In the wake of a disappointing federal budget, Ben Eltham examines the challenges for a cultural sector still emerging from its deepest downturn.

A Christmas Carol has become a yuletide tradition. We explore its magic with the creative artists behind the various adaptations that are about to grace our stages.

Siobhan Stagg’s career is skyrocketing. The Australian soprano speaks with us about how she ended up in Berlin, and why her focus is now on the bigger picture.

Professional pianist and music teacher, Andrew Rumsey, describes how he was inspired to import Hermann Veeh’s bespoke, portable harp to Australia after seeing his brother, who has Down syndrome, fall in love with the chance discovery.

Rahel Romahn plays Mozart in Amadeus, opposite Michael Sheen as his musical adversary, Salieri. He plans to pick Sheen’s brains, since the Welsh star portrayed Mozart in London in 1998 and then on Broadway.

The Lithuanian creators of Sun & Sea discuss their award-winning opera-performance, which will be staged on an artificial beach at Sydney Festival.

Silvia Colloca chats about her debut album for Decca Australia, Sing like an Italian.

This month features a striking operatic debut, the latest pianistic fireworks from Aussie-born barrister Paul Wee, plus outstanding new releases from Krystian Zimerman and Hilary Hahn.

Robert Veel argues that applause for individual musicians now overshadows the performance itself.

The Opera Australia CEO explains how she moved from playing the clarinet to arts management, and how she was once a whiz on the WX7, a Yamaha MIDI controller.

Why do post-concert celebrations so often revolve around alcohol? asks Guy Noble, who is thinking of trading a glass of bubbly for an iced doughnut.

The editors of Limelight share their selection of the most exciting classical music, opera and theatre events coming soon.