Arts news of the week (in 60 seconds)

BY JOHN GLOVER

We know it can take a while to trawl through all the headlines in your newsfeed. So we’ve compiled our top picks for you to absorb quickly – leaving you more time for practice (or procrastination). Set your timer and have a read – we’re here to keep you up-to-date on the big events in your industry.

This week, we grieve the passing of another wonderful singer, and anticipate the ending of a remarkable radio program. But don’t let that get you down as we find out there’s still plenty of things to look forward to in the future!

…and GO!

**PASSING OF ANOTHER GREAT** ☹

Just when we thought the worst was over, disaster strikes the opera world once again as renowned soprano Carol Neblett has died at the age of 71. Carol was a star in the American opera scene for the latter half of the 20^th Century with her fresh interpretations of classic roles. She sang more than 85 leading roles alongside 100 extra oratorio and symphonic works – an amazing feat for a remarkable singer.

CARRIAGEWORKS 2018 PROGRAM UNVEILED

The Sydney arts centre Carriageworks has released its program for 2018! After recording 1.2 million visitors for 2017, the centre will be featuring three large-scale, site specific exhibitions by international artists Katharina Grosse, Ryoji Ikeda, and Nick Cave, and three world premiere works. There’ll be many other cultural events including the Sydney Writers’ Festival, the 21^st Biennale of Sydney, and Sydney Contemporary 2018. Next year will be going off!

650 EPISODES DOWN

ABC Classic FM’s radio program Keys to Music just clocked in for their 650^th show on Monday (amazing!). Since kicking off in 2003, the program has been popular with audiences as host Graham Abbott explores various themes and ideas in classical music each week. Though the show is discontinuing on January 1 to much disappointment, we hope that another fantastic program comes along to fill its boots.

CHECK THIS OUT!

Sixteen of the world’s most amazing young ensembles will go head-to-head as part of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. Some talented string quartets and piano trios will be baring their souls to audiences in the South Melbourne Town Hall and the Melbourne Recital Centre, competing for a chance to win prizes worth over $150,000, a tour with Musica Viva, and valuable career development opportunities. With a bunch of national and international groups in the running, it will surely not disappoint!

WSPAC? WHAT’S THAT??

Plans have been released for the construction of a brand new performing arts centre in Western Sydney. Due to be completed in the next few years, the Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre will hold various music concerts, musicals and ballet performances in an incredible 2000-seat venue – WOW! We can’t wait to check this out when work is finally completed in 2019.

WORLD AIDS DAY

We wrap up our news of the week with acknowledgement of World AIDS Day. In respect of this occasion, we’ve published an extract from a new biography by Richard Davis called Close to the Flame, which details the life of HIV-positive conductor Stuart Challender. You will have the chance to win a copy of this book, and we will also be making donations to our chosen World AIDS Day youth organisation in Australia. Read this story and be part of this day here.

Arts news of the week (in 60 seconds)