Quirky musical settings, arrangements of old favourites, and the inner workings of the opera singer are next year’s highlights.

Hobart’s popular summer festival Mona Foma, or MOFO, has announced a typically eclectic line up for 2018. A piano, saxophone and drum trio arrangement of Frank Zappa’s music, an operatic performance taking audiences deep into a mezzo’s larynx, a mash-up of contemporary and classical oud performance, and Robert Davidson’s acclaimed musical settings of iconic speeches may be of particular interest to Limelight readers.

^{Robert Davidson. Photo: supplied.}

“MOFO is a celebration of unique creativity and personal expression ranging freely across music, visual art, dance, spoken word, architecture, spas and more”, said Brian Ritchie, curator of the festival. “The messages range from pure abstract form to blatant protest and a few stops in-between. Even the food, wine and beer are idiosyncratic.”

“We’re bringing artists from all over the world to Tasmania. Some are visiting for the first time. Others have moved here as immigrants or refugees. Some of our artists are world-famous exponents of their vision and...