Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Love This City!
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
with Fiona Byrne Photos by Fiona Hamilton
Christmas gift ideas ■ As Christmas rapidly approaches I thought I might pass on a few ideas for those stuck for a last minute gift. We all know someone who is impossible to buy for! So, for the loved one who has everything why not give the gift of culture? A membership to the National Gallery of Victoria makes a great gift. An individual membership costs just $99 for a year or $149 for a family. Members enjoy a range of exclusive exhibition previews, member discounts for all NGV programs and special viewing days for selected NGV exhibitions, along with before and after hours exhibition viewings. Memberships can be purchased online at ngv.vic.gov.au/members or phone 8620 2233 Another great gift idea is membership to the Melbourne Zoo. With three young nieces this is one of my favourite gift ideas. Zoo membership will grant you unlimited entry to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo for 12 months. Zoo membership costs just $88 per adult and can be purchased at www.zoo.org.au or 1300 966 784. If you are looking for a gift for a music lover you can’t go past the MSO’s Christmas Concert Package. From big screen blockbusters, Broadway classics, classical masterpieces and Christmas carols the MSO’s Christmas package is guaranteed to please. Chose from the following performances Star Trek Live in Concert, Tchaikovsky, Bryn Terfel and Lisa McCune, Babe: The Twentieth Anniversary Concert and MSO Christmas Carols to create a three, four or five concert pack. To purchase you MSO experience go to www.mso.com.au Finally, who does not love a night at the movies? For the film lover in the family, make Christmas gift giving easy by purchasing a gift voucher to the Melbourne International Film Festival. The 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival will be held from July 30 to August 16, 2015 at locations around Melbourne CBD. Purchase a MIFF gift voucher at www.miff.com.au
Iconic Paris exhibition
● Di Rolle and Julie Cavanagh
● Olivia Nunn Sarah Kempson and Sarah Harrison
● Melinda Woledge and Helen Diggerson
● Frank and Fay Rendell with Linda Rendell and Anthony Boyd
● Sarah Weston and Hanneleh Salonen
● Pratika Lal and Lisa Barron
Les Miserables leaves town: can you hear the people sing? ■ The stage hit Les Miserables ends its Melbourne season on Saturday. And what a magnificent season it has been. This really was a majestic show, full of passion, drama and raw emotion. From a stunning opening night in July, this wonderful show, starring Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean, Hayden Tee as Javert, Patrice Tipoki as Fantine, Lara Mulcahy as Madame Thenardier, Trevor Ashley as Thenardier, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Eponine and Emily Langridge as Cosette, has wowed audiences. If you have not seen the show yet you have just a matter of days to get the last remaining tickets. It is certainly worth a night at the theatre. Les Miserables will open in Perth in January before starting its Sydney season in March.