2012
John Cleese
Monday 20th February at the Concert Hall
"As You Like It"
Wednesday 22nd February at La Boite Roundhouse
Australian String Quartet.
Thursday 8th March at the Conservatorium
Peter Sculthorpe, String Quartet No 11
Dvořák, String Quartet No 10 in E flat major, Op 51
Shostakovich, Piano Quintet Op 57
with Daniel de Borah, piano
Dvořák, String Quartet No 10 in E flat major, Op 51
Shostakovich, Piano Quintet Op 57
with Daniel de Borah, piano
Miriam Margolyes
Friday 23rd March at the Playhouse
In Excelsis
Friday 18th May
Gloria by
Rutter and works by Gabrielli & Bruckner at the Cathedral of St
Stephen, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane
La Boite 'A Hoax' by Rick Viede
Thursday 24th May at La Boite Roundhouse
Tuesday 5th June at the Opera Theatre
Australian String Quartet
Thursday 7th June at the Conservatorium Theatre
Beethoven, String Quartet in D Op 18 No 3
Brett Dean, Epitaphs for Viola and String Quartet
Brahms, String Quintet in G, Op 111 with Brett Dean, viola
Elizabeth
Thursday 21st June at the Powerhouse Theatre
A Rake's Progress by Igor Stravinsky
Saturday 1st September at the Conservatorium Threatre
Conservatorium Students.
l'Orfeo by Claudio Monterverdi
Wednesday 12th September at the Conservatorium Theatre
Australian Brandenberg Orchestra with Markus Brutscher and Sara Macliver
Bluebeard's Castle by Bela Bartok
Friday 14th September at the Concert Hall
Lisa Gasteen and Daniel Sumegi and The Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Masterpieces from the Prado
Friday 21st September at the Queensland Art Gallery
Soap - The Show
Friday 21st September at the Playhouse.
Circle of Eleven from Berlin
After All This
Saturday 22nd September at the Powerhouse
I War
Saturday 22nd September at the Billie Brown Studio
a work in progress.
Angela's Kitchen - Paul Capsis
Friday 28th September at the Visy Theatre
Brendan Maclean: Live at the Judy
Saturday 27th October at The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
with Scott Spark
Managing Carmen
By David Williamson Thursday 1st November at the Playhouse QPAC
Fat Swan
Friday 16th November at the Powerhouse Theatre
Children Of War
The Danger Ensemble at La Boite Indie Thursday 22nd November.
The Choir
By Errol Bray at the Visy Theatre in the Powerhouse
Thursday 13 December
2013
South Pacific
Tuesday 15th January at the Lyric Theatre QPAC with Teddy Tahu Rhodes
Click for my Post on my brilliant evening at South Pacific
7th Asia Pacific Triennial
Wednesday 16th January. Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery
Driving Miss Daisy
Thursday 21st February at the Playhouse QPAC
Holding The Man
Tuesday 15th January at the Lyric Theatre QPAC with Teddy Tahu Rhodes
7th Asia Pacific Triennial
Wednesday 16th January. Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery
Thursday 21st February at the Playhouse QPAC
Friday 1st March 2013 La Boite Theatre
Artistic Director David Berthold and cast members Alec Snow and Jerome Meyer
"Holding The Man Returns to Brisbane" on Facebook
Click for my post on this moving and sensational play of LOVE
End of The Rainbow
Saturday 2nd March Queensland Theatre Company at the Playhouse
King Oedipus
Good Friday March 29th - First year students at The Actors Workshop gave an enthusiastic performance of Choruses from Sophocles 'Oedipus The King' directed by Paul Booth. Huge enthusiastic reception from the over full house of friends and family.
War Requiem
By Benjamin Britten at the Conservatorium Theatre Thursday 25th April 'Anzac Day'
Red
Saturday 27th April Queensland Theatre Company at the Playhouse with Colin Friels
Australian String Quartet
Tuesday 28th May 2013 at The Queensland Conservatorium Theatre
Australian String Quartet
Saturday 1st June Cremorne Theatre QPAC
http://www.clockworkorange.com.au/
Click for my Post on theis exhilerating and sexy play.
Salon
Judith Wright Centre Saturday 22nd June
Click for my post on the sensational Salon.
