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:
Softbelly Comedy
Melbourne's newest top quality night of comedy is here! Every Thursday and Sunday night in the city, Softbelly Comedy has some of the biggest names in Australian comedy, in a funky inner-city surrounding.
Get out of the house on Thursday or Sunday nights, get dinner, then get in to watch big TV and radio names, plus some of the best new Melbourne faces, at Softbelly Comedy! Softbelly has hosted Pete Helliar, Jimeoin, Wil Anderson, Claire Hooper, Charlie Pickering, Glenn Robbins, Tom Ballard, Dave Callan and heaps more!
Every Sunday evening during summer have Adam Hills dropping in to try new jokes!
Comedy@Spleen
Every Monday, Comedy@Spleen is the city's free weekly comedy hotspot, with a packed room every week.
With drop-in guests like Jimeoin, Adam Hills, Wil Anderson, Josh Thomas, Charlie Pickering, Claire Hooper, Lehmo, Tom Gleeson, Lawrence Mooney, Glenn Robbins, Fiona O'Loughlin and Dave Callan, you will never know which special guest you are going to get. They also feature all the hottest young acts in Melbourne that will be household names tomorrow
Come down to the hottest comedy room in town.
Electrolux Cooking School at Queen Victoria Market
Celebrate the beautiful, fresh, seasonal produce of Queen Victoria Market. At the Electrolux Cooking School, chefs, cookery authors and culinary professionals from Victoria and interstate conduct cooking classes in a range of cuisines, styles and techniques.
The seasonal program includes demonstrations of seafood, cakes, desserts, and special occasion cooking. Italian, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Spanish, and Moroccan are just some of the cuisines featured in each program. The perfect gift idea for any avid foodie! The children's cooking classes and school holiday classes are firm favourites.
Classes last approximately two and a half hours and take on a demonstration format. The maximum class size is 16 persons, which provides for intimate interaction with the presenting chef.
Class prices include: generous food samples as the chef cooks, a recipe kit, complimentary glass of wine and hints on where to locate particular ingredients at Queen Victoria Market.
Fed Square Book Market
Love books? Join Melbourne's bibliophiles at the city's largest weekly book market in The Atrium at Fed Square. Held each Saturday from 11am to 5pm the market continues Melbourne's fine literary tradition, featuring books from a variety of leading new and second hand booksellers covering a diverse range of genres.
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 in the Main Square (The Atrium if it's raining) for a free class every Tuesday morning. Exercise your mind, body and soul in this inspiring location.
The Arts Centre Sunday Market
The Arts Centre Sunday Market brings together over 80 of Victoria's finest artisans, right in the heart of Melbourne.
Every Sunday from 10am - 4pm, local artists and producers fill the Arts Centre Lawn to showcase a variety of unique, handmade goods ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made delicacies.
Everything on offer at the Arts Centre Sunday Market is made locally, making the market a real favourite for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures for themselves or as gifts.
Just a short walk over the bridge from Flinders Street Station, the Arts Centre Sunday Market is a much-loved weekly event, with the relaxed feel of a regional craft market against the backdrop of Melbourne's buzzing arts precinct.
Checkpoint Charlie Comedy
Checkpoint is the city's premier above ground underground comedy room. For just $5 come fill yourself with $6 drinks and put your continence to the ultimate test against the country's best comedians as they spit funnies into the business end of a loud stick.
Checkpoint Charlie Comedy at Eurotrash has already featured some of the country's finest comedians including Jeff Green (UK), Greg Fleet, Lawrence Mooney, Dave Thornton, Felicity Ward, Asher Treleaven, Adam Rozenbachs, Josh Earl and many more.
Running each Wednesday, CCC warms you up in their unique casual bar set-up with some of Melbourne's most exciting new up-and-comers before the country's best established comedians take the stage.
So get down this Wednesday, have a laugh and a few cheap drinks at Checkpoint Charlie Comedy.
Doors open at 7.30pm. See you there comrades!
William Kentridge: Five Themes
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image presents a landmark exhibition "William Kentridge: Five Themes", celebrating the work of one of the world's leading contemporary artists and filmmakers.
