08 Mar, 2018

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s groundbreaking Virtual Reality Orchestra

​Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s exciting ENCORE in VR is providing an orchestral experience outside of a concert venue, direct to South Australians through 14 community centres across metropolitan Adelaide, Mid-North and the Southern Yorke Peninsula.

08 Mar, 2018

Goyder to take up the WASO baton

​One of Australia’s leading business figures, Richard Goyder AO, is to become Chairman of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, succeeding Janet Holmes à Court AC who has held the position for 20 years.

07 Mar, 2018

Therapeutic power of music gives relief to patients

Patients with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic illnesses are benefiting greatly from the St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital’s Music for Wellness program.

05 Mar, 2018

Annette Shun Wah & Heather Mitchell join STC board

Sydney Theatre Company Chairman Ian Narev has announced that the Executive Producer of Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP) Annette Shun Wah and actor Heather Mitchell have joined STC’s board.

01 Mar, 2018

​Dance is for everyone – let’s get moving

Australian's are joining in the Big Dance on International Dance Day (29 April 2018), the largest dance celebration in the world.

01 Mar, 2018

Nicholas Heyward to step down as TSO Managing Director after 17 years

Nicholas Heyward, long serving Managing Director of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, announces that he will step down at the end of 2018, the conclusion of his current contract.

28 Feb, 2018

Green Room Award nominations

The 2018 Green Room Awards, will be held at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on Monday 9 April.

28 Feb, 2018

Sydney Dance Company head to Europe in April

​In April, Sydney Dance Company will undertake a European Spring Tour of the exhilarating triple bill of Rafael Bonachela’s Lux Tenebris, Cheng Tsung-lung’s Full Moon and Gabrielle Nankivell’s Wildebeest, with with Sydney Dance Company’s first ever performances at Théâtre National de la Danse Chaillot, Paris.

28 Feb, 2018

Opera Australia celebrates 20 years of schools touring with 2018 launch

Opera Australia’s 2018 NSW Schools Tour was launched at South Coogee Public School, marking a 20 year milestone of this vital outreach program that has showcased opera to more than 1.4 million children since its inception.

28 Feb, 2018

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to tour China this May

​The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will tour to China this May, performing in six cities in ten days under the helm of Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

26 Feb, 2018

Vocation training support for Dance returns

The Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) and the Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) are, from 18 Jan eligible for VET student loans, both with a $10,000 cap.

23 Feb, 2018

​Change in Chair for Black Swan

Black Swan State Theatre Company announces that its chairman of five years Mark Barnaba AM, will stand down April 2. Nicola Forrest will be his successor.

16 Feb, 2018

CAAP Directors Initiative with 3 state theatre companies

​Queensland Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company have announced the CAAP Directors Initiative, aimed at unearthing, nurturing and developing Asian Australian directors for the stage.

15 Feb, 2018

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14 Feb, 2018

Australian Chamber Orchestra Acquire Rare 300-year old Stradivarius Violin

The Australia Chamber Orchestra has announced that ACO Chairman Guido Belgiorno-Nettis AM and Michelle Belgiorno-Nettis have purchased the 1726 Stradivarius violin, regarded as one of the most remarkable violins in existence, for long-term loan to the Orchestra.

12 Feb, 2018

​New funding first step in bold future for Opera Queensland

In the first major announcement for Opera Queensland’s new executive management team, the Queensland Government has committed $2.16 million in additional funding over four years to help the company grow, invest in new initiatives and return to three mainstage Brisbane seasons from 2019.

08 Feb, 2018

WASO Composition Project

The 2018 Composition Project is underway at WASO as they welcome their composers who will work alongside Artistic Director James Ledger to each create a brand new work for a 14-piece chamber orchestra made up of WASO Principal and Associate Principal musicians. The composers works will be premiered in WASO’s Education Week+ in June 2018.

08 Feb, 2018

Draft bills carry serious implications for the arts

AMPAG is concerned about the negative effects that the draft Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill and the draft Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill will have on the arts, should they go ahead as they stand.

07 Feb, 2018

2017 Matilda + 2018 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards announced

The Matilda Awards honouring and celebrating the achievements of the Queensland theatre industry have been announced at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

07 Feb, 2018

Artists and philanthropists recognised in Australia Day Honours

Former Principal Dancer with the Australian Ballet, Lucette Aldous was bestowed the country’s highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day awards.

07 Feb, 2018

​The Sydney Symphony Orchestra announces new crop of young musicians for 2018 Fellowship

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has today announced the latest crop of young classical musicians to join its internationally-renowned 2018 Fellowship program.

