A typically thoughtful, superbly performed concert including two Australian compositions.

The Australian composer of Babe and a host of classical scores has a residency with the Sydney-based orchestra, but the practice actually goes back to the Dark Ages and beyond.

Highlights include Brett Dean’s Hamlet, a Shakespeare adaptation akin to House of Cards, and an immersive German Requiem. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

A trip to Tasmania’s Bathurst Harbour with environmentalist Bob Brown inspired the composer’s piece for Diana Doherty. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

★★★★☆ Fantastic four wander the globe from Latin America to home. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Kristian Chong and Nigel Westlake explain some of the challenges involved in the CSO’s final concert of 2016. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Tchaikovsky’s ‘Mozartian’ steals the spotlight in a Wolfgang-inspired programme. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

This remarkable film was a hit when released in 1995, garnering an armful of awards and making a squillion at the box office; a triumph for Australian filmmaking. George Miller and Chris Noonan used an imaginative mix of animation, live action and animatronics to create a convincing world of talking animals and drama. The enterprise was helped on its merry way by Nigel Westlake’s fine score, in which he primarily drew on Saint-Saëns’ organ symphony. I use the word ‘merry’ purposefully, as the noble theme of the story and the way it plays out is joyful. Dare I say, heartfelt? Quick grab a tissue! There are passing glances at other classical composers such as Grieg, Bizet, Fauré and Delibes; whose Pizzicati from Sylvia is used to great effect. Westlake uses this source material creatively and often with humour (even Jingle Bells gets a look in) leaving the great theme by Saint-Saëns as the musical binding for this life-affirming story. The playful arrangement of this big tune for Farmer Hoggett’s dance in the last track is a sheer delight. Westlake’s skill as a composer is matched by his brilliant… Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already…

Canberra Symphony Orchestra extend Milton’s contract as Principal Conductor for three years. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Nigel Westlake ensures the film’s modest aims are not bashed about the head by the music.

Australia's finest musical minds tell us what they think makes our top 10 truly great.

ABC Classics makes a clean sweep taking all four gongs in the ARIA Fine Art categories. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in