MELBOURNE CITY: BUSINESS AND LEISURE LIFE WITH HIGH STANDARDS
Newly launched boutique four and a half star hotel, Brady hotel offers an experience like no other. Located at 30 Little Latrobe Street, business and leisure travellers will appreciate the convenient location and access to amenities. Rooms are intimate yet highly functional. They boasts modern striking interiors along with everyday conveniences such as kitchenette and study area. Wireless broadband Internet, Foxtel and in-room Smart TV will ensure that all guests are fully entertained for the duration of their stay. The top levels are treated to stunning views of Melbourne and popular destinations like the State Library, Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne and Chinatown are all within walking distance.
Mornington Peninsula Summer Music Festival is running till Jan 11.http://www.peninsulafestival.com.au/program/meow-meow/ Meow Meow cabaret show last Saturday looks like one amazing event deserving to be in shown Crown Casino next time I believe... Please read Colin Ellis / Concepts 5 Photography review in the post below: Review of Meow Meow
I attended the performance of Meow Meow put on by the Mornington Summer Festival. The hall was set up like a Cabaret with wine and cheese available for purchase.
Melissa Madden Gray aka Meow Meow is an Australian born artist with an international reputation. She has performed on the stages of London’s West End, Edinburgh, Paris, Berlin, and New York. Meow Meow has won coveted Green Room Awards, Helpmann Awards and a Sydney Theatre Critics Award.
Meow Meow's style is a little bawdy and absolutely brilliant. If you want some great cabaret entertainment that is edgy, fun, flirty, frank, fabulous, and filthy presented with the kind of flair and finesse, then you have to see her performance and allow Meow Meow to carry you away while you possibly and literally help carry her away.
Meow Meow was tireless in her varied and skillful performance. She involved the audience brilliantly in her performance, kept up the audience’s interest and continued without a break for the full hour and a half show. I was amazed at her ability to make members of the public, randomly chosen from the audience, work with her to create humour throughout a whole song. Her singing ability was unlike any I have ever heard. She was able to hit and maintain both high and low notes. Meow Meow has the talent to sing in any performance world wide. Much of what she sang was in French, and she used this to add to the humour of the show. Meow Meow’s pianist was highly skilled and also joined in the act by stripping down to undies and T shirt at the suggestion of Meow Meow so that she felt more comfortable in her underwear. He also used his singing talent to skilfully work with her during her singing skits. Meow Meow’s choice of lighting herself with a torch, and at other times low lighting added interesting lighting effects to the show. After the show Ms Gray remained for another 30 minutes, chatting to the patrons as they left. She posed for photos, signed CD’s and was able to make the audience feel a real part of her life and the performance. Considering she had just arrived from the UK she showed no lack of enthusiasm and even posed for photos for us as the doors closed (please note that the behind the scene photos by Colin Ellis and Concepts 5 Photography are published with Ms Gray kind permission). In closing Meow Meow and her pianist are a top act and would be so in any venue world wide. Unfortunately the sound system and acoustics of this venue let them down. I would love to see her again at a venue that can fully show off her amazing talent. Thank you Colin!
TESSELAAR TULIP FESTIVAL 2014
Introduction. There is no better way to start waking up from a winter chilling winds and harsh weather but with the fresh aroma and colorful views of sensational spring flowers... When it comes to spring and flowers there is no one doing it better than Tesselaar Tulip Festival that is exhibiting the tender flowers display in the most remarkable way. Located close to Dandenong Ranges in Silvan the Tesselaar tulips show is a real visual symphony with all its new sensations only spring can create inside our souls.
Tesselaar started growing tulips in 1943 and the festival began in 1954. The 2014 Tulip Festival will run from 11th September to 7th Octoberinviting visitors of any age to be part of this celebration. The Festival also offers the theme weekends: Turkish, Irish, Dutch and Food/Wine and Jazz, along with Seniors and Children's weeks too. There is an annual aquisitional sculpture award at the farm including works from renown Australian sculptors, visitors are also encourage to pick their favourites with the People's Choice Award. Although there is only one week of the Festival left there is still a lot to see and explore. I was especially excited when I got a chance to speak with media contact Wendy Barnes who kindly agreed to find some time in her busy schedule to answer my questions. Tesselaar Direct is a company I personally highly regard, a company that values beauty, art, nature and harmony so dear to our Club readers and followers - in what they do and how they oragnise their major event of the year
review by Sylvester Kroyherr REVIEW OF CONCERT BY THE ZELMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GIVEN AT XAVIER COLLEGE
(7/12/14) – Conductor: Mark Shiell, Soloist: Andrew Kawai (oboe). Venue: Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre.
With an informative introduction from the President Daniel Kirkham (a viola player in the orchestra), the concert began with a delicately crafted version of the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky featuring the newly refurbished Celeste (mechanised xylophone built around 1890) – magnificent!
This short piece was followed by the evocative and stormy Britten’s ‘Four Sea Interludes’ from Peter Grimes highlighting the powerful large orchestra, noting the droning power of 6 double bases.To conclude the first half, we were treated to the masterful and brilliant performance by Andrew Kawai of the Vaughan Williams’ ‘Concerto in A minor for Oboe and Strings’. The year 10 student excelled in every way, delivering perfect timing in a style that embraced a mellow richness of sound. With an impressed audience, Andrew delivered a brilliant encore, much to the delight of everyone. A brilliant career in music ahead!
With a well organised team of volunteers, the interval was well serviced and the orchestra mingled freely. The major work for the afternoon consisted of Gustav Holt’s ‘The Planets’ – Suite for Large Orchestra (and it was very large!). To generate the required intensity of the variety of themes surrounding the seven segments of the different planets is challenging for any orchestra. In this, the Zelman Symphony excelled in producing a powerful, colourful, sensitive, pensive and driving performance of notable excellence. Full credits to their dedicated, connected and sensitive conductor Mark Shiell. A 2015 season to look forward to and well done!
