Brilliantly dirty doings in baroque opera's Game of Thrones.

Aussie talent is well represented at Covent Garden thanks to director Barrie Kosky and new principal artist, Samuel Sakker. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

A valiant effort and some accomplished voices, but a lack of resources make for a threadbare experience.

Fresh from the Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Programme, the young director will assist Neil Armfield on 2016’s Ring revival. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Pratt is a singer at the height of her powers, but in spite of her solid gold C.V., she has been a relatively rare presence on home turf.

First the soft piano enters, then the words: “once upon a, once a, once upon a time…” It’s a familiar introduction to a not-so-familiar story. The Light Princess is an imaginative new musical adapted by Adelaide-born writer Samuel Adamson from a Scottish fairytale about a princess whose view of the world is so light, she floats. It’s a fabulous fable, and it’s got a few modern twists that’ll definitely delight contemporary audiences. The music is by singer-songwriter Tori Amos and her score is vibrant, fun and upbeat. Lyrics have a sweet, storybook vibe. The original cast recording sparkles with excellent vocal performances that won’t fail to enchant, particularly that of Rosalie Craig, who sings the titular role. The two bonus tracks, sung by Amos herself, Highness in the Sky and Darkest Hour, are a dreamy treat. Amos’s pedigree as a songwriter is the strongest influence on this musical’s stylistic direction, and tellingly the piano is a ubiquitous presence throughout. The score has a strong momentum, and while there are moments of repose and introspection, they’re a little too scarce in this forward-moving musical fantasy. The story is a strange one (not at all a bad thing), and with a hell of…

Sci-fi super fans and theme park investors will give the Opera on the Harbour set a new lease of life after the production closes. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

The Sydney Opera House will display the tapestry by the French artist, commissioned by the venue’s architect in 1958. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Chinese take on Puccini sets off all the right crackers (with Prime Ministerial approval).

Richard Jones’ eccentric extras focus on Terfel’s tortured Tsar. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

People talk about music changing the course of history, but what events have changed the course of music?

Riccardo Minasi applauds Handel’s lesser-known works. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in