Visiting Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne
If you are flying into Melbourne, make sure you go to visitvictoria.com to find out everything you need to know about the city and its attractions, Victoria's must-see destinations, accommodation options and travel ideas for every budget.
For business visitors stay up to date with meetings and events at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or plan your next conference with the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.
Here are some of the many cultural and sporting events coming up in the city and around Victoria:
Enchanted dome: the Library and imagination
The State Library's domed La Trobe Reading Room is a Melbourne icon, a space that has inspired writers and artists since it opened on 14 November 1913.
This exhibition celebrates the dome's forthcoming 100th anniversary, featuring representations of the dome in art and literature from the 1950s to today. They include prints by Marco Luccio, paintings by Louise Forthun, cartoons by Oslo Davis and Barry Dickins, and photographs by John Gollings and Mark Strizic. Writers represented include Ray Lawler, Shane Maloney and Arnold Zable.
Historian Stuart Macintyre described the dome as a 'magical hidden place'. This idea resonates through this display, from Cernak's whimsical ink drawings to Rick Amor's brooding canvas of the dome at night.
This is a free event, open during Library hours.
Reflections of Harmony
Photographic exhibition by James Henry
This event is part of Multicultural Arts Victoria and Warrior Spirit Art Collective Black Harmony 10 Year Celebration.
Opening of Exhibition: Thursday 21 March 6-8pm (to be opened by Robbie Thorpe) on the official Harmony Day and UN day for the elimination of racial discrimination.
James moved from his hometown Sydney to take the plunge into professional photography only a few years ago. A member of a talented Koorie family, James has been documenting the Black Harmony Gathering over the past three years. This exhibition presents a selection of his stunning images which capture with great immediacy and presence, moments of spontaneity, intimacy and joy.
A caterpillar, a gryphon and the Jabberwock: Lewis Carroll’s Alice books
Lewis Carroll's Alice books play with language and meaning in ways that have entranced both child and adult readers since the books were published in the late 19th century.
This free display showcases a selection of illustrated versions of both Alice's adventures in Wonderland and Through the looking glass. Items on display include some featuring Carroll's own drawings, engravings by the renowned illustrator John Tenniel, and paper engineering extravaganzas in contemporary pop-up books.
A creative decade: 10 years of Creative Fellows
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Library's annual Creative Fellowships program. Reflecting its place as a hub for intellectual and cultural inquiry, the Library awards fellowships to those working in creative and scholarly spheres.
Over the past decade, fellowships have been awarded to artists, writers, composers and others engaged in cultural endeavours. All have created new ways of understanding and interpreting the Library's unique collections.
This display in the dome dais (pulpit cases) of the La Trobe Reading Room presents a snapshot of publications by some of the recipients.
Hollywood Costume
Direct from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Hollywood Costume explores the central role costume design plays in cinema storytelling. Bringing together the most iconic costumes from a century of filmmaking, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the clothes worn by unforgettable and beloved characters in films from The Wizard of Oz (1939) to Titanic (1997), Ben-Hur (1959) to Casino Royale (2006).
This groundbreaking exhibition unites classics from the Golden Age of cinema, including Scarlett O'Hara's green 'curtain' dress designed by Walter Plunkett for Gone with the Wind (1939) and the 'little black dress' designed by Hubert De Givenchy for Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) with costumes from the latest Hollywood releases including Consolata Boyle's outfits for Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady (2011) and Lindy Hemming's high-tech Batman suit for Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Hollywood Costume illuminates the costume designer's creative process from script to screen and reveals the collaborative dialogue that leads to the development of authentic screen characters.
Hollywood Costume is curated by eminent Hollywood costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis with Sir Christopher Frayling and Keith Lodwick.
Legally Blonde The Musical
Australia's BIGGEST new hit musical comes to Melbourne!
A smash hit in New York and London, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is the funniest and most fabulous musical around!
Playing at Melbourne's Princess Theatre from 9 May, with a first rate all Australian cast starring Lucy Durack, Rob Mills, David Harris, Helen Dallimore, Erika Heynatz and Cameron Daddo, this show is "outrageously good"!
WINNER BEST MUSICAL 2011 Olivier Awards. The best show in town, case closed.
Tickets via ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 111 011
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is an exploration into the archetypes of the human psyche. As humans, we create the archetypes that exist amongst us as individuals, and as a part of a couple, a family, a tribe or a nation.
Here HA-HA investigates these archetypes by means of stencil: fusing portraits of people together to find a link or connection between couples, or by fusing man with machine and beast.
The viewer is presented and faced with questions about the archetypes within Relationships, Transhumanism & the Beast Man.
HA-HA
HA-HA (Regan Tamanui) is one of Australia's most notorious and prolific stencil artists. He called the Blender Studios home for many years before extending his art practice with an extended, overseas trip.
Now he is back, and is having his first solo show since returning to Melbourne at Blender Studios' gallery Dark Horse Experiment.
Please join us for the opening of this exciting show.
• Location: Dark Horse Experiment, 110 Franklin Street Melbourne
• Exhibition Dates: Saturday May 11th to Saturday June 1st, 2013.
• Opening Date: Friday 10th May, 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
• Opening Hours: Wed to Sat 12-6pm
Monet’s Garden: The Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
On May 10 the National Gallery of Victoria will open this year's highly anticipated Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Monet's Garden: The Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris.
Exclusive to Melbourne, this stunning exhibition will feature more than sixty works devoted to Claude Monet's iconic garden at Giverny.
Monet's Garden traces the evolution of these garden motifs over a period of twenty years, revealing the transition of Monet's purely Impressionist style to the more personal pictorial idiom that he adopted in later life.
The exhibition will include more than fifty masterpieces from the Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris, as well as other paintings from leading international museums and private collections around the world. Early photographs of the artist and his garden will also be on display.
The exhibition will also present a series of rarely seen late works by Monet; some of the last easel paintings created in the garden in Giverny as the artist began to lose his sight. These works represent a radical departure from Monet's earlier style and will provide visitors to the exhibition with the unique opportunity to explore a lesser known period in the artist's life.
Monet's Garden: The Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris will be on at the National Gallery of Victoria from 10 May until 8 September 2013. Admission fees apply. Tickets now on sale.
Photography
Ken Duncan, has recently opened a beautiful new Gallery right in the hearts of Melbourne's CBD. The gallery is at 500 Collins Street - right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
"Melbournians are well known for their love of art", said Ken, "and we have many staunch fans here. I am thrilled to have been offered such a prestigious Melbourne address and I believe our clients are going to love this new city location."
Ken Duncan's vibrant photography is further enhanced by magnificent Italian, hand-made. frames by Bellini fine mouldings. If you are in Melbourne, don't miss the chance to visit the Ken Duncan Gallery at 500 Collins Street.