From the moment you walk in the door at La Maison de Maitre you step into a world of wonder and culinary delight. The stage is set for an intimate dinner party with a professional chef as your host. Corporate Language Communications offers integrated language classes accompanied with an amazing culinary experience. You get up close and personal with a professional chef and prepare a three course meal all while learning a new language, matching the cuisine. Currently on offer is French and Italian. The opportunity to work with a professional Tuscan Chef, in itself, is an amazing treat. Learning the difference between the region’s flavours and techniques, while intoxicated with the aromas of the hands on classroom makes learning a breeze. The confidence and comfort Maggie offers, along with her talented chefs, allows you to be swept away with the culture on display. The learning space is generous with cameras to capture the various techniques on a large high definition screen, so that everyone can see and be a part of the cooking experience. Hand rolling and personalising our individual imprint on authentic Tuscan Gnocchi was just part of the wonderful experience. Perfecting your knife skills with a rough chop of garden fresh vegetables, allows you to create a simple, yet divine and authentic tomato sauce. Provided with this recipe are the instruction on how to bottle your own sauce, making the most of end of season tomatoes at their richest flavour. Your personal chef then provides you with these recipes to take home along with the confidence you need to enhance your own personal kitchen repertoire. The language component of the class is enjoyable and fun. Emphasis on pronunciation and conjugation makes the beginner and the expert alike feel a part of the show. Those with a natural knack for the language guided the newer learners with an upbeat learning environment. Conversation language skills are developed and encouraged. I personally walked away from my Italian Language and Cooking class feeling inspired, confident and as warm and comforted as the food we created. Many gathered here for different reasons, to learn another culture, to share an experience with a loved one, whilst others received this treat as a gift. No matter how you get to participate, I believe you will receive the gifts of the region and feel swept away with the authenticity of this class. I am looking forward to trying the French session very soon. www.facebook.com/gfocusphotography www.gfocusphotography.com
The home will be open for guests between 5th and 15th of December at either 7pm or 8.15pm for a visit of 45 minutes. Bookings are essential as there is a limited capacity of 5 guests per visit. Please book here: http://www.trybooking.com/GHVB
A child’s world of colour and pattern is swallowed, lost into layers of smoke.in the aftermath of Chernobyl’s nuclear disaster. This exhibition explores the ‘home’ that was lost “Enchanting,” “evocative,” “surreal” – this exhibition instills a sense of wonder as we explore the child’s world. This area of Chernobyl contained dense forest areas. Branches impede the viewer from seeing the rest of the exhibition. In later stages there are photos of Olena’s childhood environment, sites now lost to humans but again supporting small animals, birds and trees. As one can imagine, in the almost thirty years, the town has been overrun by nature. One of the photos shows a ghostly Olena remembering her lost home and planning how to show it. Through pieces like this boat, Olena brings her memories to life. For myself, the insight into such a disastrous event in history left me speechless, even though the subject of the exhibition is not the disaster. Olena Fedorova produced 4383days of the child for PhD research at the VCA & MCM at The University of Melbourne. Themes are the recreation of home and the notion of homelessness. (Title image credit: Anna Ivanova and Tanya Odegova. Remainder: Kent Slaughter)
The TasteofMelbourne is like no other event, it’s a four day food extravaganza that not only includes local food specialties, but seminars, celebrity chef demonstrations, international brands, bear and wine, and much more. Judging from the crowds, our famous weather could not keep the serious foodies at bay. Spend a relaxing and entertaining afternoon full of excellent fare and appreciate the huge variety of “tastes”Melbourne has to offer.
DINOSAURS ADVENTURES AT RINGWOOD and CAULFIELD 2014
Dinosaur Adventures Exhibit In Ringwood
by Max Davine
It's hard to imagine the world of dinosaurs; a world of constant warm temperatures,varying only by proximity to the equator, instead of changing seasons, of which there were only two: wet and dry. Dinosaurs roamed every corner of the globe, from the land, to the sea, to the air, they were evn more diverse and widespread than modern day humans are now. Theirs was not just a world shaped for them, but by them, with some species reaching up to sixty tons in weight. Even looking at the globe from space would confuse the contemporary human mind; the continents were different. North America was divided into three separate islands, broken up by vast inland seas.
Australia was part of Antarctica. North Africa was a swampland as vast as the Sahara Desert.
Much of the world was underwater, but that which was above it, the scattered continents inhabited by a different range of species depending upon which period of the Mesozoic Era you happened to be exploring, had no grass. This might be the weirdest thing to imagine, because everywhere has grass today, but dinosaurs never once saw grass!
It's even harder to imagine this world popping up in the middle of a shopping mall, but that exactly what the folks of Dinosaur Adventures sought to accomplish for the unwitting passerby; you could be wandering along, armfuls of shopping, one moment, and lost in a pastiche of Mesozoic evinrons the next. You might be a tad confused, but if you have any children with you, you should be fine. They can help you navigate your way through the prehistoric world, and even help you with a few of the more tonguetwisting pronounciations of dinosaur names.
That's what warms my heart more than anything about attending the opening of the
Dinosaur Adventures exhibit and Eastland Ringwood. Tiny little children shouting out names like “pachycephalosaurus”, “parasorolophus”, “pterodacyl” and “styracosaurus” with perfect pronounciation, to parents who can't help but be warmed as their children's fascination echoes back to a time in their own memories and imaginations, when they too had been captivated by the mighty leviathans which once roamed the earth.
My paleontological mind was tempted to study the large, animatronic dinosaurus positioned around the exhibition. Poor old deinonychus has again been mistaken for the much smaller velociraptor, and the old favorite tyrannosaurus rex is still perceived to have a strange sight impediment which restricts him from seeing anything but moving objects, slight misconceptions perpetuated by my deeply respected and brilliant late colleague, Michael Crichton, and his fantastic Jurassic Park franchise. But within a few moments, I was too caught up to bother. My own childhood had been spent in utter awe of dinosauria, and the part of it which they inhabited has never left me.
We were welcomed throught the gates of time into the pen, where Jurassic pterosaurs flew over our heads, and we were greeted by the gaping mouth and earthshattering roar of tyrannosaurus rex, a specimen of the late cretaceous. At his feet was baryonyx, a crocodile like beast and probably one of the most accurately rendered animatronics of the exhibit; it breathed, blinked and twisted it's head to say hello. There was triceratops, parosorolophus, stegosaurus and even spinosaurus. Children were utterly swept away as the lovely Ranger Kay introduced each of the animals to their awestruck eyes, before taking us on a dinosaur hunt to find some of the animals which had escaped the pen, and are now roaming the store; allosaurus and styracosaurus share their lunches with the human beings of the food court, while a juvenile tyrannosaurus greets guests by the mall's main entrance.
