Hourglass Ensemble: Valentine (@Opera House)

The piano part of Michael Ierace was awesome and extreme

Held on 7/02/26 Valentine was varied – delightful and playful but sombre and brooding in parts. Some musicians were more actively involved than others with say cellist and pianist playing every piece while other parts played here and there.

The warmth and vitality of the musicians while playing the pieces was also evident afterward as audience got to speak with performers.

My boyfriend Gerard and I with clarinetist Andrew Kennedy
Me with cellist Eleanor Streatfeild

The music selection was clever in depicting valentines for both those who are alone and those with company.

I sat next to a composer and another composer of one of the pieces was present in audience too – Sally Greenaway. I felt part of the music scene by the end of the program and truly ensconced in the theatre and range of emotions that Valentine’s Day stirs in people.

A number of performers at Valentine

T’was a night to remember. But happily there is always the next event to arrive in one’s calendar.

‘Hamnet’

Very moving emotionally. I was crying a lot from this Dialogue, especially the lines of Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) and how as a twin he plays and cares for his sister Judith (Olivia Lynes). This one drew from history, the story of what inspired the Shakespearean play Hamlet to be written by William (Paul Mescal). I liked the emphasis on childbirth at the start of this, and the responsibilities, trials and tribulations of parenting throughout. The impact of Shakespeare’s play output to his wife Agnes’ (Jessie Buckley) attitude to his lifestyle is quite a point of focus, so significant – so entranced was Agnes with Hamnet. I was a different person after watching this one as it was a bewitching journey of sorts.

Sing Sung Blue

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson exhibiting acting excellence. Sing Song Blue shone with reality of up and down luck. It depicted the performing lives of Michael & Claire Sardina (aka Lightening and Thunder) with so much commitment to their Neil Diamond tribute coupling. They and their family were sometimes dealt a tough set of cards to play. I really enjoyed the performances of their two children Dana (Hudson Hensley) and Rachel (Ella Anderson) with Rachel’s friend Angelina (King Princess) – though the latter two experience the effects of marijuana on set. The protagonist couple showed resilience and verve in showing to the world that against all odds they could savour being a rock musician and enjoy the family and friend rapport that took them to the top of their game.

Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson
Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson

The Choral

Beautifully crafted movie of many layers set in a Yorkshire town in England during World War 1 times. The Choral is about a choirmaster fresh from Germany who works a choir to produce the Elgar piece ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ by adapting it somewhat. I found the choirmaster Dr Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) really innovative in choosing Elgar’s piece due to the different religion of the choir to the composer. This made a good anti-war impression on me as to the unforgiving call of duty when it comes to being called up for service (to the military). Different parts shone out to me including Jacob Dudman as Clyde – had a fantastic voice as did Amara Okereke who was fascinating as Mary as she dated Taylor Uttley as Ellis. A democratic movie for by participation in the choir they pushed for the value of human life by the practice of creativity.

Ralph Fiennes getting unsavoury reception
Jacob Dudman and Ralph Fiennes
Amara Obereke & Taylor Uttley

New Years’ Eve 2025/ 2026

With the heralding in of the New Year may we contemplate those who have lost their lives in 2025 (especially those victims of the Bondi Terror attack) and those who have been injured or who have become sick this year. Our thoughts are with them. We pray for world peace.

The Shiralee (8/10/25-29/11/25)

Based on the 1955 novel by Darcy Niland (author Ruth Park’s husband) and made into a movie and miniseries also. It explored relationships that were strained where adults rarely communicated feelings, where rights were fought and where relationships were temporary, the father’s (Stephen Anderson‘s) life being on the road as a swagman running away from crimes committed. I found the person I was following most in terms of emotional rollercoaster of everyday and extraordinary, was the daughter on the road too accompanying her dad – through necessity, was Buster (Ziggy Resnick). However there was a real affiliation with the dad, who had his moments of strife and hard living. There was a regal country feel about the play, my favourite thing was the windmill technique to swing the billy can of tea – which provided light comic relief. I got alot out of this Sydney Theatre Conpany production. Go the swag!

Floriade 2025 Canberra

I went with my boyfriend to Floriade recently on the way to visiting family. It was interesting to see what flowers were chosen as highlights and to appreciate the colours and smells of such great gardening. We even got to see Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia at a restaurant!

Floriade was a time to relax, go on some rides and dream.

National Capital Orchestra

This was an excellent concert today, attended in Canberra. There was a real contrast between pieces. There were three main pieces, one encore. The first was a world premiere, the second a double bass extremely agile number and the third a popular Dvorak symphony ‘From the New World’. A full orchestra, it was great to witness. 

‘New World’ ducklings

I loved how the conductor mentioned avant garde movement which I had explored briefly in music 101 at uni. The concert music selection was very innovative in the explorations of the concept of ‘New World’. It satisfied my musical appreciation for a while. Here is a review.