MTC presents 'One Man, Two Guvnors'
The original West End production of the most successful comedy ever staged by Britain's illustrious National Theatre tours to Melbourne, directed by Nicholas Hytner.
In 2013 MTC presents Richard Bean's multi-award-winning play, a glorious celebration of the best of British comedy - a unique laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and sparkling one-liners.
For bookings visit the website or call 03 8688 0800.
Good Beer Week
Good Beer Week celebrates the fact that never before has there been so much good beer on offer. Homegrown microbreweries are popping up every month while amazing new brews from the world's best brewers are landing in bars and bottleshops every week.
It's nothing less than a global beer revolution, and there's never been a better time or place in Australia to discover what it's all about than Good Beer Week. Created by a small group of passionate beer lovers, the festival brings the best of the beer world together at a kaloedoscopic range of events at breweries, bars, bottleshops, restaurants and more across Melbourne and Victoria.
The festival returns this May with 100 events over nine days for everyone from home brewers and beer geeks to complete beer novices. Immense showcases to intimate tastings, beer launches to beer brekkies, international brewing stars to local heroes - all designed with the aim of spreading the enjoyment and appreciation of good beer - while having a good time.
flowerchildren: the story of the Mamas and the Papas
Magnormos theatre company is thrilled to present the return of 'flowerchildren', the exciting musical about the turbulent private lives of The Mamas and Papas between their spectacular rise to fame in 1966 and their tragic demise only four years later.
The critically acclaimed Green Room Award Winning musical stars Matt Hetherington (The Voice, Next To Normal), Laura Fitzpatrick ([title of show]), Dan Hamphris (Anyone Can Whistle) and Casey Donovan(Australian Idol, The Sapphires).
Penned by AFI winning writer, Peter Fitzpatrick, the musical explores the distrust, dangerous passions, and unhealthy co-dependencies behind this group who sold 100 million records worldwide, were the first group to knock The Beatles from the number one spot on the Billboard charts and left a legacy of timeless hits such as Monday Monday, Dedicated to the One I Love, Creeque Alley, Words of Love, and the iconic California Dreamin'.
If you weren't there at the time, this is your chance to take a wild and wonderful ride with the group whose music defined a generation. A new musical by Peter Fitzpatrick. Featuring the songs of The Mamas and The Papas. Musical adaptation and arrangements by Simon Stone.
Melbourne Central One Day Shopping Festival
Melbourne Central is gearing up to launch the first One Day Shopping Festival for the year, hitting the centre on Thursday 23rd May 2013 with the 'Winter One Day Shopping Festival'.
Melbourne Central will announce headline retail offers of up to 50% off from over 200 retailers along with an incredible line up of in-centre events sure to excite shoppers far
and wide for a retail experience like no other.
Festival goers can expect a jam packed shopping event with live music, food trucks, workshops, designer appearances and more!
Fed Square Book Market
Love books? Join Melbourne's bibliophiles at the Fed Square Book Market, one of the largest weekly book markets in Melbourne, in The Atrium at Fed Square.
Each week you can immerse yourself in over 5000 new and pre-loved titles, including literature, history, gardening, travel, art and kids stories.
The Book Market regularly features around fifteen of Melbourne's most experienced book dealers as well as authors and illustrators.
Car Club Showcase
See your favourite cars up close and meet the proud owners at the Fed Square Car Club Showcase - a free monthly motor show in the heart of Melbourne.
On the last Sunday of every month car aficionados transform the Flinders Street frontage of Federation Square into the most glamorous car park in town. Classic cars one month, vintage the next and modern sports cars another. All lovingly restored and cared for.
Tai Chi at Fed Square
Start each week feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and energised with Tai Chi, the Chinese martial art that promotes health and relaxation.
Join expert instructors from Tai Chi Australia for a free class every Tuesday morning in the heart of Melbourne city - Fed Square.
Exercise your mind, body and soul in this inspiring location.
King Kong
Opening June 2013, the World Premiere of King Kong will be a landmark theatrical event.
This iconic love story of an enormous creature and his battle for survival in New York City is being produced by Global Creatures, the creators of spectaculars Walking With Dinosaurs and How To Train Your Dragon, and directed by American theatre and opera director Daniel Kramer, with a book by Craig Lucas.
The production, which will be staged at Melbourne's Regent Theatre (its only season in Australia before embarking on an international tour), will feature a cast of 40 actors, singers, dancers and puppeteers who will bring to life the two opposing worlds of the story - 1930s New York City and Skull Island, the home of Kong.
Featuring revamped 1930s Broadway classics and dazzling new songs from the world's best contemporary artists, as well as opulent costumes, awe-inspiring sets and a creature who will fill the stage, KING KONG will be an unforgettable experience.
The award-winning creative team, drawn from around the world, includes Marius de Vries (Original Music Compositions and Arrangements), Michael Mitnick (Original and Adapted Lyrics), Peter England (Production Design), John O'Connell, (Choreography), Roger Kirk (Costume Design), Peter Mumford (Lighting Design), Gavin Robins (Aerial/Circus Direction), Frieder Weiss (Projection Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound Design) and Peter Wilson (Puppetry Director).
Kong, the towering ape, is being designed by Sonny Tilders and created by Melbourne-based The Creature Technology Company, whose animatronics skill brought to life the groundbreaking dinosaurs and dragons in Global Creatures' two previous productions.
King Kong is authorised by the Merian C. Cooper estate.
Free secular and democratic: building the Public LIbrary 1853-1913
Discover the cultural centrepiece of 19th-century Melbourne and the grand vision that inspired it
This free exhibition traces the first 60 years of the Melbourne Public Library (now the State Library of Victoria), from its founding in 1853 to the opening of the magnificent dome in 1913. The Library and the cultural institutions that shared its site - the museum, gallery and art schools - were established by a group of colonial liberals including judge Sir Redmond Barry and architect Joseph Reed. They aimed to create a civic centre that was secular, democratic and enlightened.
The exhibition is curated by Harriet Edquist, Professor of Architecture at RMIT, as part of the Library's Dome Centenary celebrations.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival brings Melbourne to life this winter, entertaining jazz aficionados and newcomers alike with more than 300 musicians and 100 events creating unforgettable experiences.
The rich 2013 program brings jazz into the heart of Melbourne with late-night art parties, intimate club gigs, film screenings, masterclasses, daily free concerts, Evening Soundwalks and events for families and children.
The Roast Collection - Weekend lamb roast at the Hilton
Warm up with the Melbourne Food and Wine's Roast Collection - the winter answer to the Spring Graze - starting with a shared weekend lamb roast at the Hilton.