After premiering at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and travelling to New York, Paris, Vienna, Jerusalem and Moscow, this stunning exhibition comes to the ACMI for an exclusive Australian season.
Born in 1955 in South Africa, William Kentridge rose to prominence as an artist and animator, winning international acclaim for his stop motion films of charcoal drawings. Melancholic and magical, his work is strongly tied to the social and political environment of his home country in the pre- and post-Apartheid era.
Tackling issues of colonial oppression, reconciliation and the transient nature of memory, Kentridge deftly combines the political with the poetic in work that spans various art-forms, from visual art to theatre to the moving image. Inspired by European literature, classical music, opera, plays and early cinema, Kentridge uses archetypal characters to build whimsical, poignant and playful narratives.
"William Kentridge: Five Themes" features over 60 works ranging from animations, drawings and prints to theatre models, sculptures and books. This unmissable survey of a phenomenal artistic talent explores the five key themes of his career, including his direction of The Magic Flute for the renowned Belgian opera house, La Monnaie, and the animated films developed for a 2010 production of The Nose at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond
Don't miss this landmark exhibition of rare 13th - to 18th century Persian, Mughal Indian and Ottoman Turkish illustrated manuscripts.
From one of the richest periods in the history of the book, more than 60 works from the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford join items from the State Library of Victoria in an exhibition of the largest and most important collection of Persian manuscripts ever seen in Australia.
The profound beauty and universal stories contained within these captivating manuscripts will transport viewers to distant lands and other times. Love and Devotion will also showcase the many representations of human and divine love within the great narratives of Persian literature and poetry. Contemplate classic love stories by writers such as Nizami and Jami; works from the great Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz; the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and 1001 Nights; as well as Firdausi's Shahnama (Book of Kings) - Persia's great literary epic.
Love and Devotion reveals a range of striking parallels between Persian and western literature. Early European manuscripts from the Bodleian Libraries will also be on display, including a Roman de la rose and works by Chaucer and Dante. The exhibition will show rare editions of European literature, travel books and maps from the collections of the State Library of Victoria.
A rich program of events and activities supports Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond, including a Persian cultural day, musical performances and a conference. A lavishly illustrated book will also be available.
Pop M'art
Pop M'art is a new creative concept in Melbourne. It is a moveable art studio that pops up anywhere in private or public locations, allowing people (in groups of 10-15) to do social painting. One week patrons could be painting at Federation Square, the next they could be in a laneway in the city, inside a museum, by the Yarra etc. The various locations will provide an inspirational backdrop and the group interaction will foster fun through the creative process.
No experience required and it is meant for anyone and everyone. Patrons pre-register and come to the location where all tools are provided.
Eventually this will lead up to a bigger art project as after 500 patrons, all previous Pop M'arters will be invited to submit their completed pieces as building blocks for an unique art installation.
Each individual Pop M'art event and the creation of the final 'art installation' will all be captured in photo and film to also create a 'making of' documentary.
Extensive use of social media, viral marketing and location-based marketing is expected to create a buzz and result in building a strong sticky following/arts community.
The deliverables of the project will be a unique story of the city, its people, art and creativity..
Circus Oz Classes
Summer has sprung at Circus Oz!
With the recent warm days, do you have that feeling that it's time to spring into action? There is no better way to shake off the winter blues than with a class at Circus Oz! Circus Oz is going aerial this spring, with two weeks of classes in flying trapeze (for all levels of ability), aerial ring and for the first time Tissu for Beginners all for adults. Kids and teens don't need to miss out on the action either with Come n' Try classes during the school holidays.
If you want a fun way to stay active for the rest of the year then you can also now enrol for term 1 classes. Circus Oz has classes that range from beginner to advanced so it doesn't matter if you're experienced or just starting out. Adult classes include Flying Trapeze, Aerial, Flexibility and Contortion and Chinese Pole. Kids and teens classes are also held every Saturday.
Book your place now!
Introduction to Acting for ages 9 to 13
Imagination is the only pre-requisite for this year-long course of fun-packed drama classes for young people aged 9 to 13! In a small class of only 16 you'll discover the essentials of movement and voice plus key skills for creating colourful, believable characters.