06 Feb, 2018

State Opera SA's New Executive Team

State Opera SA Chair, John Irving, has announced the appointment of two new executives to lead the company into the future: Executive Director Ms Yarmila Alfonzetti and Artistic Director Stuart Maunder AM.

02 Feb, 2018

Opera Australia to debut Chinese surtitles at the iconic Sydney Opera House

Australia’s national opera company, Opera Australia, has announced the introduction of Simplified Chinese surtitles for select productions in the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House through the 2018 season.

01 Feb, 2018

The SSO and Taikoz present the world-premiere of a new Australian work

​The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Taikoz will give a new work by young Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth its first ever airing this month when they join forces for three concerts at the Sydney Opera House.

01 Feb, 2018

Leadership changes ahead for Musica Viva

​Musica Viva Chairman Charles Graham announced that Mary Jo Capps, after nearly 20 years as the company’s CEO, would be stepping down at the end of 2018.

31 Jan, 2018

​TSO announce new partnership with aged care provider Uniting AgeWell

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra announces a new corporate partnership with leading aged care provider Uniting AgeWell.

30 Jan, 2018

Finalists announced for 2018-19 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award

Three Queensland playwrights are vying for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2018-19, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the finalists on 30 January

25 Jan, 2018

Lillian Banks and Brad Smith announced as 2018 Russell Page Graduate Program recipients

Bangarra Dance Theatre has announced two young dancers joining the company for 2018 under the Russell Page Graduate Program, thanks to the generosity of a group of donors and a matched funding grant from the Sherry-Hogan Foundation.

25 Jan, 2018

Queensland Ballet celebrates QLD Women’s Week 2018.

On Tuesday 6 March, QB will host a two-hour early morning event, celebrating the incredible contribution women and girls make to the ecology of ballet.

25 Jan, 2018

AMPAG submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters

AMPAG is strongly opposed to any attempt by government to impact arts-based expression negatively within this ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (ELECTORAL FUNDING AND DISCLOSURE REFORM) BILL.

24 Jan, 2018

Sydney Theatre Awards announced

2017 Sydney Theatre Awards announced 37 Awards shared between 18 productions including -Belvoir's Hir and STC's Muriel’s Wedding .

24 Jan, 2018

Summer, starlight and FREE music!

What better way to savour summer than with spine-tingling music under the stars? And what’s more, it’s free!

18 Jan, 2018

MTC 2018 Women in Theatre Program participants announced

​Melbourne Theatre Company is delighted to announce the 12 new participants in its 2018 Women in Theatre Program.

10 Jan, 2018

Chinese New Year 2018

Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide Symphonies celebrate 2018 Chinese New Year with vivid works old and new.

10 Jan, 2018

SSO + 35 NSW primary teachers from Woolgoolga to Jerrabomberra

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) continues supporting the next generation of musicians with its award-winning TunED-Up!™ program in 2018.

21 Dec, 2017

Wishing you joyous celebrations and a wonderful New Year

Thank you for sharing laughter and tears, applause, inspiration and support.AMPAG office will reopen on the 8th January 2018

20 Dec, 2017

Sydney Theatre Awards nominations announced

​Nominations were announced for the Sydney Theatre Awards for 2017, which will be presented at a gala ceremony.

19 Dec, 2017

Digital Economic Strategy-AMPAG Submission

AMPAG argues the Digital Economic Strategy should move from a STEM to STEAM approach.

19 Dec, 2017

Skilled Migration- Job Code Eligibility Review

AMPAG provides evidence to support its argument that job codes for dancers, Artistic Directors, Arts Administrators and Music Directors should be moved from the short to the to the medium-to-long term skilled migrant list.

19 Dec, 2017

Gonski 2-Education Excellence Review

AMPAG submits evidence in support of Introducing a STEAM-oriented ecurriculum backed up by rigorous professional development for arts teachers and a supportive organisational framework.

18 Dec, 2017

Mary Jo Capps receives Honorary Doctorate

​On Friday 15 December 2017, the University of Melbourne bestowed its highest honour on Musica Viva CEO Mary Jo Capps, admitting her to the degree of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts honoris causa in recognition of her extensive contribution to music and the University.

14 Dec, 2017

Adelaide Critics Circle Awards announced

​A big congratulations to actors Miranda Daughtry and Matt Crook, who have both been named winners at the Adelaide Critics Circle Awards.

14 Dec, 2017

STATEMENT: Harassment and bullying

Harassment of any kind in the workplace is totally unacceptable—and AMPAG is deeply concerned about the incidents and allegations that have recently come to light in the media, entertainment and arts industries.