Share a roasted lamb leg with friends or a loved one at the stylish Nuevo37 restaurant. The lamb leg is matched with your choice of Pinot Noir, Lucinda Estate Gippsland or Shiraz, Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote.
Cooked in the restaurant's wood oven, the lamb leg is also complimented with a Yarra Valley goat's cheese and sherry dressing salad and roasted vegetables. From potatoes roasted in duck fat and rosemary to purple carrots with Red Stringybark honey, this will be a dining experience not to miss.
Available Friday to Sunday only.
Reinvent Your Career Expo
Melbourne's largest adult careers and employment event is on 1st and 2nd June 2013 at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre.
Are you bored in your current job? Need new challenges? Returning to the workforce, looking to upgrade, re-skill, or totally reinvent your career?
Make it happen at the Melbourne Reinvent Your Career Expo - Australia's only intentional adult careers and employment event.
This event is designed to help people find their passion whilst providing them with the knowledge to turn that passion into a reality.
The Melbourne Reinvent Your Career Expo boasts hundreds of real jobs, dynamic seminars, career counselling, career workshops, resume services, graduate employment, traineeships, apprenticeships, small business and franchising opportunities all under the one roof over two days.
Meet face to face with Australia's largest employers, educators and trainers who will all assemble to offer you practical career insights into skills shortage industries, educational options for career transition, the latest training available to upgrade your career and meet companies on the move with real opportunities.
Don't waste another year, visit the website for more details.
Remastered Myths - The Putbacks ft. Madup Chol
ReMastered Myths is a creative development program aimed at bringing together artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds to explore new sounds, instrumentation & rhythms. Collaborating artists work together over 5 development sessions to come up with new material or adapt existing works to incorporate these new & diverse musical styles. On June 2, Melbourne funksters The Putbacks will take a trip back in time to 1960's Sudan, to revive a very unique, Sudanese vintage soul with Madup Chol.
Produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria
Supported by City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria & Australia Council for the Arts
Fed Square Laughter Club
Join in a 30-minute laughter session at Federation Square at 11:00am on the 1st Sunday of each month.
Laughter Clubs come together for a session and people laugh for no reason without having to resort to jokes or humour. The sessions last about half an hour and are mostly held outdoors. They are run along the lines established by Dr Madan Kataria, who founded the global laughter movement 14 years ago with one club, and there are now over 5,000 clubs worldwide.
Everyone is welcome to experience first-hand the fun of a laughter session, and gain the benefits of laughter, which improves the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health of individuals, workplaces, and society.
Classics at Fed Square
Enjoy your favourite music all year round with Classics at Fed Square.
Held in the stunning surrounds of The Edge, these free monthly concerts offer something for everyone, from classical and swing to big band, jazz and even contemporary pop!
The program include plenty of old favourites from the Police Band to some of the best creative schools across Victoria. Bring a friend and make a day of it, with free exhibitions at ACMI and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and plenty of great cafes open for lunch or coffee.
Melbourne Eisteddfod
Melbourne Eisteddfod ... part of the Melbourne International Singers Festival, is a new opportunity for choirs to compete in Melbourne's first Eisteddfod on June 5th-7th 2013 with opportunities for Primary, Secondary and Community Choirs to compete in an exciting, supportive, friendly and educational environment at The Edge and Wesley Church.
"We can't wait to see you all here in Melbourne, the home of great music and the Arts in Australia, to share in Melbourne International Singers Festival and Melbourne's own Eisteddfod in 2013 and support the School of Hard Knocks Institute arts, cultural and welling programs for disadvantaged Australians" said Dr Jonathon Welch.
Email us to register your interest now and for more information and updates on the 2013 Festival and Eisteddfod program.
Good Food & Wine Show
The Good Food & Wine Show is back in 2013 and guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling!
A dream day out for food fanatics and wine connoisseurs alike - hundreds of the country's finest food producers, wineries and chefs come together for one sensational long weekend. With a line-up that will leave you hungry for more, one day may not be enough!
There's a magnificent menu of things to see, taste and do including 300 food and wine producers, 15 celebrity chefs including Donna Hay, Miguel Maestre, Michelle Bridges, Maggie Beer and Tobie Puttock plus 100s of show specials. How much fun can you handle?
Melbourne International Singers Festival
Australia's Most Exciting New Festival For Choirs And Singers Of All Styles And Ages!
Melbourne International Singers Festival offers the most exciting and diverse range of workshops, masterclasses and concerts with Internationally renowned artists and presenters for choirs and singers, from Gospel to Cabaret Music Theatre to Classical and A cappella music!
Experience the transformational power of music by participating as a singer and/or audience member in Australia's most prestigious and beautiful performing venues from The Deakin Edge at Federation Square, Melbourne Recital Centre to St Paul's Cathedral. Book a package and save!
Highlights include acclaimed ABC recording artists The Idea of North for A cappella workshops and concerts, along with two of the finest Gospel and Spiritual music experts from the USA, Drs William and Rosephanye Powell. Returning from a stellar 20 year career in the UK and USA, join Dr Kathleen McGuire for conducting workshops and Faure (Requiem) In A Day along with Cabaret and Music Theatre masterclasses and concerts.
Local artists include Deborah Cheetham, Indigenous Soprano & Composer, and Dr Jonathon Welch, Artistic Director & Vocal workshops.
Get into the Festival spirit by registering for the Primary, Secondary and Community Choir competition with the first Melbourne Eisteddfod adjudicated by George Torbay, with great prizes and opportunities to perform at The Deakin Edge, Federation Square and Wesley Church from June 5-7, 2013.
The world premiere screening of the Beyond Hard Knocks documentary launches the Melbourne International Singers Festival and proceeds from the screening and Festival will fund the School of Hard Knocks Institute's arts, cultural and wellbeing programs for the disadvantaged.
Ticket bookings and information on screening times of the documentary as well as the Festival program can be found at the website.
MTC presents 'Solomon and Marion'
'Solomon and Marion', a delicate and beautifully wrought South African drama, heralds another Australian debut of exceptional new international writing. Much loved television and stage favourite Gillian Jones, well-known for her roles in 'Love My Way', 'Packed to the Rafters', and 'The Slap', joins Pacharo Mzembe in this intimate two hander, directed by Pamela Rabe.
For bookings visit the website or call 03 8688 0800.
Little Big Shots
Get square eyes with films for kids, about kids, and some even by kids, to amaze and delight kids. Kids of all ages flock to Melbourne's International Kids Film Festival, Little Big Shots, to laugh, whoop, think and create.
Little Big Shots showcases the best in filmmaking for children and by children from Melbourne, Australia and around the world. Held over two school days and the Queen's Birthday long weekend, it is perfect for kids aged 2 to 15.