Active two hour sessions during term will have you confidently on your feet exploring drama games and skills sessions in improvisation, commedia dell'arte, singing, dance, storytelling and text work. They say if you can perform Shakespeare, you can perform anything... but they'll engage with an impressive line-up of other playwrights too.
The best part is it's not all just practice! Working together as an ensemble you'll strut your stuff in each end of each term showcase... and work towards acting in a full length production at the end of the year for family and friends!
No previous drama class or Shakespeare experience is needed, just enthusiasm, confidence in public speaking and being comfortable working in small groups. Course tutors are professional actors and directors from the Australian Shakespeare Company ensemble with backgrounds in teaching.
Term 1: 8 February - 28 March 2012 (8 sessions)
Term 2: 18 April - 27 June 2012 (11 sessions)
Term 3: 18 July - 19 September 2012 (10 sessions)
Term 4: 10 October - 19 December 2012 (11 sessions)
Lux 0.27 - Dark Horse Experiment
Curated by Theodore Wohng at Dark Horse Experiment. Lux 0.27 consists of works by artists Kit Webster, Sam Fagan, Tim Sterling, Taree Mackenzie, Kate Stryker, Alex Purchase and Julia Francis. Pursuing the theme of void/nothingness and the perception of reality through light and technology.
"In science our perception of reality is limited to the finite speed of light, as it is in a linguistic system, reference to a present reality is forever postponed from the temporal delay of meaning. Our univocal universe is full of constant metaphysical flux of change, difference and becoming. When we gaze upon the stars at night, the multiple instants in time are seen as simultaneous from our vantage point on the earth, the very same set of events will occur in different time combinations from other perspectives in space, the concept of 'now' is irrelevant, the only two things that remain the same are the wave-particle duality of photon and our perpetual curiosity of what reality really is" - Theodore Wohng.
Allan Wolf-Tasker, Wye River and Coastline
In his latest series of landscape paintings, Allan Wolf-Tasker draws inspiration from the Otway Coast.
'This recent work continues my obsession with aerial perspective.. a sort of 'out of body' view of the world.'
Allan Wolf-Tasker studied sculpture and printmaking at RMIT graduating in 1966. He has exhibited in group and solo shows in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and New York.
Good Beer Week
Never 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 eight 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.
Good Beer Week Masterclass of Champions- May 15
The 2010 and 2011 Australian International Beer Awards Champion Brewers join forces for a masterclass and degustation which Australia has never seen. Norway's Nøgne Ø and California's Moylan's will create a one-off beer. Guests then enjoy a unique meal amid the tanks created by chefs from some of Melbourne's top restaurants.
AIBA World Of Beer- May 18
For the first time, the Australian International Beer Awards opens its tasting to the public. Sample hundreds of beers entered from around the world, including a showcase of US beers never before seen in Australia.
Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular- May 11-13
Held at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda, sixty Kiwi and Aussie breweries have brewed new beers especially, which you can sample at one of five sessions on at the Royal Exhibition Building.
Law Week
Law Week - coordinated by Victoria Law Foundation - aims to promote access to and understanding of the law and justice system.
Law Week involves over 100 organisations, who work with the Foundation to present seminars, exhibitions, lectures, Q&A sessions, and court tours, and many other public events and displays designed to provide legal information at little or no cost.
The week long program includes more than 150 law-based events in Melbourne and across regional Victoria.
Law Week's major highlight is Courts Open Day, a chance to explore the rich heritage of the courts. Tours, mock trials, sentencing exercises and meet-the-Judge sessions give visitors an insight into court operations and personalities.
Henry IV Part 1
"The better part of valour is discretion"
Exciting and accessible Shakespeare is what the Australian Shakespeare Company is renowned for and now it is proud to present Henry IV Part 1. A play full of "bloody noses and cracked crowns" Henry IV also introduces great comic characters led by the inimitable rascal Sir John Falstaff. From the hilarious tomfoolery at Mistress Quickly's Cheapside Tavern, to the tension of the King's court to the wild contests on the battlefield this production will captivate, entertain and enthral. The dynamic characters of Hotspur, King Henry, his wayward and reckless son Hal, together with Falstaff and his band of merry making men combine to provide a plot that is both amusing and thrilling.
