Today
How new Melbourne Symphony boss wants to move on from Gaza furore
Richard Wigley, who came to the MSO’s top job via Belfast, cited Barack Obama’s “don’t do stupid stuff” motto as a phrase for how he will rebuild the organisation.
- Michael Bailey
This Month
Judy Garland’s stolen ruby slippers sold for $44 million
A few bidders making offers by phone volleyed back and forth for 15 minutes as the price climbed to the eye-popping sum. Auctioneers had expected under $5 million.
- Steve Karnowski and Hannah Fingerhut
Neil Finn and sons conjure The Beach Boys at Sydney show
The Crowded House statesman has installed his eldest on guitar and youngest on drums, and they harmonised like only family can at this return to the Opera House forecourt.
- Michael Bailey
Booker winner’s protest shows the new perils of arts sponsorship
Richard Flanagan said he’d only accept the Baillie Gifford Prize when the sponsor divested fossil fuels. It helps explain why “artwashing” corporates are moving to less controversial sponsorships.
- Updated
- Michael Bailey
November
Board purge at MSO, chairman and three directors to go
Four directors of the troubled orchestra will retire, and delays caused by legal action mean Peter Garrett will no longer review its governance.
- Updated
- Michael Bailey
- Exclusive
- Philanthropy
This family ‘squeezed the lemon’ for huge Melbourne arts donation
They volunteered as Lifeline counsellors when they had no cash, now this elderly couple is paying for the State Theatre to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
- Michael Bailey
Pearl Jam surprises Sydney crowd with a rarely played hit
Eddie Vedder and his grunge-pioneering brothers peeled back the years at this spirited show - and offered one big surprise.
- Michael Bailey
Jesus Christ Superstar goes Judas Priest in hard rocking return
The generation who grew up with John Farnham as Jesus in the 1992 staging of Lloyd-Webber’s first might be surprised at its heavy metal makeover just opened in Sydney.
- Michael Bailey
- Opinion
- Opinion
Quincy Jones shows why AI will never beat human brilliance
No algorithm will ever have the real life story that is embedded in the work of a great and original artist.
- Dave Lee
Only 27 men can be in Verdi’s exclusive fan club
Gaining a coveted membership requires a proven passion for the Italian composer, and an existing member to die. You also have to be male.
- Elisabetta Povoledo
Thom Yorke keeps his Radiohead at stunning solo show
The night was long on classics, mixed with mostly engaging newer songs, and free of political intrusion.
- Michael Bailey
October
Yentl drags success from antisemitic time
The play about an Orthodox Jewish girl who dresses as a man to study the Torah has extended its Sydney season, despite only 20 per cent of ticket buyers being Gentiles.
- Michael Bailey
This musical will make you rethink social media
Dear Evan Hansen was conceived early in the Facebook age, and this story of a socially anxious teen has an eye for the pitfalls but also the potential of global connection.
- Michael Bailey
Olivia Rodrigo review: pop icon remains charmingly human
The 21-year-old Californian might be a former Disney star, but at the first of four Sydney shows she related and connected with the messy awkwardness of her young female fans.
- Michael Bailey
$330 Oasis tickets fair, dynamic pricing a good thing: Live Nation chair
After selling 270,000 Oasis tickets in less than 36 hours, thousands of which cost over $800, Michael Coppel says it’s clear people value live experiences.
- Michael Bailey
Sacked orchestra chief may have to pay pianist $18k
Jayson Gillham is going after the Melbourne Symphony’s former managing director, and current COO, as part of his discrimination suit against the orchestra.
- Michael Bailey
Mary Shelley would approve of this Frankenstein show
The monster loses his Hollywood green skin and goes back to his roots in a new production from Shake & Stir Theatre.
- Michael Bailey
Melbourne Symphony sued in battle of ‘brand v human rights’
Jayson Gillham’s suit against the MSO shapes as a test of anti-discrimination laws against the rise of “morals clauses” in employment contracts, says a leading workplace lawyer.
- Michael Bailey
September
Seven must-see shows this October
From a Bette Davis cabaret, to Celine Dion on the Titanic and a takeover in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, there are plenty of reasons to leave the house this month.
- Michael Bailey
The 10 most culturally powerful people in Australia in 2024
What does it mean to be Australian right now? These 10 people made the biggest mark on our national culture this year.
- Michael Bailey
