ARTS

FFROM the installation of a brand-new, world class sound system to it’s first ever standing general admission shows, 2023 has been a year of firsts for City Recital Hall. Kicking off the year with the launch of newly curated seasonal programming, the venue has seen artists from a wide range of genres, eras and locations perform it’s stage. The gospel stylings of Emma Donovan & Paul Grabowsky kicked off Season 01 | 23 while the larger than life energy of seminal electroclash artist Peaches and fast rising Multihyphenate Nakhane celebrated the togetherness and joy of Sydney WorldPride. Ableton co-founder and electronic pioneer Monolake cut the ribbon on the Hall’s brand new d&b audiotechnik Soundscape system, one of the first spatial audio sound systems in a venue in Australia. For 02 | 23, the venue removed it’s seats and hosted French disco pioneer Cerrone’s first every Australian tour while the following night Los Angeles hip-hop pioneers The Pharcyde brought the house down with a live show that had the whole auditorium bouncing.

Season 03 | 23 promises to connect the venue’s past and future in the present, bringing together artists from around the globe and across time to Sydney’s most pristine live music space. The piano, violin and trumpet are centre stage in the venue’s relaunched signature classical program featuring international artists Jack Liebeck, Katya Apekisheva, Paavali Jumppanen, Jeroen Berwaerts and Konstantin Shamray; world leading instrumentalists each in their own right, while boundary-pushing electronic pioneers Autechre challenge the concept of live performance with a show that can only be described as fully immersive sensory depravation. Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids bring their delicious harmonies and intricate musicianship to the pristine acoustic space while local artist Gordi will take to the stage in August to showcase her unique combination of lush electronics and moody acoustic songwriting; the perfect backing to her instantly recognisable voice. In demand songwriter and producer Oneohtrix Point Never, fresh off the back of work with The Weeknd, FKA Twigs, Charli XCX and Soccer Mommy, presents a brand new solo live show which repurposes seminal tracks from his catalog in sonic discourse with newer releases. He is accompanied by live visuals performed by long-time collaborator Nate Boyce who developed a new real-time animation system that updates the graphical themes dating back to their earliest collaborations from over a decade ago.

Ed Kuepper’s genre-defining alt rock celebrates it’s history with the Australian musical icon’s first full band show of solo material in over a dozen years. Featuring Ed’s legendary sparring partner Mark Dawson on drums, Sunnyboys bassist Peter Oxley plus celebrated pianist Alister Spence and brass maestro Eamon Dilworth, The Exploding Universe will tackle the best of Kuepper’s recent vinyl reissues Electrical Storm and the classic Honey Steel’s Gold this September. American singer-songwriter Son Little, continually revolutionises the modern understanding and expectations of the R&B genre. Delivering an unadulterated transmission of Black American music, he brings slick melodies, stomping gospel organs, brash psych-rock arpeggios and timeless emotional depth to Sydney to close the season out in late September.

03 | 23 is music you know and music you don’t. Challenging yet familiar, it simply Sounds Better. Visit cityrecitalhall.com for tickets and more info. Visit cityrecitalhall.com for tickets and more info.

Blanc De Blanc Encore

The Grand Electric Theatre - 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills

Now till July 30th | Tickets from $90.23, group bookings available.

BELIEVE the hype, the five-star champagne cabaret – BLANC DE BLANC – is back with a brand-new show for its highly anticipated Encore! It’s time to re-immerse yourself in the glitzy, glamorous & extravagant world of vintage French flair, risqué humour, spectacular aerials, sparkling comedy, and big dance numbers.

Off The Record by Chris Aronsten

New Theatre - 542 King Street, Newtown

July 11th - August 5th

SHORTLISTED for the 2021 Silver Gull Play Award, this tension-filled play explores themes of corruption and accountability, set against the backdrop of a tabloidstyle current affair television program. Head to the New Theatre to see the world premiere of this exciting piece.

Opera Australia presents Mad Scenes with Jessica

Pratt

Sydney Opera House

August 3rd | Tickets from $69 + BF.

Find out why Jessica Pratt is one of the world’s best bel canto interpreters in this one-night-only showcase of ‘mad scenes’. Experience euphoric highs and spiralling descents with opera’s most dramatic moments.

Sydney Theatre Company: On the Beach

Roslyn Packer Theatre - Walsh Bay

July 18th - August 12th

FROM acclaimed director, Kip Williams, comes STC’s newest production. Based on Neville Shute’s novel On the Beach takes place in a post-nuclear war Australia, where a group of friends are called to investigate a strange distress call from the Pacific Ocean.

The weather may be cooling down but the Marrickville + Inner Sydney arts scene is only heating up! Check out our list of a few of the best live experiences and entertainment coming up this season.

City Recital Hall presents The Milk Carton Kids

2 Angel Place, Sydney

Saturday July 8th | Tickets from $69 + BF.

EVERY week Enmore Theatre is putting together a fantastic line-up of Australian and international talent to tickle your comedy tastebuds! Each week a new group of comedians will take to the stage to deliver some top tier comedy, running every tuesday until August 15th. To see each week’s performers, head to Enmore Theatre’s website.

Seymour Centre presents Romeo and Juliet

Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale

August 5th, 12th, 18th | Tickets from $30 + BF.

A new production of Romeo and Juliet by Sport for Jove. A generational vision of Verona, told through the eyes of a 90-year-old Benvolio, this Romeo and Juliet is a completely original, inspiring and deeply moving take on this much-loved play.

Sydney Dance Company: INDance

Neilson Studio - Wharf 4 / 5 Walsh Bay

August 17th - 26th | Tickets $49 | From 6:30pm

DON’T miss two incredible weekends of dance. Carefully curated, this program allows performers from the independent dance sector to present their work at Sydney Dance Company.