Nick Backstrom, Pat Bath, Peter Barry, Syd Brisbane, Mike Cahil, Kevin Hopkins, Carla Kissane, David Lamb, Simon Mallory, Roscoe Mathers, Claire Nicholls, Tony Rive and Charlie Sturgen.
Directed by Glenn Elston
MSO presents Beethoven and Dvorák
The inspiration of the folk music and culture of his native Bohemia invests Dvorák's music with enormous energy and spirit, and his Seventh Symphony explodes with all the passion and vigour of this inspiration. Paired with works by two German masters who inspired him, this concert of great classics is pure delight.
Splendid Sights and Sounds - Walking Tour
A walking tour of historic churches in South Melbourne lead by leading authority of pipe organs, John Maidment OAM and art historian Dr. Bronwyn Hughes. Participants will have an opportunity to see the buildings, stained glass and to hear the sounds of the organs play by Christopher Trikillis and Matthew Schultz.
Presented by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Public Art and Pipe Organs Committee
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.
Heroes of Kangaroo and Lamb
Heroism is a cross-cultural and historically persistent phenomenon. Martin Hodge's latest series of observational drawings and watercolours are inspired by contemporary heroes - a collection of children's toys and figurines.
As elements of material culture, toys act as role models reflecting values and attitudes of the society in which they are produced. Kangaroo and Lamb are joined by Batman, Horse, Mr Incredible, Spiderman and Gorvan. Hodge explores the personalities and defining features of characters within this unlikely circle of friends.
Give My Regards to Broadway
2012 Magical Musical Mornings, Summer Series, with Jonathon Welch AM. St Michaels will be filled with the sounds of beautiful music from the great Broadway hits from Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Oliver,Oklahoma, South Pacific, Sound of Music and more!
Concerts are 75 minutes followed by a free morning tea.
Annie
The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time.
Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York 'zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical.
MSO presents Belshazzar's Feast
In the 20th century, Britain overthrew its unfair reputation as a "land without music." Three of the great composers who played key roles in this musical renaissance are featured here. Britten's popular reworking of the music of Purcell, and Sir William Walton's dramatic choral masterpiece, based on a great biblical story, frame a rare gem by Constant Lambert (son of Australian painter George Lambert), which fuses Latin American and jazz influences with a distinctively English temperament.
North Melbourne Market
Skirting the city of Melbourne, just north of it to be exact, is a little town with a big heart, and an even bigger Market. Here, in North Melbourne the locals have been beavering away grinding the tastiest coffee in the southern hemisphere, reviving vintage classics, serving up the biggest omelettes in the a.m. and the biggest mojitos at p.m. and being visited by the best of Melbourne's Festivals. Right here, the North Melbourne Market is setting up shop every month, wall-to-wall, room-to-room, chandelier-to-chandelier with stalls.
Slap bang in the middle of Errol Street, the Thread Den team flip open the unassuming double doors to the Melbourne Lithuanian Club and switch on every light for an indoor market adventure of 70 stalls. Stalls that sell vintage fabrics and clothing, sweet treats, local designer clothing, kids head-to-toe cute stuff, handmade jewellery, homewares, artists' creations fair trade products and other particularly and peculiarly unique things you've never seen before. Trailing along the lobby towards the ballroom and winding up a flight of stairs, it defies how much talent you can squeeze under one roof.
The North Melbourne Market runs on one Sunday per month from 10am to 3pm.
Markit@Fed Square
Markit@FedSquare is a unique Melbourne shopping experience. For one day, the light-filled Atrium and BMW Edge Theatre will be home to approximately 100 of Australia's most coveted independent designers and illustrators. This is a curated market focusing purely on illustrative and decorative design products with limited edition pieces ranging from fashion to jewellery, homewares and collectables. To buy or simply to admire, this is an event not to be missed.
Created by designers as an outlet for the sophisticated Melbourne shopper, Markit@FedSquare is an opportunity to speak directly with the creator, talk with them about their designs and purchase something beautiful. Buy a gift, add to a collection or simply spoil yourself at Markit@FedSquare
Visit the website for a full list of designers.
International Tap Dancing Day
The performance highlight of Melbourne Tap Week, Melbourne's celebration of International Tap Dancing Day, kicks off at 11.00am on Sunday May 27.
