Despite a desperate need for musos to concentrate or actors to stay in character, a twinkle now and then can pay dividends.

Sixteen ensembles will battle it out in Melbourne this July. We take a look at what’s in store for competitors and audiences at one of the world’s great chamber music launching pads.

The 14 finalists will go on to compete for $68,000 in cash and prizes in Shepparton, Victoria.

She made her operatic debut at 28 as Lucia, so it takes a lot to faze this British-born, Australian soprano. Ahead of her Sydney debut, she tells us why doing the role feels like going home.

Two pianists, one spirit, one superbly delivered set of Goldberg Variations.

Muriel's Wedding, Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets, and Hamlet are among this year's big hitters.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra CEO Emma Dunch responds to a report showing that of 3,524 works performed by 15 of the world’s major orchestras, only 82 were written by women.

The Queen of the Violin delivers warm, brilliant performances with plenty of personality.

Young singers specialising in bel canto can win the chance to travel to Italy for an intensive study period.

The British pianist is touring Australia, has two CDs on release and has written his first novel. As well as discussing the priesthood, he talks to Limelight about dreams, Debussy, Rachmaninov and rentboys.

We’d love to hear about the performances you’ve loved (or hated), the music you’re listening to or your favourite artists.

If the music is good, does it really matter if it’s not real?