CULTURE CLUB

CATCH THE RISING STARS The Supalonelysinger has been on a meteoric rise to stardom. Benee has collected over half a billion streams and amassed a passionate global fan base obsessed by her groove-drenched sound and quirky lyrical take on the world. Benee will perform four headline shows across Aotearoa, starting at the Christchurch Town Hall. This is definitely a performance you don’t want to miss! 1 October, Christchurch Town Hall beneemusic.com

A talented line-up of artists – many of whom are recipients of funding from the Dame Malvina Major Foundation – were either studying or enjoying successful careers internationally and are now back here awaiting the end of lockdown. The Isaac Theatre Royal has been particularly adversely affected by Covid-19. Now more than ever, we need to support this iconic theatrical venue; a spiritual heart of Canterbury’s art scene. Dame Malvina’s foundation supports young performing artists who are struggling with an unknown future despite years of dedication to their art form. Experience a wonderful variety concert which shares a showcase of exceptional talent.

11 October, The Isaac Theatre Royal, isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

PAINTER AND FUNCKE As part of The Lunchtime Concert Series at The Arts Centre, masters of percussion Brett Painter and Roanna Funcke will span music from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Europe, performing on Marimba, Caribbean steel pans, and hand percussion. Get up-close and personal with these wonder-filled, evocative sounds and instruments, all on your lunch break. 5 October, Great Hall artscentre.org.nz

TALES OF THE 20S The chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside a powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast. 13 October, The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall, thepiano.nz

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WHEN TWO AREAS ARE TREATED SIMULTANEOUSLY

On 1 October 2020, Canterbury Museum marks 150 years on Rolleston Avenue. House of Treasures: Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho celebrates this milestone by displaying iconic and rarely seen taonga (treasures) from the museum’s collection. See the boots Hillary wore when he conquered Mt Everest, the world’s only huia nest, the dress worn by Kate Sheppard on our $10 note, and more. These objects tell an extraordinary story of natural and human history, and of Canterbury Museum itself. The exhibition is accompanied by a specially produced book featuring 150 taonga from the museum’s vast collection.

Opens 1 October, Canterbury Museum, canterburymuseum.com

The Beths have gathered an ever-increasing fan base in New Zealand and around the world. Their debut album saw the band win awards and garnered acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and NME. New Zealand fans get the first chance to hear the new album live on the Jump Rope Gazers tour. The Beths spent August at number one on the US college charts! Good things are coming. 16 October, James Hay Theatre thebeths.com

TAKE TWO TOUR Join The Howard Morrison Quartet Take Two, featuring Howard Morrison Jnr, Russell Harrison, Chris Powley, and Andre King as they celebrate and recreate the magic of the New Zealand entertainment phenomenon that was the original Howard Morrison Quartet with superb vocals, entertainment, and first-hand family stories in a memorable two-hour show. 23 October, Christchurch Town Hall pacificentertainment.co.nz

In partnership with The Court Theatre, Ara Institute of Canterbury’s National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art is proud to present the New Zealand premiere ofHoliday Inn. Based on the classic 1940’s film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, Holiday Inn is a soaring romantic musical following a love triangle between three musicians who have plenty to sing and dance about. From 30 October, Court Theatre courttheatre.org.nz

Located on the main street of Culverden, beside the Red Post Café, is the Culverden Gallery. Situated in the fully restored former Culverden Public Hall, it’s a beautiful space to display art in a genuine rural New Zealand setting. The gallery also has a small selection of quality antique furniture, which sits nicely in the 1903 built space.

Running the gallery for eight years, owner Bruce Johns is passionate about art and is especially keen to profile emerging and local artists. Diversity is the focus of the gallery. With over 20 artists from all over New Zealand offering works across all mediums, there is something for everyone.

This forthcoming spring exhibition will show some 20 new works by the well-known Christchurch artist John Gillies. The gallery has an established connection with this leading artist. John is not only a sought-after artist, but also currently a bestseller at some of Queenstown’s top galleries.

Using a ‘palette knife’ technique, these works are strikingly crisp, clearly delineated, and very distinctive. For this exhibition, John has created several new works of local subjects.

Exhibiting with John is Svetlana Orinko. From Christchurch, she has been a leading New Zealand artist for more than two decades. Svetlana has excellent technical skills with her watercolours being held by serious collectors here and abroad. The gallery is fortunate to be able to host these highly respected artists with offerings showing two quite different genres.

Culverden Gallery’s newly enhanced website has all works listed, with free delivery New Zealand wide.

John and Svetlana’s exhibit opening is on Thursday 22 October – head along for a wine or juice,and hors d’oeuvres.The artists will be in attendance to discuss their work.

culverdengallery.co.nz

Looking ahead with joy and optimism to its ever-popular Christmas season, the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) will open its magical new production, The Ryman Healthcare Season ofThe Sleeping Beautyon 29 October. This stunning new production of the quintessential classical ballet has been created by dynamos of creativity, led by RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker. The creative team includes New Zealand costume designer Donna Jefferis, Austrian dramaturg Michael Auer, American lighting designer Randall (Rico) Chiarelli, and American scenic designer Howard C. Jones, known for the RNZB’s muchloved classic production ofGiselle (2012).

Patricia Barker says, “We considered our production of this beautiful, enchanting story from all angles – from the original ballet, to the Disney story, and even as a Netflix-style compelling drama with storytelling and characters at its heart. The result is a bold new production with all the brilliance, grandeur, and beauty of the beloved classical ballet”.

The grandest of fairy tales, The Sleeping Beauty, while luxuriating in Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous orchestral score, spills over with fairies, woodland sprites, grand princes and, at its heart, an enchanting princess. This special Christmas production will unfurl like a fragrant summer rose with all the radiance and joy that any ballet lover, young or old, could wish for.

The Sleeping Beauty includes one of the most iconic ballet scenes of all time – the beautiful Rose Adagio, which is considered among dancers as one of the most technically difficult segments for a ballerina. And, of course, there is a spectacular wedding.

In a time when love and kindness are more important than ever, sharing the joy of a timeless ballet with the young and young at heart this Christmas seems like one of the very best ways to bring a sparkle of joy to the end of a challenging year.

Experience the magic of The Sleeping Beauty at The Isaac Theatre Royal, from 19 to 21 November.

rnzb.org.nz