There will be a glamorous burst of sound and colour as 200 tapping glamour kittens dance from the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt, along St Kilda Road to Flinders Street Station to perform the traditional Shim Sham Shimmy on the steps of Flinders Street Station, and then on to the Main Stage at Federation Square, where they will provide a free tap performance from 12.00 midday in their freshly polished tap shoes, and famous polka dot dresses as images of famous tap dancers flash on to the Federation Square big screen.
Miss Jane said that she is excited about bringing International Tap Dancing Day back to Federation Square for the first time since 2006. 'We've celebrated International Tap Dancing Day for over a decade now, providing free surprise shows all over Melbourne, from Luna Park, to Parliament House, the City Square and Queensbridge Square. This will be our third appearance at Federation Square - we can't wait!'
Fed Square Car Club Showcase
See your favourite cars up close and meet the proud owners at the Fed Square Car Club Showcase. On the last Sunday of every month car aficionados transform the Flinders St 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.
2012 Program:
January: Jaguar Car Club Victoria
February: Sixties American Muscle Car Club
March: Confederation of Australian Motorsport
April: Monaro Club of Victoria
May: TYP 901 Register Inc
June: BMW Car of Victoria
July: Fiat Car Club of Victoria
August: Classic Car Club
September: Cortina Mark 1 Owners Club
October: Porsche
November: Jensen Car Club Australia
Australia-China Business Week 2012
No one would doubt Australia's future is in China, but the reverse, it seems, is also true: China's future is in Australia.
China's rapidly growing consumer markets create enormous opportunities for Australia's small and medium sized businesses. China is now Australia's largest merchandise trading partner, our third largest services export market, our largest source of overseas students and our fifth largest tourism market.
Australia-China BusinessWeek (ACBW) 2012 is a central point for sourcing information and advice, and the opportunities to review the latest business trends, Investment, Consumer Goods, Education, Immigration, technology, Manufacturing, Mining, Transport, Health and business opportunities with China.
We Sing For Reconciliation
Presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation as part of Reconciliation Week, this event celebrates the powerful and consistent voice of Indigenous Australia that has travelled and survived through the millennia. From ancient Songlines to digital airwaves, Aboriginal people have used music and song to teach, share and connect for the past 60,000 years.
We Sing for Reconciliation is an event that will share the messages of culture, community and connection with one of the pioneers of Indigenous music, Bart Willoughby, award winning desert rock reggae group Yabu Band (WA), the charming, energetic and multi shaded SKIN Choir plus the innovative and talented Massive Hip Hop Choir.
In 2012 these modern Songlines will once again travel across the breadth of Australia from west to east and be shared here on Wurunjeri land in Melbourne. Providing a celebration for all to come and unite and share in the universal language of music and singing.
We Sing for Reconciliation is presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation in partnership with Reconciliation Victoria, ANTaR, the City of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hotel.
The Light in Winter
As Melbourne's winter chill takes hold, Federation Square will bask in the glow of The Light in Winter - a free, month-long program directed by global champion of the arts, Robyn Archer.
The Light in Winter will bring together local and international artists, designers and more than 20 of Melbourne's culturally diverse communities to celebrate and express the light that reading sheds on our lives.
Literary texts, oral traditions, calligraphy, music, dance, body art and Braille are re-imagined, with surprising collaborations and a provocative mix of the profound and the familiar. There are lots of ways to take part and new works will be added throughout the month to create a growing village of light.
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.
Witness jazz piano royalty in action as McCoy Tyner takes to the stage to present A Contemporary Exploration of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, be captivated by jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater in her long-awaited Melbourne debut, experience the electrifying stage presence of Japanese keyboardist-composer Hiromi, or bounce to the sounds of revolutionary collaboration, Future Now.
The rich 2012 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.