Little Big Shots is an inspiring, meaningful and fun-filled festival of the best in Australian and international children's shorts, animations, documentaries and, amazingly, child-produced films. Little Big Shots features a schools program (Tuesday-Friday) and long weekend screenings.
By offering six days of films by and about people whose creativity they would not normally be exposed to, the festival inspires discussion of world cultures, different languages, cultural diversity, emotional intelligence and human values.
Socceroos vs Jordan 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier
This June the Socceroos take on Jordan in a curial 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier right here in Melbourne.
The Socceroos have a mission of making a third consecutive FIFA World Cup so be there in your green and gold and come support the Socceroos on the Road to Brazil as they take on Jordan on Tuesday the 26th March at Docklands Stadium.
Book your tickets today at the website.
Arnold Schwarzenegger | Financial Education Summit
Arnold Schwarzenegger - a connotation for strength, perseverance, talent and success will be gracing the stage as the key note speaker at Jamie McIntyre's Financial Education Summit in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne on June 12, 13 and 14th respectively.
The last time Schwarzenegger visited Australia was in 1980 as he stepped out of retirement and won the record breaking 7th Mr Olympia title at the Sydney Opera House.
Looking forward to the visit, Schwarzenegger says: "I am really excited about visiting Australia in June. Australia is one of my favourite countries in the world and the people there are always so friendly and welcoming.
"Sydney will always be special for me as it's the city that I won the title of Mr Olympia for the final time!" he concluded.
The Financial Education Summit, hosted by CEO and founder of 21st Century Education, Jamie McIntyre has previously seen lead speakers such as Richard Branson, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's sister Randi Zuckerberg amongst other speakers such as Tim Ferris, Ruslan Kogan, Mark Bouris and Eddie McGuire.
2013 will see the superstar as the headline speaker at the event as he shares his experience as a politician, businessman, philanthropist and property investor.
The host of the event Mr Jamie McIntyre is excited and proud to have Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead speaker at his event.
Jamie Mcintyre says "I'm very proud to be bringing Arnold Schwarzenegger to Australia in 2013. He's one of the world's most successful men- a genuinely high achiever who has reached the top in four different spheres - bodybuilding, business, acting and politics. A remarkable man."
Financial Education Summit tickets start at $67
Bank Street Market
The Bank Street Market is set in the heritage grounds of the South Melbourne Commons. The Market runs on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am - 2pm.
Wander around inside the hall, the courtyard and garden stalls to see some of the best vintage, handmade, homemade, vintage, antique and flea stalls in Melbourne.
Have breakfast or lunch in the Commons Cafe and check out the children's workshop space upstairs.
Air Force Band free concert
The Air Force Band presents "Pines of Rome" in Iwaki Auditorium at the ABC Southbank Centre in Melbourne on Sunday, 16 June at 3.00 pm.
This will be the second of the band's 2013 series of free concerts, and will feature music composed and arranged for symphonic wind band.
Program:
Passacaglia and Fugue in C min - Bach
Tuscan Serenade - Grainger
Colonial Song - Grainger
Florentiner March - Fucik
Pines of Rome - Respighi
Conducted by Squadron Leader Mathew Shelley
Venue:
Iwaki Auditorium
ABC Southbank Centre
Southbank Boulevard
Melbourne, VIC
Free admission
Australia-China Business Week 2013
Since its launch in 2008, ACBW has grown to become the premier annual event serving to strengthen Sino- Australian business links across all industry sectors through fostering B2B connections.
Building on the success of ACBW in Melbourne and Sydney during 2012 with over 1000 delegates and visitors attending, ACBW 2013 expanded even further with the successfully launched Australia China BusinessWeek in China's commercial capital- Shanghai.
Entering its sixth year, ACBW 2013, continues to create a unique platform for Australian businesses especially SMEs who are seeking a path to success in China, as well as Chinese entrepreneurs wishing to engage directly with their counterparts in Australia.
ACBW 2013 helps companies to define effective entry and expansion strategies in China through a solid knowledge on government policies, business landscape and the latest economic outlook.
More importantly, it connects businesses with potential distributors, partners and investors through a succession of well-designed events: ACBW Breakfast, Forum, China Day Forum, Luncheon and Mix at Six Networking Function .
ACO Richard Tognetti Presents ACO2
ACO2, the Australian Chamber Orchestra's precocious little sister, brings together Australia's finest young string players and ACO musicians, creating a combined ensemble with a fresh, energetic performance style.
Featuring several of the greatest works for string orchestra, this program showcases ACO2's virtuosity and vivacity, in high-octane Baroque and neoclassical music directed by Richard Tognetti.
"Magnetic" young German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott performs two Vivaldi Cello Concertos and Bloch's intensely melancholic From Jewish Life.
2013 British & Irish Lions Tour
The British & Irish Lions are one of the most iconic sporting teams in the world, steeped in history and tradition. Drawn from the best players in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland the British and Irish Lions tour Australia just once every 12 years.
Never playing at home and only assembled for overseas visits, the Lions travel to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia on a rotational basis every four year and take with them a passionate supporter base numbering in its tens of thousands.
Behind the Rugby World Cup, there is no bigger event in international Rugby than a British and Irish Lions Tour.
Salomon Trail Running Series: Race 2, Plenty Gorge
The Salomon Trail Running Series is designed to present trail running for all that it can be: scenic, accessible, not overly technical and fun for everyone. Many people think all trail running events are 50km or more and over mountain ranges - well they can be, but they can also be short, rewarding, close to home and enjoyable for everyone - and that's what the Salomon Trail Running Series is all about.
Each event is held in a different locations and includes races of two different distances: a short course race of 5-7km and long course of 10-14km, so now just about anyone can come and run in the wilderness.
Underbelly: Squizzy Exhibition
The Underbelly: Squizzy Exhibition takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of the bizarre and sometimes surreal life of one Melbourne's first celebrity criminals.
As you explore the series of customised Squizzy cells you will uncover the story of this gritty underworld figure and colourful character as it is brought to life through police records, images and newspaper reports from Squizzy's reign combined with original costumes and footage from the latest in the Underbelly franchise - the highly anticipated Underbelly: Squizzy which will premiere on the Nine Network.
The stark contrast of the 2 very different worlds that Squizzy inhabited are brought together against the backdrop of Old Melbourne Gaol, one of Melbourne's most Iconic buildings of the period, unveiling the many loves, friendships and enemies that ultimately shaped his life.
After the exhibition, immerse yourself even further into Squizzy's world as you head next door to the watch house and experience being arrested and locked up in the same cells that once held this now infamous character.