Returning to the pen, the children were given their own little pick axes and lab coats to excavate some dinosaur eggs, while my academic mind was satisfied by the presence of a genuine tyrannosaurus hip bone, one display next to the genuine scattered teeth of a mosasaur.
It was then time for a picnic on the forest undergrowth, beneath the watchful eyes of our dinosaur hosts, before the young families departed with shades of awe and colors of childhood joy painted all over their faces.
A fine day out for the whole family to enjoy.
*Max Davine is the author of DinoHunt, to be released in early 2015 by ASJ Publishing, and an avid paleontology enthusiast.
Photos of the exhibition in Melbourne by Lucia Hou and Tuan Nguyen:
SANTA'S MAGICAL KINGDOM OPENING NIGHT REVIEW 2014
by Chandra Madanagopal The Christmas season has begun yet again and it has kick started with the ever-famous Santa’s Magical Kingdom at the Caulfield Racecourse but only this time around, bigger and better. Incidentally it has been named Victoria’s best new event last year. Santa’s Magical Kingdom, in collaboration with Santa Claus North Pole Corporation have once again brought us all the magic of Christmas to Melbourne in 2014, at a new home, Caulfield Racecourse. Santa’s Magical Kingdom brings all the wonder and joy of a traditional Christmas. This interactive walk-through is an enchanting experience that includes everything that you love about Christmas. Get ready to be amazed as you see the magic of Christmas come to life! The venue has a typical feel of the festive season that mainly catering to the kids, although it could very well bring out the inner kid from deep within the adults that we have grown into. The opening night started right at 7 pm and it already looks jam packed with very excited kids and adults alike. The venue is filled with rides that suit all member of the family, no matter what background you come from. Half an hour into the event, the start of the Christmas show is announced and the entire crowd is asked to make their way through into another tent, which at the beginning looked very much like a circus. To everyone’s surprise it is the famous Silver Circus, that has come to perform on stage providing the audience with some spectacular, very thrilling, some heart stopping performances that are very unique to Silver Circus alone. The performers certainly do know all the tricks on how to get the audience engaged. From what I have noticed is, the Friday night start was perfect for everyone, but the kids seem to be so enthusiastic and energetic that the adults who came along were finding it very hard to keep up with them. It could very well be one hectic ride, in-spite of being an exciting one. So be prepared and take your entire family and friends with lot of reserved energy, for it’s only a three-hour spectacular.
The event includes: • A magical Christmas walk-through wonderland • Snowland with the all new Snow Castle • A free gift, when you meet Santa • A brand new International Spectacular Christmas Show • Roving Christmas characters • Gingerbread Land where you can decorate your own gingerbread man • Interactive storytelling with Mrs. Claus • Amusement Rides & Games, including laughing clowns, a Carousel, Santa’s Sleigh Ride, Ferris Wheel, Australia’s Largest Super Slide and many more. • Plus so much more fun for the whole family
Enjoy the journey into the magical kingdom.
MONSTER FESTIVAL 2014
Monster Fest last Friday Opening Night. Review by Mud Vonkip / Skullwindows Photography (very grateful Jess!) "The Opening Night of Monster Fest at Cinema Nova was a ghoulish delight. 'The Editor' film ( by Matthew Kennedy and Adam Brooks) was a hit. Fans of the Canadian directors Adam Brooks and Matthew Kennedy previous movies, 'Fathers Day' and 'Manborg', were far from disappointed with their newest film. A playful mix of guts and gore peppered with absurdest comedy, 'The Editor' tells a tale of a film editor with wooden fingers who gets caught up in a string of gruesome murders.
The after party at Yah Yah's was packed with horror fans and patrons of the film festival, who had the chance to buy merchandise and mingle with the directors of 'The Editor' movie. A highlight of the evening was the titillating burlesque performance by Lola Ramone in a skeletal ensemble, dancing with bones glowing in the black-light. All in all a great event - can't wait for next year!" crediting photos of Lola Ramone - burlesque dancerwww.lolaramone.com read more: http://bohemianrhapsodyclub.weebly.com/la-premiere.html
PublicFriendsFriends except AcquaintancesOnly MeCustomClose FriendsProsper TaruvingaSee all lists...SuperpartnersFamilyLimited ProfileBohemian Rhapsody ClubMelbourne, Victoria, Australia AreaNational Australia BankAcquaintancesGo Back PLACES, the art exhibition by Jill Kempson that opened last night at Alliance Francaise De Melbourne [ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alliance-Française-de-Melbourne/252252354822161 ] will be on view till 13 May 2014 - 52 Grey Street St Kilda.
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2014
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival Feb 14 2014Updated about 11 months ago · Taken at Palace Cinema Como
PublicFriendsFriends except AcquaintancesOnly MeCustomClose FriendsProsper TaruvingaSee all lists...SuperpartnersFamilyLimited ProfileBohemian Rhapsody ClubMelbourne, Victoria, Australia AreaNational Australia BankAcquaintancesGo Back Alliance Française French Film Festival - Feb 14 2014 screening for media celebrating 25 years of French Film Festivals in Australia. Photos: kind courtesy of Reza Samami and Reza Samami Photography
39 STEPS THEATER PRODUCTION 2014
review by Daniel Shawyer
Well... So this unqualified individual has been once again inflicted upon the high class of Melbourne Theatrics. Someone really needs to do something about journalism these days. They let just about anyone in! Ha!
So dear reader, you want to know about The 39Steps? A play that is based on the play that is based on the movie that is based on the book. Got that? Good. In a nutshell this is what would happen if Monty Python decided to do a theatre production on the spy genre. It may have started serious, but it sure didn't end that way. In fact, it's best not to walk in with any expectations because this production sways quite heavily towards the world of Post-Modernism. Which is what happens when artists have too much time on their hands and too much recognition.