Emerge Festival 2012
Emerge Festival 2012 is a celebration of Victoria's many undiscovered refugee and emerging cultures promoting diversity, social inclusion and the breaking down of racism. It commemorates the United Nations World Refugee Day and celebrates Refugee Week, with performances around Melbourne from June 1st-31st July. Produced and presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria
MSO presents The Planets: A Journey in Music and Film
Through movies as diverse as Paradise Road and The Right Stuff, the music of The Planets has permeated our culture. Holst's spectacular astrological journey is one of the most popular of all orchestral works, from the menacing tread of Mars, the Bringer of War to the final movement, Neptune, the Mystic, in which we seem to be adrift in a world of stars and ice.
Under dynamic young British conductor Alexander Shelley, this compelling program opens with Mozart's final, sublime symphony.
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire
Exclusive to Melbourne this winter Napoleon: Revolution to Empire will bring the legend to life, majestically telling the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, a man who emerged from the chaos of the French Revolution to become one of the world's most powerful and visionary rulers. He not only changed the politics of Europe forever, but had a profound influence on taste and style.
This panoramic exhibition features nearly 300 works, examining French art, culture and life from the 1770s to the 1820s, bringing to Australia for the first time hundreds of objects of breathtaking opulence and luxury - paintings, drawings, engravings, sculpture, furniture, militaria, textiles, porcelain, gold and silver, fashion and jewellery.
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire explores the stormy period of social change forced upon France through the outbreak of the French Revolution, the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and the rise to power of the young Napoleon Bonaparte and his new wife Josephine.
Personal items will give visitors a glimpse into an extravagant private world of the couple. Jewels owned by Josephine, Napoleon's personal weapons, lavish furniture from private residences and a lock of Napoleon's hair feature alongside spectacular decorative objects, bejewelled gifts given to dignitaries, military uniforms and a beautiful court dress - the only surviving garment worn at Napoleon's coronation ceremony in 1804.
Both Napoleon and Josephine were captivated by Australia, which had newly entered the world's imagination following the publication of Captain Cook's travels. The exhibition tells the story of how this fascination spurred Napoleon to fund a voyage in 1805 that collected information about the continent and produced the first map of the southern Australian coastline with the land we now know as Victoria, but which was at the time first named Terre Napoléon (Napoleon Land).
Theatre Slam
Theatre Slam is a spectacular night of performance where you witness some of Melbourne's finest actors slam down their talent with one, two and three minute monologues and performances.
Held monthly, the actors battle to win over audience and industry professionals to become the monthly Theatre Slam Champion!
With over 20 actors in one evening - come and see a variety of pieces performed by Melbourne's very best!
MSO presents Ears Wide Open 2
Ears Wide Open is an interactive 80-minute journey into music, live on stage, conducted and presented by Australia's most charismatic musical personality, Richard Gill. No piece of instrumental music has been so influential, or continues to be as thought-provoking, as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. If you want to know more about how this great music works its spell, don't miss Ears Wide Open.
Fed Square Wine Showcase
Whether you are a wine buff or enjoy discovering new wines you can taste some of Victoria's finest drops at Federation Square. Every month the Wine Showcase features a different Victorian wine region. Rub shoulders with the winemakers, enjoy the latest offerings from their cellar door and help judge the People's Choice Award for the best wines.
Where: The Atrium, Federation Square
When: bi-monthly on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month, 4.30pm - 8.30pm
2011/2012 Program:
- December 2011: New Release wines from across Victoria
- February 2012: Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland
- April 2012: Upper Goulburn, Strathbogie, King Valley, Alpine Valley, Beechworth, Rutherglen and Glenrowan
- June 2012: Sunbury, Macedon Ranges, Bendigo, Heathcote, Goulburn Valley (including Nagambie Lakes), Swan Hill and Murray Darling
- August 2012: Fed Square Wine Awards
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.
Baby Bombshells - Newcomer’s Contest
Dolores Daiquiri and Rosy Rabbit present Baby Bombshells - Newcomer's Contest.
See the burlesque stars of tomorrow in the official opening of the Australian Burlesque Festival 2012! A showcase of the best emerging burlesque talent in Australia, the contest will feature burlesque artists with less than two years burlesque experience and will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. The winner will be invited to perform at the festival's gala event, 'The Big Tease' among other fabulous prizes for them and the runners up. The previous year's Baby Bombshells have gone on to become stars in their own right and they are thrilled to show you the next generation of tease! This event is designed to encourage and promote the emerging artists with audiences able to lend a hand in choosing the overall winner and crowd favourites. Tassels will twirl and feathers will fly! But who will shine the brightest?