Cinderella
Opera Queensland Final dress rehearsal Thursday 4th July and also Thursday 11th July at the Qld. Conservatorium Theatre
1001 Nights
Thursday 25th July Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre at the Bille Brown Studio
BLAK - Bangarra Dance Theatre
Friday 26the July - Playhouse QPAC
Click for my post on Blak
Barefoot Divas
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Saturday 27th July Powerhouse Theatre
The Wizard of Oz
Saturday 7th September The Danger Ensemble at La Boite Theatre for Brisbane Festival 2013
Ute Lemper
Friday 13th September Concert Hall QPAC
Click here for my post on When Time Stops
Australian String Quartet
Monday 16th Septembr 2013 ASQ at the Qld Conservatorium Theatre
Mendelssohn / String Quartet in E minor op 44 no 2
Andrew Ford / String Quartet no 5 (new commission)
Arvo Pärt / Fratres
Debussy, String Quartet in G minor op 10
Australian String Quartet
Click here for my post on the Debussy concert
Verdi Concert
Saturday 21st September Brisbane Riverstage Botanical Gardens.
Les Illuminations
Saturday 14th June Concert Hall QPAC
The Effect
Thursday 26th June QTC Bille Brown Studio
Sex With Strangers
Saturday 19th July at the Powerhouse
Australian String Quartet
Click for my post on this moving and sensational play of LOVE
End of The Rainbow
Saturday 2nd March Queensland Theatre Company at the Playhouse
Conservatorium Concert
Friday 22nd March - In their first performance for 2013, the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra features Queensland Conservatorium’s finest students performing three concerti, including John Carmichael’s exquisite Phoenix Concerto for Flute, Chopin’s Piano Concerto no. 1 and Prince Igor Overture by Borodin. The concert also features new works written by prizewinning Conservatorium students: Ryan Walsh’s Scenes From Ellipsis and Shiver by Samantha Wolf.
Soloists
Simone Maurer, flute;
Aaron Liu, piano
Simone Maurer, flute;
Aaron Liu, piano
Conducted by Peter Luff.
Wonderful EveningKing Oedipus
War Requiem
By Benjamin Britten at the Conservatorium Theatre Thursday 25th April 'Anzac Day'
Saturday 27th April Queensland Theatre Company at the Playhouse with Colin Friels
Frankenstein
Sons Of Sin
Friday 17th May The Danger Ensemble at The Judith Wright Centre
Briefs: The Second Coming
Powerhouse Friday 24th May
Mother Courage & Her Children
Saturday 25th May Queensland Theatre Company at the PlayhouseTuesday 28th May 2013 at The Queensland Conservatorium Theatre
Australian String Quartet
Haydn / String Quartet op 64 no 5, Lark
Bartók / String Quartet no 3
Schubert / String Quintet in C major D956
Guest artist : Timo-Veikko Valve, Cello
Click here for my Post on another outstanding Concert
A Clockwork OrangeBartók / String Quartet no 3
Schubert / String Quintet in C major D956
Guest artist : Timo-Veikko Valve, Cello
Click here for my Post on another outstanding Concert
Saturday 1st June Cremorne Theatre QPAC
Click for my Post on theis exhilerating and sexy play.
Salon
Judith Wright Centre Saturday 22nd June
Cinderella
Opera Queensland Final dress rehearsal Thursday 4th July and also Thursday 11th July at the Qld. Conservatorium Theatre
Project Rameau
Friday 12th July at The Playhouse QPAC - The Sydney Dance Company with The Australian Chamber Orchestra.
War Horse
Tuesday 16th July Lyric Theatre QPAC
I got very sick, could not go and gave my expensive ticket away.
Sad and unhappy.
Thursday 25th July Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre at the Bille Brown Studio
Friday 26the July - Playhouse QPAC
Click for my post on Blak
Barefoot Divas
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Saturday 27th July Powerhouse Theatre
Saturday 7th September The Danger Ensemble at La Boite Theatre for Brisbane Festival 2013
Friday 13th September Concert Hall QPAC
Expressions Dance Company
& Camarata of St John's
Saturday 14th September Playhouse QPAC
Australian String Quartet
Monday 16th Septembr 2013 ASQ at the Qld Conservatorium Theatre
Andrew Ford / String Quartet no 5 (new commission)
Arvo Pärt / Fratres
Debussy, String Quartet in G minor op 10
Australian String Quartet
Click here for my post on the Debussy concert
Verdi Concert
Saturday 21st September Brisbane Riverstage Botanical Gardens.