Costumes courtesy of Screentime, a Banijay Group company, and the Nine Network.
CAMP!
OutBlack and Songlines present CAMP! A night of drag kings and queens, funk, soul, hip-hop and disco.
Last year's NAIDOC Celebration honoured family and community ties, and this year will celebrate sovereignty, survival and strength.
Dates and performers are yet to be finalised. Watch this space, more details coming soon.
It's My Party (And I'll Die If I Want To)
RON: "Good evening. At 10.23pm on January 24, my doctor gave me three months to live. By my calculations, that leaves me with exactly... 111 minutes. So Dawn's invited the kids around for party pies and Pavlova."
Gruff, well ordered, quintessentially Aussie family man Ron is convinced he is dying. In a magnanimous gesture of loving finality, he hosts a party, giving his wife and children the chance to spend a few last quality moments as a family. As the minutes tick away, Ron's party schedule unravels to reveal a dysfunctional family unit that is both outlandishly bizarre and utterly recognisable.
From the writer that brought you the highly successful comedy Secret Bridesmaids' Business, Elizabeth Coleman's deliciously funny and sweetly dark play It's My Party (And I'll Die If I Want To) is a tale of anxiety, absurdity and occasional terror. Like all great comedies, there is laughter... but the elbow jabbing at your ribs is that little bit sharper than expected.
Helpmann Award winner Henri Szeps (Mother and Son) stars alongside Green Room Award winner Robyn Arthur (The Boy from Oz) in two performances at Melbourne's historic Athenaeum Theatre.
African Arts
Multicultural Arts Victoria in partnership with the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery present
'African Arts' By Nickel Mundabi Ngadwa
Enjoy a vast and diverse collection of works created in Congo and Australia with a distinctly African texture. From tribal statuettes to stunning patterns of dynamic colour on canvas, Ngadwa captures the essence of Congolese design with a contemporary flair.
This unique solo exhibition features paintings and sculptures created in African and Australian woods including masks, land animals, birds, jewellery and decorative household objects.
Nickel Mundabi Ngadwa was born in the democratic Republic of Congo. He lives with his wife and three children in Shepparton where is an active member of the Congolese and artistic community.
Presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria & Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery
Build and Renovating Expo
Running in partnership with the Master Builders Association of Victoria for eight years, the Building & Home Improvement Expo has undergone its own renovation. More than just a name change, the Build & Renovating Expo reflects a shift in focus and puts the visitor in the spotlight. Last year's feedback from the serious builder and renovator was listened to - and this year's B&RE was designed accordingly.
Now featuring an exciting new Home Interiors Zone (presented by Australian House & Garden), the Build & Renovating Expo is a one stop shop showcasing a handpicked line-up of over 250 industry leaders specialising in innovative building materials and products. Free industry seminars and the `Ask an Expert' feature will continue as key highlights and, to keep the little ones entertained, the family activity area by The Lighthouse Foundation is not to be missed.
As well as including some of Australia's most recognised brands, the Build & Renovating Expo is a major launching pad for many new products and services that are entering the market. Visitors are spoilt for choice in the areas of bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, lighting, heating/cooling, doors & windows, energy efficiency & solar products, roofing, fencing & gates, building materials, outdoor living, pools & spas, finance and sustainability solutions and more.
If you're building or renovating, you can't afford to miss the Build & Renovating Expo!
Slava's Snowshow
Slava's Snowshow, the multi award-winning international sensation which has delighted and thrilled audiences in more than 120 cities around the world, from London's West End to Sydney and from New York to Moscow, returns to Australia beginning this June.
Slava's Snowshow brilliantly creates a world of wonderment and fantasy that transports the audience to a joyous dream-like place, where a bed becomes a boat in a storm-tossed sea; a woman is wrapped in cellophane and becomes flowers in a vase; a child walks in amazement inside a bubble; Slava boards a train and then becomes the train, his chimney-pot hat billowing smoke; and a web of unspun cotton envelopes the audience.
Slava's Snowshow will be appearing at The Comedy Theatre Melbourne from 17-21 July 2013. For more information and to book your tickets visit the website.
"Pop up" Speakeasy
As part of its public programs during the Underbelly: Squizzy Exhibition the Old Melbourne Gaol will be hosting an exclusive "Pop up" Speakeasy!
A Speakeasy, also called a blind pig or blind tiger, was an establishment that would have illegally sold alcoholic beverages during the period in the United States that was known as Prohibition. During this time it was illegal to sell, manufacture or transport alcoholic beverages.
The Squizzy, "Pop up" Speakeasy will take you on a journey back to the 20's where you will sample prohibition style cocktails made by fantastic creative team behind Trink Tank and Bar Americano!
You will also have the opportunity to uncover the story of one of Melbourne's first gangsters through an after dark viewing of the exhibition and sampling the excessive lifestyle that Squizzy and his associated were accustom to through song, dance and all the trappings of a decadent 20's lifestyle.
The speakeasy is a strictly 18+ event
The Age Run Melbourne
Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to start preparing for your next fitness milestone? Sign up to The Age Run Melbourne 2013 and achieve your goals!
This great event not only gives you the chance to maintain your health and fitness outdoors, but to do so while supporting your charity of choice.
With plenty of preparation time, set yourself a fitness target and sign up to the 5 kilometre run/walk, 10 kilometre run or half-marathon, today!
Entries open November 2012.
Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Barefoot Fiddler
A free spirit who approaches music with an unquenchable sense of fun and discovery, violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja is a joy to play with and watch.
Patricia performs Bach and Mendelssohn violin concertos and a haunting work by Argentinian composer Ginastera, featuring solos for five principal musicians from the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Trust this enchanting violinist with your ears and she'll lead you a merry dance, bare feet and all.
Melbourne International Film Festival
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is an iconic Melbourne event with a devoted audience.
MIFF hosts a feast of cinematic delicacies from over 50 countries for some 17 days each winter, heavily garnished with a range of red carpet galas, parties and special events that envelop the CBD. In addition to screening the very best in world cinema, MIFF is Australia's largest showcase of new Australian cinema and most vocal champion of both emerging and established local filmmaking talent.
MIFF has a rich history, celebrating 62 years in 2013 which makes it one of the oldest film festivals in the world (one year younger than Cannes!). From its earliest days, MIFF has provided audiences with a unique window on the world and has acted as the leading intellectual and artistic catalyst in Australia's screen cultural landscape.
The Festival enjoys annual admissions of 185,000, making it one of Melbourne's significant public events.
Open House Melbourne
For one weekend in 2013, Open House Melbourne will unlock some of the city's significant buildings to explore - and all for free. If you love your city and its architecture, history and design, you'll love Open House Melbourne.