The 39Steps is clever. The kind of clever that when you recognise the origins, it's even cleverer, but even without you still see as clever. At the same time, there's absolutely no class at all. It's hilariously cheesy, and often times has the appearance of a plot thought up by two twelve year old's crying, 'Oh Man! It would be awesome if...!"... "Yes! And then THIS happened!". Add in the fact that this is a production written for a cast of apparently a hundred or so, that got rewritten for *Four*. Yes. Four people play 100 people. I don't think it was a hundred. But they told me it was a hundred, so I believe them. It's not like I'm actually qualified to argue the point. It doesn't matter. They're brilliant. They flawlessly execute some whirlwind quick changes, and slip on different actions sometimes right in the middle of lines. All executed with enough panache and deadpan seriousness to embarass a magician who just told his audience he's sawing his contortionist assistant in half. Excellent production values, lighting and atmosphere help tie up their performances perfectly.
The show is most definitely unrepentantly a comedy, but it's slickly produced and hearkens back to its roots with many a pun and allusions to Alfred Hitchcock and the original melodrama. All in all it's quite madcap and can best be described as 'A Fun Night Out.' but don't probe too deeply, it's really not that kind of production. Enjoy the ride, and try not to gasp too loud when the man lady flounces.
I rate this on a scale of fluffy bunnies to Harpsichords, solidly in the A-tonal area.
No I won't give you a number. Stop asking. Just go watch it already!
Best Regards, Daniel Shawyer
BOMBSHELLS THEATER PRODUCTION 2014
review by Daniel Shawyer
In the interests of full disclosure, this humble writer is still suffering the effects of Too Many School Plays(TM). To say one was hesitant entering into this production, which boasted all the hallmarks of the 'We're gonna change the world with our ARTS!' vibe, would be an understatement. Having sat in the development meetings of plays with briefs eerily similar to the advertising material and reviews of Bombshells, I was expecting some combination of uncomfortably militant feminist themes, shock factor or just plain ol' heartstring tugging. Instead I got this...
"My cacti have played a central part in holding me together." Delivered with a face so straight it must have hurt, a line in the midst of a character's crushing diatribe after what I assume was their lovers spurning. It wasn't the crazy cacti lady who won me over though. It was the silence. There is a silence that is only found by the best of performers (And those for whom 'alone' actually means something) who can bring forth a performance so profound so as to bring the audience to a hush. This happened several times throughout what turned out to be a witty and warm comedy that danced between the light and dark of life and illuminated the mundane into something larger than itself. Bombshells is an inappropriate name, but not because bombshellswere not dropped.
"Wife... Sounds like a Kitchen implement."
So I suppose you, dear reader, are wondering exactly what Bombshells is and more importantly, should you be seeing it? Well, I'll get to the former in a second, but to the latter I say Absolutely! Bombshells at it's core is a production that looks at the everyday person through the form of a monologue delivered by one individual who I will assume is either horrifyingly jaded, or has spent far too much time people watching. Over the course of the play, six wholly different individuals give us a glimpse into the tangled webs that are their inner thoughts, lives and emotions. From the crazy cacti lady to the airheads to the elegant sophisticated widow, this show has a wide set of absolutely riveting and hilarious characters. They are brought to life by a single lady whose performance captures every nuance of their body language, actual language, accent and turn of phrase. It was remarkably uncanny how effortlessly she swapped between roles. Line after line is wittily sharp, and carries the soul of the character who spouts it. This is a production by an individual who has long passed the point where fear and embarrassment hold her back from her best. She is fearless in her caricature, the kind of fearlessness only found by one who has fought with their back against the wall and come back from the brink, who has leapt the terrifying chasms of risk and arrived on the other side.
If you're expecting a large scale production, you won't find it here. It's utilitarian and bare in the stage form, with little in regards to props and simple lighting. The central focus is the character and the minimalism feeds it well, we as the audience are invited to imagine the worlds these people inhabit and to enter for a short time their vibrant inner lives. Or as one put it: "You're going to die alone and undiscovered for weeks! In a car bomb!"
The humour is bright, and spans the range from dark to incongruous, uncomfortable and joyful. By equal lengths, it covers what it is to live as an ordinary person, their pains, pressures, flaws and flimsies. Which, normally, means the production just tugs at the heartstrings, but not so here. Here the script is affirming, and does not judge, we draw our own conclusions and we are free to choose how we react. It is well balanced and thoughtful, there is a flow and a dynamic that carries itself through the production. A smirk and a wink with a hug, because after all, shouldn't we be accepting of everyone and everything? To quote, "And one day I hope she can accept me for who I am instead of who I was. Just like I accept her for who she is...
Instead of who I want her to be."
You're welcome parents.
Go see it.
I rate it 9/10 with a lost point for some minor, but still damning accept slips and an ending performance that perhaps pushed a little outside of the performer's capability in the present, so missed the mark in the vocal presentation.
Best regards, Daniel Shawyer
MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL BIG HOUSE SHOW AT GASWORKS 2014 review by Rachel Sandey
We got lucky to be invited to the Cabaret- Circus Show on Tuesday Night, 01/10/14. at Gasworks in Albert park as a part of Fringe Festival. Glenn Birchell, the producer, actor, dancer, singer and presenter- all in one managed to create a perfect show, colorful, very entertaining with the group of multi talented actors and highly skillful dancers. The music was contagious, the number in the air with the red ribbons was breathtaking. One of the leading gymnast, on the floor , Fifi literally was flying in the air. The second presenter, Shannon McGurgan was not only very powerful gymnast, but also a dancer and guitarist and singer. Very impressive number of the next beautiful and gracious performer demonstrating a super flexibility, creating an impression, that there are no bones in the body. Then the same performer made audience wow with hoola hoops number. And the culmination of the program was the number with the huge mirror ball, which opens as a flower , with a couple of gymnasts in the middle, raising into the air and making their amazing, mesmerizing moves. In one word, it was wonderful, unforgettable night.
MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL CARNIVAL OF RUST(C DREAMS SHOW 2014
review by Chandra Madanagopal
MelbourneFringe Festival's show Carnival of Rustic Dreams. This is his review he would like to share with everyone: (very grateful - thank you Chandra!) MelbourneFringe Festival Carnival of Rustic Dreams http://www.melbournefringe.com.au/fringe-festival/show/carnival-of-rustic-dreams/ Circus meets magic with a right proportion of performing arts is what makes the “Carnival of Rustic Dreams” a unique experience all together. Since I am a first timer for a MelbourneFringe Festival event I actually didn’t know what to expect, as I have never heard of anything that happens during the festival apart from the name itself. However, I was in for a surprise, a rather special and pleasant one indeed. The show kicked of as we entered into this rather cozy tent, with a comic looking old granny knitting on one corner of the stage seated on an old large sized box. The performers Madam Zorke, Cleomatra, Ivan and Koringa are the usual artists one could watch in any stage show that involves a circus, magic show or a theater event. Having said that, however, what makes them uniquely special is the way they connected with every single audience during the whole one-hour show time. Hats off to them all. The amazingly talented performers, who managed to make such extremely difficult performance look so easy. This Carnival would actually give one a feeling as if one has entered the world of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” even as you walk into the little tent where it happens. The show suits for people of all ages and walks of life. By the end of the show, which was such a delight to watch, the performance made us all yearn for more and cannot help but to leave with a big smile on our face.
Rating: 9/10
ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW 2014
RoyalMelbourneShow - it is a paradise for the whole family... candies, clowns, competitions, fun, fun, fun everywhere adding to this live animals: dogs and cats shows, live stock, ducks and roosters, ducklings and piglets, ice cream, potato sticks, animal nursery, happy rushing people everywhere, colorful air balloons, stunning riding horses, sheep, goats and something I do not even know the names of (new exotic dog breeds that were on show that looked like sheep), veggie patches with fresh garden herbs, alpacas, strawberries on a chocolate sticks, ponies, Mickey shows for kids and cooking shows for adults, Master Chef kitchen tours, desert making demos and fine food deli, there is also a place to shop on special show prices and lots of tasting everywhere - there must have been the best show ever in Australia if you consider the variety of entertainment on offer. you and your kids will get tired at the end of your experience but you will be happy you have seen so much... (review by Michelle T)
sorry for the low quality photos as we had only one pass and our photographer could not get his on time (partially my fault as I realised too late we applied for one pass only).
QUEEN'S COLLEGE CHOIR OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION CONCERT 2014 review by Sylvester Kroyherr
REVIEW OF A CONCERT BY THE CHOIR OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION, SUNDAY 12 October 2014.
QUEENS COLLEGE, MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.
THEY SAY THAT “HOPE IS THE MAGIC INGREDIENT OF MOTIVATING YOURSELF AND OTHERS”.INCREDIBLY, THIS MAGIC DAY PRESENTED ITSELF TODAY WITH THE DEDICATED ‘CHOIR OF HOPE & INSPIRATION’. WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF CONNECTING WITH A CHOIR; LED BY AN ENTHUSIASTIC CONDUCTOR SIMPLY CALLED JONATHAN, AT AN OPEN AIR PERFORMANCE OF SOME 10 NUMBERS. THE FLAVOUR OF THE CHOIR CAME FROM THE INCREDIBLE DEPTH OF HARDSHIP PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED BY THE MEMBERS PLUS THE RESILIANT COMFORT THEY FOUND (AND DISPLAYED) THROUGHT THE MEDIUM OF MUSIC AND COMRADESHIP. INTO THEIR NINTH YEAR, THE CHOIR SHOWED SELF CONFIDENCE, EXUBERANCE AND COURAGE, BLENDING SONGS LIKE “DON’T YOU KNOW YOU’RE ALIVE” AND “FABULOUS “(MY FAIR LABEL), QUE SERA SERA, UMPAPA, ANGELS (ROBBIE WILLIAMS),YES I CAN, STAND UP, HAPPY TOGETHER, AND A GREAT FINALE,”CELEBRATION “. CREDITS TO ROXANNE ON THE PIANO. A TERRIFIC BLEND OF GENUINE EXPRESSIONS, PASSION AND LOVE! THANK YOU KATHLEEN FOR YOUR ENGAGING AND PASSIONATE INVOLVEMENT.
SINCERELY. SYLVESTER KROYHERR
(MUSICIAN/ARCHITECT)
QUEEN'S COLLEGE SERAPHIM TRIO CONCERT 2014 AND 2013 reviews by Rachel Sandey and Sylvester Kroyherr
Yesterday night we've been so very lucky to attend a wonderful musical event. Thanks to Kathleen McGuire, Director of Music OfQueen"s College, who generously offered to our BRC a few complimentary tickets. There were four of us: Sylvester, Rachel, Polina and Tamara, plus Chooka Parker with his family, mother, father and grandmother. It actually was a preview of a concert, which will take place in Melbourne in the Recital Centre on 07/08. It started with Pohadka( Fairy Tale)For Cello and Piano by Leos Janacek, whose compositional style was inspired by Slavic folk music. He considered one of the most important Czech composers alongside Dvorak and Smetana. Before playing the music they read the text which was quite humorous and funny. The performance was highly professional very engaging. The next number was " Mother Goose" by Maurice Ravel. The arrangement was done by Australian Composer Benjamin Martin. The story, which was read before and during the musical performance was written by Australian Writer Peter Goldsworthy. It was interestingly written with some sparkles of irony . He is describing his intentions this way: " In other words, I wanted to have my ironic cake, but eat it with real feeling" The acoustics in this Hall is perfect, the sounds are so clear. It was joy to listen. And apotheosis was a PianoTrio NO. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65. I personally was blown away by this amazingly beautiful music and and equally sophisticated performance. It was truly memorable event. Thank you to the talented highly skillful musicians and the organizer. I also must mention, that Chooka was invited to the stage and he played a piece with passion and virtuosity. He is young Australian Talent with a great future ahead of him
REVIEW – SERAPHIM TRIO AT QUEENS COLLEGE
(7 OCTOBER 2013)
Starting with Beethoven’s Piano Trio No 3, the trio enchanted the audience with dreamlike and spirited interplay along with playfulness, dressed in light and shade. The sweetness of the second and third movements was creative and reflected overtones of the ‘Trout’ by Schubert.The last movement expressed an energetic and well integrated flurry of brilliant runs on the piano and tightly controlled harmonies.The second offering was another delight, being De Falla’s four short Spanish pieces featuring the fabulous talent of David Elton on trumpet. This was a truly ethnic feel in favour of Spain.The concert ended with eight segments from the ‘Threepenny Opera’ by Kurt Weill. Along with David Elton, it was a feast of contrasting melodies with the most famous being ‘Mack the Knife’.Highest praises for the trio and best wishes also to David. SYLVESTER KROYHERR
SUTHERLAND TRIO CONCERT 2014
REVIEW OF CONCERT – ‘BASQUE IN LOVE’ PRESENTED BY THE SUTHERLAND TRIO. Melbourne Recital Centre – 11 November 2014.