After two legendary sold-out tours in 2010 and 2011, Australian burlesque stars and producers Dolores Daiquiri and Rosy Rabbit, proudly announce the national tour line up for The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 held from June 7 to 24.
Touted as the biggest celebration of tease in the Southern Hemisphere, The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 boasts 10 spectacular events in 6 cities across Australia.
The past two years have seen burlesque aficionados and first timers alike delighting in the stunning array of sensational tease. In 2012 audiences across the nation will experience more glamorous striptease, exciting neo-burlesque and exotic seduction than they can handle!
The Big Tease
A night of glamorous and classic tease to dazzle and delight the burlesque aficionado in us all! "The Big Tease" is the Australian Burlesque Festival's gala event and showcases the crème-de-le-crème of local and international burlesque stars. Step in to a world of old world charm and be teased and tantalised by these wonderfully decadent acts. Dripping with jewels and swirling French champagne "The Big Tease" promises more glitz, glamour and sizzling striptease than ever before! So if your flavour is traditional Bump n' Grind and good old fashioned burlesque let yourself be swept away in a whirlwind of feathers as this is the show for you!
Please note: The Big Tease 2010 and 2011 sold out in record time so make sure you get your tickets early!
After two legendary sold-out tours in 2010 and 2011, Australian burlesque stars and producers Dolores Daiquiri and Rosy Rabbit, proudly announce the national tour line up for The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 held from 7 to 24 June 2012.
Touted as the biggest celebration of tease in the Southern Hemisphere, The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 boasts 10 spectacular events in 6 cities across Australia.
The Australian Burlesque Festival is a unique community based experience uniting burlesque artists all over the country and the globe in a tour of sizzling showcases, workshops and industry awards.
Nouvelle Royale
Think you know what burlesque is? Well think again! A revue of Australia's premier neo-burlesque artists in a beguiling romp through the bizarre and intriguing world of modern burlesque! Be shocked! Be amazed! Featuring the best of neo- burlesque, queer delights, satire, parody, vaudeville and everything in between."Nouvelle Royale" offers a veritable feast of kooky and cheeky burlesque for those not afraid to see acts that have sent whispers around the globe!
After two legendary sold-out tours in 2010 and 2011, Australian burlesque stars and producers Dolores Daiquiri and Rosy Rabbit, proudly announce the national tour line up for The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 held from 7 to 24 June 2012.
Touted as the biggest celebration of tease in the Southern Hemisphere, The Australian Burlesque Festival 2012 boasts 10 spectacular events in 6 cities across Australia.
The Australian Burlesque Festival is a unique community based experience uniting burlesque artists all over the country and the globe in a tour of sizzling showcases, workshops and industry awards.
MSO presents Mahler with Emma Matthews
In his Fourth Symphony, Mahler creates a magical evocation of the spirit of childhood, ending with a heartfelt hymn to sacred innocence. Mahler's vision of heaven will beam its radiance with the glowing voice of Australian soprano Emma Matthews.
Adding to this rich program, Julian Rachlin, one of today's classical mega-stars, brings his energy and passion to the First Violin Concerto of Shostakovich.
Reinvent Your Career Expo
Melbourne's largest adult careers and employment event is on June 16th and 17th 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.
Best of British - Diamond Jubilee Celebration Concert
Bring your flags, bring the corgis and warm up your voices ready for the Best of British - Diamond Jubilee Celebration Concert
In the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 (aka Gerry Connolly).
It's time to dust off your tiaras and polish up your accents as you celebrate Her Majesty's 60th year on the throne, with a spectacular musical feast of the best British music from Andrew Lloyd Webber to the Beatles, Dusty and Queen, Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia, Hallelujah Chorus and more!
Featuring the sensational 120 voices of THECHO!R. Conducted and hosted by Melbourne's favourite son Jonathon Welch AM with the award winning Footscray Yarraville City Band, opera sensation Liane Keegan and on the magnificent Town Hall organ David Johnston.
Proceeds from this concert will go to the School of Hard Knocks Foundation, Melbourne's new collaborative arts and cultural institution for the homeless and disadvantaged.