Vivien Leigh's
SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL
Friday 18th October Heart Beast Vicious Theatre Ensemble
Otello
Thursday 24th October Opera Queensland at the Lyric Theatre QPAC
Design For Living
Friday 25th October QTC Playhouse
Medea
Wednesday 30th October Judith Wright Centre
My 2014 Cultural Events
Things I have seen or am booked to see in 2014
A Murder Is Announced
Wednesday 15th January
Australia Day
Thursday 13th February
Thursday 13th March
Guys and Dolls
Concert Hall QPAC Thursday 20th March
A Murder Is Announced
Wednesday 15th January
Thursday 13th February
Australian String Quartet
Continuum
Boccherini, Brahms, Stephen Whittington, George Crumb
Boccherini, Brahms, Stephen Whittington, George Crumb
Tuesday 4th March Qld Conservatorium Theatre
The Mountaintop
Thursday 13th March
Concert Hall QPAC Thursday 20th March
Matthew Mitcham talk and Q&A
as well as Screening of 1961 legendary film Victim
Wednesday 2nd April Powerhouse.
Macbeth
Thursday 10th April
A Tribute of Sorts
Friday 16th May QTC Bille Brown Studio
Thursday 10th April
Dance Noir
Saturday 3rd May Judith Wright Centre
The King & I
Wednesday 7the May Lyric Theatre QPAC
Friday 16th May QTC Bille Brown Studio
Australian String Quartet
Speechless-
Schubert, Berg, Mozart Requiem.
Schubert, Berg, Mozart Requiem.
Wednesday 21st May Qld Conservatorium Theatre
The Magic Hour
With Ursula Yovich Friday 30th May QTC Bille Brown Studio
Boadicea
Tuesday 27th May La Boite
With Ursula Yovich Friday 30th May QTC Bille Brown Studio
Saturday 14th June Concert Hall QPAC
Thursday 26th June QTC Bille Brown Studio
The Actors Workshop
Friday 27th June
First and Second Year Advanced Diploma Students performing scenes from Ray Lawler's 'Kid Stakes', David Williamson's 'The Removalist', Andrew Bovell's 'After Dinner' and Bertolt Brecht's 'The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui'
Caligula
Friday 4th July & Thursday 10th July - Judith Wright Centre - The Danger Ensemble
Saturday 19th July at the Powerhouse
Chunky Moves 'Keep Everything'
Thursday 31st July at the Powerhouse
Gloria
Thursday 7th August QTC Bille Brown Studio
Boundless
Haydn, Beethoven, Bartok
Haydn, Beethoven, Bartok
Monday 11th August Qld Conservatorium Theatre
Patyegarang
Bangarra Dance Theatre Saturday 23rd August at the Playhouse QPAC
Wuthering Heights
Friday 3rd October Cremorne Theatre QPAC. shake and stir theatre co.
Black Diggers
Thursday 9th October QTC The Playhouse
Hedonism's Second Album
La Boite The Loft Saturday 16th August
The Last Confession
Thursday 21st August Lyric Theatre QPAC
Cyrano De Bergerac
ACPA Bille Brown Studio Friday 22nd August
Bangarra Dance Theatre Saturday 23rd August at the Playhouse QPAC
The American Ballet Theatre
Three Masterpieces
Friday 5th September Lyric Theatre QPAC
I Want To Know What Love Is
Thursday 11th September Qld Theatre Company Bille Brown Studio
The Addams Family Musical
Friday 12th September at Brisbane Arts Theatre
The Perfect American
Lyric Theatre QPAC Saurday 13th September
The Button Event
Thursday 25th September Qld Theatre Company Bille Brown Studion
Friday 3rd October Cremorne Theatre QPAC. shake and stir theatre co.
Thursday 9th October QTC The Playhouse
Australian String Quartet
Relativity
Fanny Mendelsohn, Brett Dean, Peter Sculthorpe, Felix Mendelssohn
Fanny Mendelsohn, Brett Dean, Peter Sculthorpe, Felix Mendelssohn
Monday 17th November Qld Conservatorium Theatre
Gasp
Thursday 4th December QTC The Playhouse
Briefs The Second Coming
Powerhouse Thursday 11th December
The Devil Wears Leigh Buchanan
Friday 12th December
Carol Lloyd
Thursday 18th December Powerhouse