Caroline Almonte (piano), Elizabeth Sellars (violin), Molly Kadarauch (cello).Set in the intimate ‘state of the art’ Salon Auditorium, the Trio burst into ‘Mozart’s Piano Trio No 4’ with great passion and musical prowess, integrating one of Mozart’s greatest trios.
The highlight was a complete contrast, with Christine McCombe’s ‘Three Kinds of Silence’, which explored three different effects of silence between musical sounds. It has been said that it’s not the notes that produce the music but the silence between the notes – an insight that parallels with the meditative state where silence is the cradle of creation. It was also a delight to be introduced to Christine by her friend Elizabeth Sellars (flowing and engaging work on the violin).The latter part of the programme featured flavourful Spanish themes, firstly with ‘Goyescas: Intermezzo’ by Granados – arranged for cello and piano by Gaspar Cassado. A rich and soulful interpretation by Molly Kadarauch.
A selection of three pieces from ‘Tonadas’ for solo piano by Nin-Culmell followed, showcasing the brilliance of Caroline Almonte.The last offering was the ‘Piano Trio in C’ by Gaspar Cassado, displaying the influence of his native land’s Spanish folk music. Although technically very demanding, the Trio’s virtuosity delivered a memorable performance that was interwoven with guitar imitations and malaguena rhythms. A world class concert! Looking forward to their next concert called ‘Time Present and Time Past’ (10.6.2015)!
REVIEW OF EVENT: Sun Rising – ‘The Songs That Made Memphis’ Show. (Thornbury Theatre, 4/10/2014)
Hats off to the brilliant and talented ‘Sun Rising’ tribute band who captured the spirit of the early days of rock and roll! Homage to Sam Phillips, the legendary founder of Sun Records in Memphis Tennessee in the early 50’s, was presented with passion, conviction and musical brilliance. Rock at its best!
Sun Records saw the early launch of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, BB King and many others. They all would have been very proud in how the band embraced the flavour of those early blues/rock rhythms. At 79, Gerry Lee Lewis is still tickling the ivories with great vigour! The evening featured song like, That’s Alright, Cry, Cry,Cry, Blue Suede Shoes, Honey Don’t, Folsom Prison, Oobidoo, Lucky Old Sun, Great Balls Of Fire and many more.
The audience lapped up the musical atmosphere with many taking on the dance floor with lively shaking and rock and roll flair! Full credits to the band – Adam Coad (d/v), David Cosma (g/v), Trent McKenzie (b/v), Damon Smith (p/g/v) and Adrian Whyte (g/v).Having the chance to chat with Adrian, I congratulated his terrific work on the electric guitar and vocals. Further credits go to Damon for some electrifying Gerry Lee moments – Wow! A THOROUGHLY ENGAGING, SWINGING, HUMOROUS, MUSICAL AND ROCKING EVENING!
Long live the Sun Rising Band! Sylvester Kroyherr (Musician/Architect)
MELBOURNE FRENCH THEATER GEORGE DANDIN 2014
review by Sylvester KroyherrREVIEW OF GEORGE DANDIN (The frustrated Husband) a French play by Moliere (1622-1673).
Presented by the Melbourne French Theatre Inc, at La Maison de Maitre, Carlton Melbourne (3/9/14) With a wonderful warm welcome from Maggie Bracher, accompanied by tasty French cheeses and luscious wines sporting the MFT labels, the cosy premises soon warmed to a play first performed in 1668 – some 346 years ago. The satirical comedy depicting a man’s folly of marrying a woman of higher rank rings of tones of past frustrations but its poignancy relates to today’s peoples moral status and the question of “who laughs the last?”
The performance from the cast was impeccable, vivacious, bold and peppery with superb flow and ingenuity and forms of French wit and passion. Special praises to Fauistine Werts (George) and Michael Bula (M de Sotenville). Many thanks to the cast for their appreciation and contact with the audience following the performance – a real treat to all.
Thank you for a great evening and best for the future from Rachel and I. Warm regards, well done and tres tres bon!!!
Sylvester Kroyherr (Musician & Architect)
IMPERIAL RUSSIAN BALLET: FESTIVAL OF RUSSIAN BALLET 2013
REVIEW - The Imperial Russian Ballet Company: Palais Theatre StKilda – 21.9.2013 The Ballet Company’s diverse three act program showed delightful artistry and beauty orchestrated with grace and precision.
Act 1 presented ten magical segments from ‘The Nutcracker’ that sparkled with intensity and elegance, while Act 2 brought us a wonderfully choreographed ‘Bolero’ that peppered the imagination.
Act 3 gave us ten ‘Highlights’ ranging from Don Quixote, The Dying Swan, Giselle and the Can Can Surprise.Full credits to the Company and its sheer brilliance! Look forward to their return in 2014, presenting Don Quixote.
Sylvester Kroyherr
TRUFFLES MELBOURNE 2014
review by Sahara Folan What a wonderful den of delights of taste senses and smells. Tastebuds being tantalized by truffles, truffle oil, truffle pasta risottos and washed down with tasters if red and white wines. Chefs ahoy with live cooking shows from Adam Swanson from ready steady cook and celebrity chef Manu making a truffle tart. Sensation overload
QUEEN'S COLLEGE SALLY WHITWELL CONCERT 2013
SALLY WHITWELL IN RECITAL REVIEW - Queen’s College University of Melbourne (25.8.2013)
Sally delivered a varied program of contemporary and classical piano pieces in 8 segments with precision and great sensitivity. Her intensive grasp of all the various genres delighted the audience who warmed to her world class talent and delightful personality.
