LONDON: The chair of Sydney Festival, which has been boycotted by scores of artists over an agreement with the Israeli government, has issued a public apology, saying he regrets the distress caused to artists. David Kirk told Guardian Australia that the festival board was unaware of the sponsorship deal with the Israeli Embassy in Canberra until he noticed the Israeli
LONDON: More than 20 acts have withdrawn from the 2022 Sydney Festival to boycott a sponsorship deal by the Israeli Embassy in Australia’s capital Canberra. The acts withdrew two days before the festival was scheduled to begin on Thursday. They include comedian Nazeem Hussain, visual artist Khaled Sabsabi, and a host of Australian and international artists, musicians and
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HELEN MUSA’s weekly “Arts in the City” column…
SYDNEY Dance Companyâs full-length work âImpermanenceâ, is Rafael Bonachelaâs newest creation. With a clear reference back to COVID-19 creating added poignancy, the company returns to the stage to find âenergy, urgency, radiance and hopeâ. It’s danced to Bryce Dessnerâs music composition of the same name, commissioned and performed by the Australian String Quartet. Canberra Theatre, June 4-5. Book here or 6275 2700.
Jessica Cottis⦠quietly renamed Canberra Symphony Orchestraâs chief conductor and artistic director. Photo: Kaupo Kikkas.
SINCE the last Canberra Symphony Orchestra performances back in early April, artistic advisor Jessica Cottis has been renamed chief conductor and artistic director. The change came with no announcement, just a bit of editing in the program. But itâs high time. The Canberra-schooled conductor is one of our true stars. She now re
Music / Four Winds Festival 2021, Bermagui, April 2-4. Reviewed by
ROB KENNEDY.
MUSIC and the arts filled the air at the 21st outing for the Four Winds Festival held in Bermagui over the Easter long weekend – part one.
After a year’s hiatus because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Four Winds Festival was back stronger than before. This festival showcased many styles of music, dance, poetry, spoken word and more from across the artistic spectrum. The theme for this year’s festival was “Reconnect”, put together by a dedicated team and artistic director Lindy Hume.
Four Winds audience. Photo: Ben Marden.
Within the many programmed events, there were numerous performances from some of Australia’s leading musicians and artists. Every day saw a large number of people arrive early to get the best spots, but on the free Friday, there were more than expected. One volunteer commented, “I don’t know if they will all fit in”.