14 Dec, 2017

December Sneak Peeks 2017

This December will shimmer and spangle with energy and festive cheer as our performing arts companies push the boat out in a magnificent celebration of creativity and all things Christmas.

14 Dec, 2017

November Sneak Peeks 2017

Prepare to be dazzled! November’s program is bursting with surprises and delights ranging from electrifying new works to sublime classics of mesmerising beauty.

13 Dec, 2017

​TSO Announces 2018 -2019 TSO Australian Composers’ School Participants

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra announced the four composers, selected from 55 applicants, who will take part in the 2018-19 TSO Australian Composers’ School. The successful applicants are Holly Harrison (Sydney), Mark Holdsworth (Perth), Ella Macens (Sydney) and Harry Sdraulig (Sydney).

11 Dec, 2017

​Full STEAM ahead in the digital economy

AMPAG has called on the Federal Government to incorporate the arts and creative industries in its drive to push forward with the digital economy.

07 Dec, 2017

Image credits

Sydney Theatre Company: Maggie McKenna in rehearsal for Muriel’s Wedding the Musical. Image credit: Christine Messenesi, The Australian Ballet: Robyn Hendricks and Musette Molyneaux. Image credit: Kate Longley, Melbourne Theatre Company: Gillian Cosgriff in rehearsal for Vivid White. Image credit: Deryk McAlpin, Bangarra: Photo credit: Brendan Blacklock, Australian Chamber Orchestra: Image credit Australian Chamber Orchestra, Circus Oz: Spenser Inwood, Sharon Gruenert, Sam Oldham. Photo credit: Rob Blackburn, Opera Australia: Michael Honeyman as King Roger and Lorina Gore as Roxana in Opera Australia’s 2017 production of King Roger. Photo credit: Jeff Busby, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra: Image credit: Alastair Bett.

07 Dec, 2017

Credit Suisse & SSO launch new 3 year music education program

The program will provide access to world-class music education for primary school students from low socio-economic areas over three-years.

06 Dec, 2017

Premier’s Literary Awards Short List announced

​The 2018 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards has placed 21 writers, poets and playwrights in the running for Australia’s richest single literary prize – The Victorian Prize for Literature .

06 Dec, 2017

Telstra Ballet Dancer Award announced

​Valerie Tereshchenko has been named the 2017 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner, one of The Australian Ballet’s most prestigious prizes.

30 Nov, 2017

Koori Youth Circus

CircusOz is proud to partner with Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sports and Recreation Cooperative (MAYSAR) to offer Koori Youth Circus – a community circus program for Koori youth in Melbourne.

29 Nov, 2017

State Government invests 10 million in Queensland Ballet Academy

Education Minister Kate Jones and Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace announced this month that the partnership of Queensland Ballet and Kelvin Grove State College will provide world class training and education to more aspiring professional ballet dancers of the future under a $10 million expansion plan.

29 Nov, 2017

Winner announced for the Philip Parsons Fellowship

​Belvoir is thrilled to announce that Emme Hoy has received the NSW Philip Parsons Fellowship for Emerging Playwrights in 2017.

29 Nov, 2017

Competitors announced for 2018 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

Musica Viva Australia is thrilled to introduce the selected live competitors of the eighth Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition (MICMC).

29 Nov, 2017

WASO Hospital Orchestra Project celebrates Christmas

The next HOP event is an annual Christmas celebration on Wednesday 6 December. It will include ward visits, where WASO musicians visit individual children and play music for them, and a one-hour concert in the Telethon Theatre at 11.00am.

23 Nov, 2017

Li Cunxin to return to the stage for The Nutcracker 2017

QSO Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, will return to the stage this Christmas, for one very special performance of The Nutcracker. Li will take to the stage in the role of Drosselmeyer 18 years after retiring from the stage and will be joined by other special guests, including his wife Mary Li.

23 Nov, 2017

Don't stop the music

​Filming is underway in Perth on Don’t Stop the Music, a new three-part landmark documentary series for ABC TV, highlighting the transformative effects of teaching music in primary schools. The series has joint funding from Screen Australia and Screenwest and is backed by Musica Viva and the Salvation Army.

23 Nov, 2017

GC2018 Opening Ceremony

For the GC2018 Opening Ceremony, Bangarra will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and Elders from across the Yugambeh Nation through their Rekindling program, culminating in a work which will see them perform together with Bangarra’s professional dance company.

22 Nov, 2017

Belvoir Reopens Downstairs Theatre to Independent Artists

In 2018 Belvoir will launch a new independent theatre program which will see the beloved Downstairs Theatre given to teams of artists for free.