With lots of amazing buildings open in 2013, Open House Melbourne is set to open up even more of the city for the people who love it most.
You'll gain access to buildings or parts of buildings that normally would not be available to the public. You'll feel the history in buildings from the 1800s with the odd ghost or two. And you'll marvel at the environmentally sustainable initiatives of the modern architecture.
Anyone interested in Melbourne's justifiably famous architecture and rich urban design will keep this weekend free. This year 120,000 people are expected to visit.
Grab your program early and plan your weekend. Then get ready to get up close and personal with your city!
Melbourne Design Market
Why is the Melbourne Design Market so wonderful? It's original, fun, and full of new products that we love to see and buy.
Occupying a special place in everyone's diary, the market is now held twice a year in July and December. Over 10,000 visitors are drawn to its carpark location at Melbourne's Federation Square, transformed for each occasion into a design show that features the latest in fashion, homewares, furniture, lighting and so much more.
There are many recognisable brands at the market; still more make use of the Melbourne Design Market as a launching pad for new enterprises.
Meet the designers, enjoy fine food and coffee, and be part of the Melbourne Design Market's own style in fostering and promoting design.
Einstein on the Beach
Widely recognized as one of the greatest artistic achievements of the 20th century, Einstein on the Beach will return to Australia for an exclusive season at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of a major international tour, bringing this ground-breaking work to a new generation.
Rarely performed due to its epic scale, Einstein On The Beach, An Opera in Four Acts launched its director Robert Wilson and composer Philip Glass to international success when it was first produced.
Now, nearly four decades after it was first performed and 21 years since it was last seen in Australia, a remarkable revival by Wilson, Glass, and choreographer Lucinda Childs has critics and audiences in raptures all over again.
"Einstein remains a masterpiece; it has, thus far triumphantly withstood the test of time. Einstein is constantly involving and almost religiously moving ... an experience to cherish for a lifetime." The New York Times
Botanica
"Breathtaking, beautiful and inspiring...take along every little dancer in your family" - Buzz Magazine, Chicago Entertainment
Following their sell-out season of Opus Cactus in 2003, Momix returns with Botanica, the perfect show for the whole family.
Beautiful and enthralling, Botanica follows the rhythms of the seasons, the changing shape of life on Earth and the passing of a day. Set to an eclectic score ranging from birdsong to Vivaldi, nature's changing imagery is revealed in Momix's signature illusionary style.
Botanica shows off the endlessly renewable energy of Momix's superb performers, enhanced by spectacular costumes, exquisite projections and puppetry designed by Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera.
This is dance at its most organic and inventive. The seasons will never be the same!
"The audience floats out on a dizzying high of pleasure" Chicago Tribune
Luna 1878 Night Market
Melbourne in August might be famed more for footy and freezing weather than fabulous free, al fresco events, but get set for an event that brings new life to the dead of winter.
Cocooned within the historic sheds of Queen Victoria Market, the new night market event is a sensory overload featuring some of Melbourne's best independent performers, designers, artists, chefs, winemakers and foodies.
Held on Wednesday evenings in August, Luna 1878 has become a become a new winter ritual, where visitors can embrace some of the city's craftiest talent coming together for the first time at the iconic 'Vic Market'.
Be entranced by performance, where a whimsical sense of fun awaits. And, yes, it will be cosy. There will heaters to gather around, mulled wine and exotic yet hearty food.
You will be tantalised by the delicious food offerings which will include Eastern European traditional foods like borsht and pierogi (dumplings), Nepalese lamb shank stews and goat curries, South American casseroles, Sicilian fisherman stews and Italian BBQ spatchcock.
There'll also be dozens of wines available for tasting, including a steaming array of hot drinks to complement the rolling line up of performance artists and live music that will change each week.
Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes in Penny Plain
"An apocalyptic 'what if?' fantasy from a master of his craft... brilliant, beautiful and painful...a ferocious production unafraid to challenge you" Vue Weekly, Canada
World-renowned master of marionettes, Ronnie Burkett returns to Melbourne with his beautifully dark apocalyptic comedy, Penny Plain.
From her overstuffed chair, Penny Plain sits listening to the news of civilization's inevitable end. When her companion dog Geoffrey leaves to live as a man, Penny's end-of-days vigil is interrupted by survivalists, a serial killer, a cross-dressing banker, talking dogs and mysterious strangers, all seeking sanctuary from mother earth as she begins reclaiming her ground. Penny Plain may be blind, but she hears a lot about the fate of mankind.
Ronnie Burkett has produced some of the world's most elaborate adult puppetry, performing sell-out seasons in Melbourne for over ten years.
"Full of wit, humour and humanity, Penny Plain, is virtually flawless." Calgary Herald, Canada
"The best of Burkett, Penny Plain is definitely at the top of the canon...layered with meaning and symbolism." Edmonton Sun, Canada
"His talent is simply extraordinary." Globe and Mail, Canada
Stomp
Stomp is back, and it's better than ever!
Following their acclaimed performance at the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, STOMP returns to Australia with new routines, new choreography and new music.
Wordless, witty and fun, Stomp has become a global phenomenon over the last 22 years. Its universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance has resonated with audiences throughout the world, setting feet stamping, fingers drumming and adrenaline rushing for over 15 million people in 48 countries across 5 continents.
Eight performers use everything from supermarket trolleys to Zippo lighters, plastic bags to bin lids, and even the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel-good rhythm.
Loved by audiences of all ages, this multi-award winning show is now in its 11th year in London's West End, and its 20th year on Broadway.
Come and see what all the noise is about!
Proximity
"Brilliantly spectacular" - The Australian
Australia Dance Theatre (ADT) returns to Melbourne after 10 years with the formidable new work Proximity.
Liberating the body from our everyday understanding of physics, Proximity is an immersive visual experience where the miniscule becomes massive, the singular becomes multiple and fleeting moments are suspended and elongated.
Choreographer Garry Stewart works in collaboration with Paris-based video artist and engineer Thomas Pachoud, to create an astonishing dialogue for dance and real-time video manipulation.
Nine phenomenal dancers train video cameras on each other to capture their ingenious physicality live. The effect is a breathtaking video panorama that upends the very nature of perception itself.
Proximity frees dancers’ bodies from the limitations of physics and biology, interrupting the conventions of linearity and perception.
Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow
The Coonawarra Roadshow is a highly anticipated event which travels to capital cities during the month of August. Coonawarra winemakers, winery owners and their families embark on a nation wide road trip to conduct tastings and chat to you about their wines in very special venues in your home towns. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the best Coonawarra has to offer all in the one place!