Sally’s artistry conjured up tone poems that were pensive, haunting, sensitive, colourful, passionate, exciting and simply beautiful.(Composers covered were: Glass, Schubert, Nyman, Haydn, Twist and Tiersen)
Melbourne would definitely want to see and hear you more Sally! Congratulations! Sylvester Kroyherr
SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC 2013
‘SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC’ – Event review (Melbourne Arts Centre, State Theatre – 16 & 17 August 2013)
A most original and interactive musical event that was built around the original 1965 film, The Sound of Music (with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer).It was a time for the audience to dress up and also sing along (helped by subtitles). Preceding the film, there was a lot of fun on the stage with children, nuns, animals and a variety of characters from the musical (200 plus).
The lively audience participation was uplifting and added to the timeless and wonderful Sound of Music!
Sylvester Kroyherr
CELTIC DIVAS CONCERT FRANKSTON ART CENTRE
review by Rachel Sandey
Here is my review of Celtic Divas. I've been luky once again to win a double pass to the Concert of Celtic Divas, which took place in Frakston Art Centre. I've been at this venue first time and it surprised me with impressive size fully packed by crowd. What a wonderful performance of this Irish Group touring Australia! Enjoied it immencely. They've been recieved so warm, that after they conclude the concert, ovation didn't stop untill they came back and performed one more song. If you didn't have a chance this time to hear them, don't miss their next visit to Melbourne. Promise, you'll have a great time. Rachel Sandey.
AUDI GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL 2014
photos by Reza Samami
THE BUTTERFLY CLUB POLITICAL HACK
REVIEW OF “POLITICAL HACK” BY MATT ELSBURY, PRESENTED ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2014.
AT: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, Melbourne (City)
And, what did this small theatre on several levels that sported a collection of “Kitsch” (a form of sentimental and sometimes kinky art) had to offer? Something fresh and original?Yes, it was a well versed, sharp witted and smooth Matt Elsbury who delivered a bunch of poignant sketches of fresh and up to date political rhetoric highlighting the uncanny ways that politicians use to feather their own nests of factuality.
Matt’s smooth and poignant repertoire of impersonations highlighted political folly as opposed to what ultimately politicians tend to deliver. Typically and as an example, what was deployed by our elected leaders was an image of a large number of fish in the shape of a ball saying – “we’re in it together”. The real truth behind that image was in fact that the small fish were herded by dolphins in a chase to round them up before they had a feast and eaten! Interestingly enough, is the fodder analogy somehow close to the real truth of how we are manipulated – unknowingly? Something to reflect on!
Full marks to Matt Elsbury and the avant garde freshness of The Butterfly Club. Best wishes, Sylvester Kroyherr (Musician/Architect)
HI-5 SHOW FOR KIDS 2015
Alesha. kids are SO grateful. Her daughter Lilly told me: “You made my dream come true, it was the best day of my life”. She even drew me a picture and made me a card to thank me.
BETTER HOMES ANG GARDENS SHOW 2014
by Mounir Slamani
DOG LOVERS SHOW 2014
by Mounir Slamani
FINBAR FUREY (IRELAND) CONCERT
by Cath Connelly
what a wonderful concert last week! FinbarFurey continues to be a most wonderful ambassador for all things Irish. A stimulating concert offering a diversity of styles and instrumentation. Terrific!
COMEDY FESTIVAL MELBOURNE 2014 NISH KUMAR SHOW Review by Zabelle
Comedy Festival Nish Kumar in Nish Kumar ‘Is a comedian’
27th March The powder room Melbourne town Hall
This guy was more funny than I expected as I don’t laugh easily. He is, quick and to the point. Really Nish is a great performer and much more intelligent than he thinks. I liked him very much and would go again to see his show.
His odd out burst of swearing did undermine the real man’s integrity. Maybe it was an act of protection? The jet lag, the strange small audience? Live performance is an easy platform to fall out of concentration. Then, on returning to reality can end in a mini flash of “where the hell am I up to” that adds up to ejecting the swearing syndrome. Easy, I fogave him.
Hope to see him again. By Zabelle Dantilla
MELBOURNE MAGIC FESTIVAL 2014 FRITZ ALKEMEDE SHOW by Prosper Taruvinga “When Life gives you Lemons”- Fritz Alkemede- “Let’s go Dutch”
This is an experience not to miss! If Magic is your thing, then you are in for a treat. This is a fun filled show that will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout. Alkemade himself is an entertaining performer. The show has got multiple phases that build up to keep spectators interested. Best of all, Alkemade offers some fun twists on where the cards appear, and have the audience completing most of the tricks. The main actor of his show is the Lemons that keep appearing in every segment. Hence the title, “when life gives you Lemons.” Unlike many performers, Alkemade actually acknowledges his audience. He talks tothem, not atthem. He really knows how to manage the audience and work them and direct them. It was a real treat to watch the performance. The energy, the comedy, the music and the unique moments he improvises with his audience, makes his magic unforgettable. A show for all ages, be sure to book your tickets throughout the festival. A show not to miss!
DANIEL LE CONCERT REVIEW 2014 ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH
by Prosper Taruvinga Daniel Le started his piano studies at the age of three, and completed his AMEB studies at the age of 14, gaining his Licentiate Diploma of Music. At the age of 11, he was awarded a scholarship to Melbourne Grammar School. In 2004, Daniel won 1st prize in the 12 Years and Under Awards Piano Section in the Musical Society of Victoria, and in 2009 won 1st prize in the 18 Years and Under Awards. He then appeared in the Finals of the Hepzibah Menuhin Memorial Award in 2007 and 2008. In 2007, he joined the Australian National Academy of Music Young Academy Program studying with Rita Reichman.
We Managed to catch Daniel While studying in the back. "it's all exciting to know that people love what I do". Yes with so many Awards behind him, Every one with a good ear, would kill to watch him play live.
Daniel has been a soloist with many local orchestras including the Zelman, Maroondah and Preston Symphony Orchestras, performing Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto. In 2010, he was awarded the ‘Most Promising Pianist’ award at the Australian Concerto Competition. He also gave performances of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in Tokyo and Gamigori in Japan.
He obtained a perfect score of 50 and received a Premier’s Award for Music Performance in his Victorian Certificate of Education studies. He has been supported by awards and trusts in the past, which includes the Opus 50 Charitable Trust and the PPCA Performer’s Trust Foundation.