16 Nov, 2017

Musicians from Shanghai Orchestra Academy begin performance residency with the SSO

​Three students from the Shanghai Orchestra Academy (SOA) will arrive in Sydney on Sunday to participate in a performance residency with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra(SSO), as the SSO continues its commitment to helping develop the next generation of Chineseorchestral musicians.

16 Nov, 2017

​More performing artists employed than ever before but income varies

In an Australia Council report published on 12 November 2017, authors David Throsby and Katya Petetskaya at Macquarie University found that employment in the performing arts was at an all-time high in 2016.

15 Nov, 2017

​Bangarra and WAO promise power and passion for 2018

It would be hard to over-emphasise the importance of Dark Emu, Bangarra’s major new dance work and centrepiece for their 2018 season. The work, which explores the life force of the natural world, is inspired by Bruce Pascoe’s award-winning book of the same name, and will be directed by Stephen Page.

10 Nov, 2017

Nominations Open for 2018 Australian Dance Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2018 Australian Dance Awards which recognises and honours professional Australian dance artists who have made an outstanding contribution to Australian dance.

10 Nov, 2017

ACO 3 year residency at London’s Milton Court Concert Hall in partnership with the Barbican Centre

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) has today announced it will commence a three-year residency as International Associate Ensemble at Milton Court in partnership with the Barbican Centre from the 2018/19 season.

09 Nov, 2017

Ruby awards nominations 2017

Three State Theatre Company South Australia productions have been nominated for Ruby Awards this year: The Secret River with Adelaide Festival, Rumplesiltskin with Windmill Theatre Co, and Sista Girl, co written by their very own Resident Artist Elena Carapetis and Alexis West.

08 Nov, 2017

In Conversation with Patrick Nolan

Patrick Nolan, who arrived at Opera Q at the beginning of the month to take up his role as Artistic Director, talks about the exciting creative challenges and his vision.

07 Nov, 2017

Nominees' films reveal their individual challenges

Six talented dancers of The Australian Ballet have been announced as nominees for the prestigious Telstra Ballet Dancer Award.

03 Nov, 2017

TSO - Convict Monologues from Risdon Prison

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with staff, volunteers and inmates from Risdon Prison on a unique creative writing and performance project, Convict Monologues.

26 Oct, 2017

​Wendy McCarthy steps down as Circus Oz Chair

Wendy McCarthy retired at the end of October after nine years as Chair, with fellow board member Nick Yates taking on the role for the next 2 years.

26 Oct, 2017

Western Australia's arts 'champions' honoured

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman announced the Recipients of the inaugural State Arts and Culture Partnership Honours.

26 Oct, 2017

The ACO and ABC Classics release first Australian-produced classical vinyl for two decades

‘We have chosen an outrageous combination of works that you would never consider pairing unless it were on an LP,’ says Richard Tognetti.

25 Oct, 2017

Bold youth arts initiative - Playwave

A new initiative connecting young people to the best of Sydney’s Arts and Culture has been created by Shopfront Arts Co-op, in partnership with the City of Sydney and Sydney’s premier cultural institutions.

25 Oct, 2017

ACO returns to Europe

​After receiving rave reviews for their European performances in 2016, the Australian Chamber Orchestra will return to Europe in November for a substantial tour of the continent.

25 Oct, 2017

Thousands of primary school students across Australia to join the SSO in live concert webcast

​Over 650,000 school students across Australia will come together In November to sing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO).

20 Oct, 2017

SSO and Starlight brighten the lives of sick children

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has announced its collaboration with the Starlight Children’s Foundation (Starlight) to brighten the lives of seriously ill children, young people and their families through music.

19 Oct, 2017

​National business and arts leader Chris Freeman AM appointed Chair at QSO

Commanding business and arts leader Chris Freeman AM has been appointed Chair of Queensland Symphony Orchestra from January 2018, in a move that sees the company continue to attract and work with the very best.

18 Oct, 2017

October Sneak Peeks 2017

October sees the return of an epic international masterpiece when Sydney Dance Company marks the 100th performance of Rafael Bonachela’s tour de force, 2 One Another. The Company will take the production, as part of a double bill with CounterMove, to perform at the prestigious Shanghai International Arts Festival later this month.

18 Oct, 2017

September Sneak Peeks 2017

​Spring is here and about to bloom with a host of exciting new productions. Theatre is strong this month. Belvoir presents Ghosts, the classic masterpiece about a woman’s way of dealing with male sexual aggression. Queensland Theatre’s An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins tackles race in a theatrical experience like no other.