Melbourne Writers Festival
Unforgettable stories are the calling cards of the 2013 Melbourne Writers Festival. The 11-day program features the world's leading writers, thinkers, illustrators and performers. From lively panel discussions, film screenings, workshops, debates, launches, performances, professional development sessions and more, the Festival is filled with events that celebrate the written word. International literary sensations, edgy innovators and grand old masters will delight with stories and ideas that make you think, smile, laugh and cry.
The dedicated children's sessions and the renowned Schools' Program opens up a world where children can meet and interact with their literary idols; be inspired to try creative writing and develop their love of books.
Melbourne Writers Festival is held at a range of venues across Melbourne, from the Festival hub that is Federation Square to the Town Hall, ArtPlay and beyond. With over 350 international and local writers, at over 300 events, don't miss this world-class festival; to find out more, follow the festival on Twitter, like the festival on Facebook, subscribe to the e-newsletter, or simply visit the website
The 2013 Melbourne Writers Festival will be held on Thursday 22 September to Sunday 1 September.
MTC presents 'Rupert'
Australia's best-known playwright, David Williamson, returns to MTC as we've never seen him before, using the greatest media scandal of modern times as the launch pad for a maverick theatrical presentation.
A world premiere, this enthralling political fantasia sees Rupert forging his destiny, and making our history, in what promises to be one of the most discussed plays of the decade.
For bookings visit the website or call 03 8688 0800.
Australian Football League Finals Series
Don't miss the spectacular crescendo of 23 weeks of fantastic competition in the 2013 AFL Finals Series.
From March to September Australian Rules Football (AFL) teams fight it out to make the top eight and qualify for the final series.
This titanic contest is between two teams with one emerging as the premier side for the year.
Close to 95,000 fans pack the stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the grand final while millions watch it worldwide on cable, satellite and free to air television.
The final series offers sheer atmosphere and excitement and is a truly unique Australian experience.
Touring Car Masters
Since its inception in 2007, the Touring Car Masters has rapidly grown to become one of Australia's premier racing categories.
Evolving from Historic Group N racing, the Touring Car Masters sets itself apart from traditional historic racing, having pioneered a new class of racing by introducing innovative technical regulations aiming to improve safety, reliability, cut running costs and provide an exciting and entertaining race package, all while maintaining the visual appeal of its period race cars.
Showcasing a selection of immaculately prepared touring cars of the pre-1976 era, the Touring Car Masters boasts some of the sport's most iconic muscle cars from Falcon GT's, BOSS Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, Chrysler Chargers and Holden Monaros, to the giant-toppling Holden Toranas and nimble Porsche 911 RS's.
Evoking the glory days of Australian Touring Car racing, the Touring Car Masters has incredibly vast appeal with a fan base that bridges all walks of life and spans generations, inspiring the passion of motoring enthusiasts, race fans and drivers.
Season 2011 was a celebration of the first 5 years of the series as the Touring Car Masters, and is truly positioned as one of Australia's favourite categories on the national racing circuit. With personalities including John Bowe, Jim Richards and Andrew Miedecke, the series continues to grow to epic proportions as it travels the country to entertain fans and fellow racers.
2012 is set to kick off the next 5 years of this moving showcase of prestige and passion with an absolute cracker season as the Touring Car Masters keeps getting bigger and better with age! Make sure you get along to our Victorian events and join the action!
Phillip Island, Shannons Nationals: 25-27 May 2012
Sandown Raceway, V8 Supercars: 14-16 September 2012
Sandown Raceway, Shannons Nationals: 23-25 November 2012
Australian World Orchestra
The Australian World Orchestra is bringing together the very best of Australia's classical music talent from all around the world for an exciting program of events in 2013, culminating in three spectacular concerts conducted by one of the world's finest conductors, Maestro Zubin Mehta, taking place at Melbourne's Hamer Hall and the Sydney Opera House in October 2013.
The Australian World Orchestra was created in 2011 by Alexander Briger, an internationally acclaimed conductor with a vision: to bring together Australia's finest musicians from home and around the world to form one of the country's most electrifying orchestras.
In a triumph of logistics and passion, more than 110 performers will be taking part in the 2013 series, with 54 internationally based artists joining 56 acclaimed musicians from across the country.
The Australian World Orchestra concerts are an opportunity for these globally renowned musicians at the height of their game to come together and perform on home soil, resulting in events with an incredible energy and atmosphere.
2013 Melbourne Festival
Melbourne Festival is one of the world's leading arts festivals and Australia's premier celebration of art and culture from around the world. Each Festival brings an unparalleled feast of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film and outdoor events to Melbourne each October.
Melbourne Festival exclusively debuts and premieres the finest local, national and international events, ensuring that Melbourne is the only place in Australia that many of them are seen.
Through excellence, diversity and accessibility, the Festival presents the best possible experience to as many people as possible by proudly offering a wide variety of ticket prices and venues, plus many free programs.
2013 Melbourne Marathon Festival
The 2013 Melbourne Marathon Festival will be held on Sunday October 13.
This year, with over 28,000 registered competitors we will head 'Back to the G' for another action packed weekend of events!
Check back on our website in March 2013 for the official dates, as well as information on registration.
Australian Audio & AV Show
Bigger and better than ever with more demonstration suites, attractions and extended opening times.
Building on the success of the Melbourne Show in 2011 and the Sydney Show in 2012, Melbourne is once again the place to be in 2013 for Australia's finest audio and video technology showcase.
Enjoy the experience of wonderful music and movie entertainment in the comfort of more than 60 hotel suites - it's the closest you'll come to the real home experience, without sitting in your own chair.
The Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto hotel is the venue. A fabulous, heritage listed building combining all the ambience and old world charm, with the comfort and modern facilities required to present and maximise the performance of today's sophisticated home entertainment technologies.
Not just an exhibition, the Australian Audio & AV Show is pure entertainment, whether your choice is high-end systems or iPod docks, high definition TV and projection or the personal musical experience of headphones it's all here at the Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto hotel in October.
There is much more to enjoy, visit 'headzones', a dedicated area where you can personally audition the finest in headphone and headsets from around the world, with experts on hand to help you choose what's best for you. The 'Wheat' Suite is a dedicated theatre for the presentation of lectures/seminars from some of the world's audio/video 'gurus'.
Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Brahms 4 & Steven Isserlis
The Fourth is Brahms' final powerful symphonic statement. Here, Brahms takes flight, as he melds the soaring sounds of Romanticism to classical structure in a constantly evolving drama.
Brahms premiered the symphony with a small orchestra of forty-eight musicians, which he declined to augment. The Australian Chamber Orchestra follows his lead and performs with wind instruments from Brahms' time.