Daniel is currently on a full scholarship to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, studying with Professor Thomas Hecht. In 2013, he won 3rd prize at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Daniel has studied with Stephen McIntyre, Leon Lee, Rita Reichman, and has performed for renowned teachers and artists such as Christopher Elton, Ann Schein, Jan Jiracek von Arnim and Melvyn Tan.
FESTIVAL OF SLOW MUSIC LAUNCH ADAM SIMMONS
by Prosper Taruvinga If you are a fan of slow acoustic music then stop for a second. Remember you missed out last year's Festival of Slow Music? worry not, it's back again this year! THE Festival of Slow Music is set to woo crowds next month as rehearsals for the nine-day event are well under way. You will be set for the time of your life!
We managed to catch up with AdamSimmons at the Uniting Church in Northcote while they were polishing up their acts set for the festival. "It will be a life changing 9 days."
For the second year running, the festival is set to return to Ballarat from August 23-31.
When we caught up with the director, Adam, he said, last year's event, (the one you missed) was so successful that they have decided to make it bigger and better this time around.
Adam feels music is an integral part of being human. With all the performances in store, 9 days may not be enough.
This festival is about the philosophy of food and the acoustic nature of performance.
He said the aim of the festival was to “nourish the soul”. “It’s about a deep understanding of music and encouraging a festival experience where you are not leaving a gig to rush to another one halfway through," and hence this will be a place to be in August.The festival will predominantly be held at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, Art Gallery, M.A.D.E. and Robert Clark Conservatory. Acts include- Tony Gould , Imogen Mannis,Al Wunder Internationally acclaimed Alessandra garosi from Italy and many more!
by NM it is a real tease, this exhibition at National Gallery of Victoria - Ngv - Italian Masterpieces from Spain's Royal Court ... be very careful when you go there as you will feel like going to Europe immediately ... I do not have words - just emotions and thoughts... thoughts and emotions but no words... the exhibition is remarkable not art-wise only, but from a great historical value of the art masterpieces.on show.also was extremely glad to see that the exhibition provides very comprehensive descriptions for kids to follow - we have never seen anything like this before, very pleased that this exhibition is also family friendly.... and there are some additional notes: neglecting the fact that it has been for already 2 months on display the exhibition still attracts an impressive crowd of people standing in queues from the early opening Saturday hour: 1000 am.. I could not resist buying the book on exhibition - thought $40 just worth the memories to be revived and to follow the tradition from previous years too.
THE SUBLIME MTC PRODUCTION
“The Sublime” by MaxDavine
Brendan Cowell is a true gem of the Australian Film Industry. That much can easily be said, having viewed “Beneath Hill 60”. As well, the Melbourne Theatre Company is truly a wonderful venue, from it's décor to it's beautiful stages, it captures the old world ambience one automatically associates with the proposition of a night out at the theatre. As for what is actually seen on those stages, well, you never quite know what to expect, as sadly neither the aforementioned author of the play “Sublime” and it's venue go with little recognition by the mass media machine. Aussie Rules Football and League Rugby are, to my own misfortune, two fixations held with much appreciation by the Australian public whose appeal is completely lost on me, and so as the lights were dimmed and two sportsmen jogged out onto the stage, one carrying a AFL footy, the other a Rugby ball, I immediately cringed at the prospects which lay ahead of me. However, my accompanying audience laughed at their jokes and were carried along by their banter well enough to say it must have captured the spirits of the games, while I was happily taken with the fine performances. It begins innocently enough, with two young professional players (Josh McConville and Ben O'Toole) and brothers, one rigidly disciplined in his approach to his career, the other, younger brother more happy-go-lucky and just coming off a seasonal ban for some violent act perpetrated during a game exchanging energetic stories without confines of a fourth wall, that is, directly to the audience. It is thus for the remainder of the play, all events have already taken place, and the characters are relating to us, in duel solliloquy, the events concerning the story. Enter a young female runner (Anna Samson), virginal and with stars in her eyes, who falls, or has fallen, into immediate rapture with the elder brother. She sees him as a potential mentor, and he reciprocates, accepting her as a sort of admired protegee. However, darkness begins to fall as the young runner's parents insist that she accompany the two brothers on a planned trip to Thailand. Thence onward The Sublime shifts into gear, taking us, in continued solliloquy with action moderately performed by the players, into the truly twisted and sordid world of professional sportsmen and their behavior toward women, in a world ruled by corporate bodies more concerned with keeping the public's attention than allowing justice to be dealt to it's sports stars and their misdeeds. Without sets, props or actual action, we rely entirely on the performances of the actors, which I cannot praise highly enough, as they accomplish the feat of playing characters within a scene, outside a scene, and in the past tense. This is also a credit to the writing, as I writer myself I know how difficult it is to maintain or build tension when all one gives oneself to work with is some previous events, related merely by the spoken word and a few gestures. They do it brilliantly, and in taking us from the hideous rape of a young woman, concerning another two characters not seen and yet present enough on the stage to illicit both great sympathy and intense hatred from the viewer, to the inevitable repurcussions involving blackmail, lazy and disgustingly true to life action by the law, and the final spiritual and moral destruction of the victim, who eventually sells her soul to continue her association with the monsterous sportsmen, The Sublime confuses, disorientates and finally brings us to it's shattering conclusion in an angry, cynical haze which one can only predict prompted Cowell to write the piece in the first place. True to life, we are left with no comfort, for the perpetrators of the initial crime get off scott-free and even rouse a stadium of sports fans with a triumphant return, only hampered by the violent mental breakdown by the elder brother which immediately ends his own career, affording us some slight satisfaction of justice, while the victim , impregnated, resigns to the life of a single mother. Not a play that will put a smile on the viewers face, in fact one which might stirr my long-felt contempt for the behavior of some professional sportsmen, but one which will deeply move regardless. The Sublime may be a sarcastic reference to the players themselves, but could far more easily be applied to the cast and writer of this intriguing and confornting play. [email protected] 0439468269 http://www.amazon.com/Max-Davine/e/B00FFJRU3G http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2863751/
RUSSIAN RESURRECTION FILM FESTIVAL 2014 OPENING NIGHT
photos by Oksana Dix
LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2014 MEDIA OPENING NIGHT