18 Oct, 2017

August Sneak Peeks 2017

​Opera has a strong presence this month. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs Massenet’s Thaïs, and in a rare double bill, State Opera South Australia teams Puccini’s comedic Gianni Schicchi with Manuel de Falla’s impassioned La Vida Breve. Opera Queensland will astonish audiences with Mozart Airborne, and tickets have already sold out to the second TSO and Opera Victoria collaboration for 2017—Carmen.

18 Oct, 2017

​OperaQ brings opera to school students in Cunnamulla

There hasn’t been a locally-based music teacher in the Cunnamulla region for a number of years, but in October music was the focus for many students. Workshops with school students from Cunnamulla, Eulo and Charleville took place in Cunnamulla from 17 to 20 October 2017.

18 Oct, 2017

Women in Theatre Forum at Queensland Theatre

The lack of creative involvement of women in the theatre industry is a topic which continues to claim national attention. The panel, hosted by ABC Radio National’s Books & Arts presenter Sarah Kanowski, had an open discussion around this issue.

17 Oct, 2017

Opera Review-Government Responds

The Federal Government released its full response to the National Opera Review on 22nd September.

12 Oct, 2017

The Australian Ballet Regional Tour brings the landmark production Giselle to New South Wales

​The Australian Ballet's regional tour of quintessential classical ballet Giselle is heading into NSW.

12 Oct, 2017

The role of the arts in regional development

The Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation’s inquiry will explore ways to increase the growth and prosperity of regional and rural Australia. AMPAG and RAA outline the role of the arts.

12 Oct, 2017

2018 season set to sparkle

The 2018 season is bursting with promise as more AMPAG members unveil their programs for next year. Here is just a tiny taste of what’s in store.

12 Oct, 2017

Recognising arts educators

To mark World Teachers’ Day on Thursday 5 October, Queensland Ballet and World Alliance for Arts Education released a joint statement recognising arts educators.

11 Oct, 2017

SSO and Ali's Wedding collaboration wins Best Original Soundtrack

​The first ARIA Awards for 2017 in the categories of Fine Arts, Artisan and Best Comedy Awards were announced on 10 October.

11 Oct, 2017

Deep cultural links forged by WA Ballet and NT Dance

The world premiere of a unique collaboration between West Australian Ballet and Gary Lang’s NT Dance Company will take place on 9 February 2018 at The Quarry in Perth.

11 Oct, 2017

How Can The Show Go On?

How Can the Show Go On? Performing Arts Wellbeing Summit is a one day summit to be held at Sydney Opera House on the 13th November 2017. This event is produced by Theatre Network NSW with support from the NSW Performing Arts Wellbeing Working Group, Create NSW and Sydney Opera House.

11 Oct, 2017

Eskimo Joe, WASO & TSO

​Iconic indie rock band Eskimo Joe heads to Perth next year for two performances with full backing by West Australian Symphony Orchestra in February and then hits Hobart to perform with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in May as part of their 21st birthday celebrations.

11 Oct, 2017

Connect puts access and wellbeing centre stage

CONNECT Open Rehearsals are a new initiative by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, which provide registered community groups the opportunity to observe an orchestra and conductor putting the final touches on a concert performance.

11 Oct, 2017

MTC celebrates new partnership with VCA

Melbourne Theatre Company is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Victorian College of the Arts for MTC’s upcoming production of Vivid White by Eddie Perfect.

26 Sep, 2017

World Ballet Day 2017

World Ballet Day returns on Thursday 5 October 2017 with 22 hours of live, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from five of the world’s leading ballet companies.

20 Sep, 2017

Performing arts companies unveil a scintillating 2018 season

Just as all the seasonal markers of spring begin to emerge, a swathe of Australian performing arts companies launch their 2018 programs, carrying the promise of hundreds of captivating stories with a cast of remarkable characters, each offering an intriguing perspective on the world.

15 Sep, 2017

Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation - Submission

AMPAG submits that a consideration of ‘best practice approaches’ to regional development must take into account the invaluable contribution the arts can make, both socially and economically.

12 Sep, 2017

​OperaQ’s Barber of Seville Serenades Seattle

OperaQ’s most recent take on The Barber of Seville will debut in Seattle next month before heading over to New Zealand.

11 Sep, 2017

MVA Education Program In Hong Kong

Musica Viva Australia despatches its well-crafted music education program to Hong Kong schools in October.

08 Sep, 2017

MTC productions win new international audiences

Melbourne Theatre Company's impact grows, finding new audiences across the globe.