Steven Isserlis is one of the ACO's favourite collaborators - the epitome of the intelligent and passionate cellist. There could be no better soloist for Dvo?ák's ardent and much-loved concerto. Isserlis first played it as a child. "I used to think it was so joyous," he says. "As I've got older, the more tragic it seems."
Bupa Around the Bay
Over the past 20 years Bupa Around the Bay - Fundraise for The Smith Family has grown to become Australia's largest mass participation bike ride and one of Melbourne's major sporting events. With five ride options to select from, there is a ride to suit everyone. With limited places available, claim your spot in cycling history now by registering on the website.
MTC presents 'The Mountaintop'
Dr Martin Luther King Jr has stood high upon the mountaintop and he's seen the Promised Land. But on this rainy night in 1968 he mostly feels footsore, weary and sick at heart. From his shabby room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, the Promised Land seems as far away as ever.
Katori Hall's inspired and inspiring play was a sell-out on West End and Broadway stages. It tracks not only one long night in American history but, in an astonishing finale, hurtles us through forty-five years of civil rights into the twenty-first century.
After making his directorial stage debut with MTC's acclaimed production of 'Red', Alkinos Tsilimidos returns in 2013 to direct this Australian premiere.
For bookings visit the website or call 03 8688 0800.
Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Martin Fröst is probably the greatest clarinettist in the world, but more than that, he's a marvellous communicator and fantastic to watch. Astonishingly, he can dance while he plays, and his brother's new work has him performing as a marionette!
Martin Fröst's recording of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto was named the best in the world by specialist magazine Classica-Repertoire and his performance has been watched more than half a million times on YouTube - testament to the popularity of both musician and work. ABC Classic FM listeners voted the Mozart one of their top ten favourite concertos and many remember it from the film Out of Africa.
Satu Vänskä leads music from her homeland Finland and plays Paganini-inspired music on the Australian Chamber Orchestra's Stradivarius violin.
The Melbourne Ring Cycle 2013
In November 2013, Opera Australia will present its first ever complete staging of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen - The Ring of the Nibelung.
Presented at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, on one of the largest stages in the world, this will be a monumental cultural event.
For opera lovers, the Ring Cycle is the pinnacle of the opera experience - 16 hours of opera over 4 performances, with more than 350 singers, dancers, musicians, costume-makers and technicians bringing Wagner's masterwork to the stage.
The Melbourne Ring Cycle will bring together an international cast led by a stellar Australian creative team, including celebrated director, Neil Armfield, conductor Richard Mills and designer Robert Cousins.
ACO Christmas Oratorio
This Christmas, hear Bach's joyful telling of the Christmas story. The Christmas Oratorio comprises six cantatas, each depicting a scene from Christ's birth.
Richard Tognetti directs from the lead violin with his trademark infectious vigour. Those who attended our recent Beethoven 9 concerts will attest to Richard's captivating ability to marshal orchestral and choral forces. A review in The Age read: "Tognetti's direction energised all his artists to deliver a jubilant performance".
We are joined by acclaimed singers from the Choir of London who are hand-picked from Britain's leading choral baroque specialists, professional choirs and opera companies. This performance of the Christmas Oratorio, in the week before Christmas is an event not to be missed.
Vodafone Boxing Day Test
The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket and this year will be no exception.
As well as the action on the arena there will be plenty of activities in and around the MCG. 'The Outfield' precinct will provide interactive cricket displays for families in Yarra Park.
For fixtures, match information and ticket prices, please visit the website.
New Year's Eve Chanting and Meditation
The previous event on 31 December 2012 was a full house. To ensure you are one of the first to be notified of venue and tickets for this next event please subscribe on the website.
Immerse yourself in this spiritual and joyful celebration through universal chant, divine music and meditation with like-minded and open-hearted friends. No drugs, no alcohol, and all love. Discover just how good you can feel!
This annual event is presented by Jarek Czechowicz (pron: Yarrek Che'hovich) creator of words and music for spiritual awakening. Our chanting, music, and meditation will feature musical accompaniment by some of Australia's finest performers of music for healing and wellbeing.
This event will take you on a journey from deep stillness to ecstatic joy, and inner peace, ending in a midnight meditation of flowing om chants. There will be plenty of time to socialise throughout the evening.
Sit on cushions or chairs, or lay down and relax. Bring supper snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Chai will be available. Seating is on chairs or cushions. Bring your own cushion or blanket to ensure the comfort you need.
Australian Open - The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific
Summer in Australia is tennis. Balmy nights, world-class tennis players, colourful fans, live entertainment at Grand Slam® Oval and all the tennis action live on the big screen at Garden Square. For two weeks in January, Melbourne Park has it all.
Witness the drama unfold as the world's greatest athletes dominate the courts at Melbourne Park and test each other's skill, determination, courage and endurance. More than mere sporting heroes, the likes of Rafa, Roger, Novak, Andy, Maria, Victoria, Caroline and Serena are global superstars, all striving to claim the first Grand Slam® title of the tennis season. Every year the Australian Open gets bigger, better, more intense and more breathtaking as these stunning athletes leave nothing to chance in their quest for the ultimate prize.
Visit the Australian Open website, or sign up to Australian Open Update for all the latest news and offers from the Australian Open.
Melbourne is getting ready to play in 2013.
Have you signed up?
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - Australia's internationally acclaimed celebration of food and wine.
Each year in March Melbourne Food and Wine Festival unveils a world-class program of more than 250 events - a true expression of Melbourne's infamous love of food and wine that captures the attention of food-lovers in their hundreds of thousands.
The Festival spills through restaurant doors, down laneways, up onto rooftops, into bustling foodie precincts and deep into picturesque wine country.
The Festival's prestigious reputation attracts the world's biggest culinary and wine personalities to its door to participate in a program that also showcases Victoria's own celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, sommeliers, producers and artisans.
Join the festival for a 20 day feast to look back on the achievements of the past and enjoy the abundant food and wine this city offers.
FORMULA 1(TM) Australian Grand Prix
There's nothing as exciting as a Formula 1™ race. It has the power to stop traffic in Asia, make America sit up and take notice and rouse Europe from its slumber. The 2014 Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix will be no exception, with the world's fastest cars, coolest celebrities and latest technology converging on Melbourne for four days of breathtaking action.
There are many ticket options available, from corporate to general admission. Don't miss your chance to book and join a crowd of thousands to watch the world's premier drivers light up Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit in March.
Be there as the world watches Melbourne.
Les Miserables
Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, will arrive in Australia in 2014.
With glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victori Hugo, this new 25th Anniversary record breaking production will premiere at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatres in June 2014
Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISÉRABLES is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master of the House" and many more.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
Seen by over 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the most popular musicals of all time. Having won more than 97 major awards around the world it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever.