Sarah Sweeting on how she came to discover a more sensual, seductive expression of Venus. Wagner’s operatic masterpiece, Tannhäuser, begins in the magical and erotic realm of the Venusberg, where the Goddess Venus resides. Here, love is celebrated freely and with wild abandon through all manner of sensual and sexual expression. Venus is discovered in the opening scene entwined around our central character, Tannhäuser, a man who comes from a world of chivalry, knighthood, religious order and a life of service to God. Essentially, Wagner’s opera is an epic tale of the inner torment and struggle of a man caught between these two worlds, each seemingly opposing the other, yet both being true expressions of the one powerful force: love.  As a singer the role of Venus has its own challenges, not only is it musically and vocally tricky at times, but how is one meant to convey ‘The Goddess’? During rehearsals, our director Suzanne Chaundy called on me to bring a more earthy physicality to the role rather my somewhat ethereal interpretation. I believe that it was due to this collaboration, experimentation and continually examining my understanding of the character, what emerged was a more of a sensual and altogether seductive expression…

David Robertson’s eclectic programme of new and old mixes Trifonov and Ibragimova with Dutoit and Ashkenazy. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

★★★★½ Coming to Aussie cinemas, Vanessa Redgrave helps Ralph Fiennes disinter “The King in the Car Park”. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Glyndebourne hit leads Neil Armfield and Rachel Healy’s inaugural programme – but don’t expect blood and dildos. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Introducing the four emerging choreographers who will make moves as part of Sydney Dance Company’s development programme. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra chief advocates a “selfish” approach delivering a revealing Stuart Challender talk. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

New blood and big hitters like Vengerov will help Queensland Symphony Orchestra celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Jurors set the bar daringly high for the 32 competitors with a masterclass in style and technique.

Gluzman dazzles, while Sung's dramatic Berlioz is truly fantastique.

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Prokofiev’s fruity soufflé proves the perfect snack opera for today.

★★★★☆ Kinship and art transcend pain and loss in diverse dance triptych. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in