Forget muddy mosh pits. Culture vultures who like to glam up to go to a gig should circle these seven shows on their cultural calendar for 2019.
Blanc de Blanc Encore – January 4 – March 9
Channel your inner Carmen Miranda and shake your maracas down to the Blanc de Blanc Encore as it heats up the Studio at the Sydney Opera House this summer. Think vintage glamour and risqué humour in the circus cabaret show, which blurs the lines between audience and actors. sydneyoperahouse.com
The Sapphires – February 23, 2019
Four Yorta Yorta indigenous women sing Motown soul hits against the backdrop of regional Australia in this much-loved story that has won multiple awards as a play, film and soundtrack album. The heart-warming tale is set during the Vietnam War during a time of major social upheaval. casulapowerhouse.com
Bennelong – Until March 16
Bangarra is taking its landmark production, Bennelong, to tour regional Australia in 2019.
The show, choreographed by artistic director Stephen Page, honours the senior Eora man who led his community to survive a clash of cultures. The tour includes Bendigo, Geelong, Warragul, Alice Springs and Cairns. bangarra.com.au
Primavera – Museum of Contemporary Art – Until February 23
The Museum of Contemporary Art has curated a compelling program for 2019. One of the highlights is Primavera 2018, the MCA’s annual exhibition of young Australian artists aged 35 years and under. This year’s multi-media exhibition asks, ‘Why is Identity Important?’ and the participating artists all present interesting interpretations of the question. mca.com.au
An evening with Ottolenghi – January 29
Yotam Ottolenghi has revolutionised the way we cook, creating a style of food that is both vibrant and bold. Learn more about the chef’s journey from Israel, where he was born, to his path from studying philosophy to becoming a famed pastry chef. In conversation with Adam Liaw. sydneyoperahouse.com
Sydney Festival – January 9–27
The City of Sydney is transformed for this annual event, which draws crowds of thousands each day to appreciate the richly varied program of music, dance and film, art and big ideas. Highlights of the kaleidoscopic program includes songsters Lucibela and Jonathan Bree; Brett & Wendy, ‘A love story bound by Art’; and Splash Test Dummies for the kids. All up, there will be about 300 free and ticketed events. sydneyfestival.org.au
John Butler Trio & Missy Higgins on the Forecourt – February 14 and 15
Two of Australia’s most well-known musicians will find their groove on the steps of the Sydney Opera House for this delightful double bill. What better way to celebrate summer than by bopping around on the forecourt of Australia’s most iconic building. sydneyoperahouse.com
