What has science learned from the COVID pandemic? What have governments learned? What did Australia get wrong, and what right? What are the chances of another pandemic? And what are our chances of surviving it? Special guest speakers Peter Doherty and Christine Keneally discuss.
From the enigmatic genius of William Lawes to the haunting sounds of Peter Sculthorpe’s Djilile, experience music through the crystalline medium of a consort of viols in Fantazy. Be sure not to miss this performance, featuring five of Australia’s finest viol players at the St Ambrose Hall.
On the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays in 1623, John O’Donnell presents incontrovertible evidence on the true author.
Described by Limelight magazine as a ‘national treasure’, Ensemble Liaison is one of Australia’s leading internationally acclaimed ensembles. Join them at the St Ambrose Hall for a program featuring Johannes Brahms’ glorious Romanticism; a new Australian work written especially for the Trio; and a selection of their favourite ‘Seasons’ by Argentinian Tango master, Astor Piazzolla.
Is the world headed for a new cold war? Or a hot one? How close are we to the precipice? What are Australia’s options? Do we have any besides the US alliance and AUKUS? Special guests Jim Middleton and Nick Bisley discuss.
Witness one of Australia's most outstanding chamber choirs Ensemble Gombert as they are joined by Baroque chamber ensemble, Accademia Arcadia for two outstanding performances of Handel’s Coronation Anthems and Dettingen Te Deum.
Sheila Drummond Memorial Session. Amidst rampant lies, conspiracy theories, fake news, deepening tribalism, and fashionable fascisms, how can we shore up democracy? How can we assure faith in democratic institutions, including the media, and enliven grassroots political life. How can we invigorate Australian democracy? With special guest speakers Sean Kelly, George Megalogenis and Sally Warhaft.
with special guest speakers Jock Serong, Andrew Rule, Tom Griffiths & Don Watson
Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2024 launches with Lior, one of Australia’s most treasured singer/songwriters, renowned for his beautiful voice and songs that radiate truth and sincerity.
A free evening of musical entertainment with food trucks and the annual fireworks show at 6.30pm. A great night out for the whole family!
Embodying the unmistakable Jerez style of flamenco guitar playing, Paco Lara presents flamenco guitar in all its authenticity, culture, and artistry. With guest Spanish flamenco dancer Deya Miranda Giner.
As machines increasingly match the capabilities of humans, it’s never been more challenging to describe the nature of consciousness. Elizabeth Finkel will take a look at the progress with a panel whose members are all globally recognized leaders in this field.
Step into a classical enchantment with Fiore. Across the Channel highlights renowned composers from the UK and France, featuring timeless choral compositions that form their legacy.
There has never been a more important moment for the public to learn about the scientific method. In the 17th century, the scientific revolution gave us a solid foundation for how to build knowledge. Elizabeth Finkel’s book ‘Proof’ reveals the scientific method in action in the 21st century.
In celebration of the three-hundredth anniversary of its creation, Accademia Arcadia, Ensemble Gombert, and a cast of outstanding soloists come together to present Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental Johannes-Passion (St John Passion).
To be released in July, a new book from award-winning composer and broadcaster Andrew Ford, ‘The Shortest History of Music’ is a lively, authoritative tour through several thousand years of music. Packed with colourful characters and surprising details, it sets out to understand what exactly music is – and why humans are irresistibly drawn to making it.
Much of this performance will be taken from Grabowsky’s album ‘Solo’, featuring all the hallmarks that have made him one of the world’s foremost jazz instrumentalists and composers. This is jazz for the connoisseur: rich, engaging, full of allusion and wit.
Peter Doherty's latest book (2022) ‘Empire War Tennis and Me’ uses his family story to explore ideas about war and peace, with particular reference to the Pacific conflict of 1942–5 that so threatened Australia.
A program that explores Schubert Lieder and their influences from the earlier Viennese Masters. Including works by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and others.
After decades as a published author, Gideon Haigh discusses his embrace of self-publishing — minimum profit but maximum fun.
The solo concerto—the standard form of the genre in the Classical and Romantic eras—emerged gradually over the course of the 18th century. This program features four outstanding works by Baroque composers Alessandro Marcello and Antonio Vivaldi, and early Classical composers Thomas Arne and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
Piers’ recital is based around one of his favourite composers: Fredéric Chopin. A recital blending the much-loved with the less familiar, revealing subtle connections and influences. But Piers will explain it all as he goes...
In celebration of the three-hundredth anniversary of its creation, Accademia Arcadia, Ensemble Gombert, and a cast of outstanding soloists come together to present Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental Johannes-Passion (St John Passion).
This concert will bring together eight of Australia’s premiere cellists performing an incredible range of repertoire from Sacred works of J.S. Bach to Brazilian folk and pop music, Beethoven Overtures to fiery Spanish dances, and many more.
Evolutionary geneticist and singer Professor Jenny Graves will be interviewed by ABC Science Show personality Robyn Williams on her career sorting out the genes and chromosomes that determine sex, and her recent conception, writing and performing of a new oratorio that tells the creation story from science.
Pianist & composer Nat Bartsch presents Hope Renewed: a jazz/post rock reinterpretation of her ARIA-nominated classical album Hope. This reinterpretation brings the work to life with her jazz quartet, classical musicians and live ambient electronic effects.
City versus bush. It’s one of Australia’s oldest divides, reflecting two very different ideas of who we are as a people. How do we build a bridge between the two in the 21st century when our cosmopolitan capitals and parochial regional towns and country areas have never been further apart in terms of age, ethnic make-up, income and cultural outlook?
World-renowned oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros brings his enchanting music to the intimate setting of St Ambrose Church for an unforgettable afternoon of music.