ACO – Danielle de Niese
Danielle de Niese was born in Melbourne and won Young Talent Time aged 9, then moved to Los Angeles, won an Emmy and made her debut with the LA Opera aged 15. She has blossomed into one of the hottest properties in opera, enrapturing audiences in roles like Cleopatra, Euridice and Susanna at Glyndebourne, the Metropolitan Opera and on screen.
To celebrate her professional debut in her home country, De Niese sings a specially commissioned Australian work, which also marks the centenary of Australia's Nobel laureate Patrick White. She also shines in Mozart's joyous Exsultate jubilate, matched with a flourish by a symphony from one of Mozart's early operas.
Schubert's haunting song, Death and the Maiden, is at the heart of Schubert's famous and dramatic quartet.
MOZART - Symphony K196/121, "La finta giardiniera"
VINE - New work (text by Patrick White)
MEALE - Cantilena Pacifica
MOZART - Exsultate jubilate
SCHUBERT - (arr. Tognetti) Death and the Maiden
SCHUBERT - (arr. Tognetti) String Quartet No.14, "Death and the Maiden"
Richard Tognetti - Artistic Director and Lead Violin
Danielle de Niese - Soprano
MSO presents Organ Classics at Town Hall
The Melbourne Town Hall's magnificent organ takes centre stage for the stirring concerto by Francis Poulenc, featuring as soloist the man who has been described as the Vladimir Horowitz of the organ. Before the concerto, the spirit of the organ is given orchestral colour in Sir Andrew Davis' own transcription of Bach's mighty Passacaglia and Fugue. The concert culminates in Brahms' richly romantic Second Symphony, in which the composer basks in the sunny inspiration of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony.
Hello Sailor Vintage Market
The GPT Group's Melbourne Central is excited to continue to host the Hello Sailor vintage markets.
With stalls of old vinyls and vintage clothing, it's every collector's dream come true with items beginning around the $5 mark and not moving very far.
The market will be held on 22nd - 24th June and 13th - 15th July and stays true to its central location at Shot Tower Square in Melbourne Central.
Please visit the Hello Sailor Vintage Market's website for more details.
The Farewell Series: Basketball's Road to London
The sporting public will have the chance to send off the nation's basketball teams before they embark on their London odyssey in the highly-anticipated Farewell Series: Basketball's Road to London.
Victoria will play host as the Australian Boomers face world number 4 Greece and the Jayco Australian Opals take on South American powerhouse Brazil, with a unique double-header to open the series at Melbourne's Hisense Arena on Sunday June 24.
Expected to be led by European-based stars Brad Newley and Joe Ingles, along with NBL talent Mark Worthington and Adam Gibson, the Boomers complete their three-game series with fixtures at the recently completed $27 million State Basketball Centre in Knox on Monday June 25 and the Geelong Arena on Wednesday June 27.
Jayco Opals twin towers Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage headline the star-studded women's team to take on the Brazilians in Bendigo on Tuesday June 26 and at the State Basketball Centre in Knox on Thursday June 28.
Sunday 24 June
Men's and Women's Game 1: Hisense Arena - Double Header game.
Monday 25 June
Men's Game 2 (Boomers v Greece): Knox - State Basketball Centre at 7.00pm.
Tuesday 26 June
Women's Game 2 (Opals v Brazil): Bendigo at 7.00pm.
Wednesday 27 June
Men's Game 3 (Boomers v Greece): Geelong at 7.00pm.
Thursday 28 June
Women's Game 3 (Opals v Brazil): Knox - State Basketball Centre at 7.00pm.
For ticket and event information visit the website.
MSO presents Deborah Voigt In Concert
One of the great singers of our time, Deborah Voigt combines musical intelligence with a stunningly rich and characterful voice to create unforgettable performances.
This panoramic survey of music by Wagner and Strauss, under one of today's leading conductors, includes some of the most voluptuous love music ever created for the stage - from Tristan und Isolde - and the luminous suite from Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier. In the closing scene from Salome, Voigt presents for her Melbourne audiences one of the tour-de-force displays in the operatic repertoire.
Game Masters
Discover the gods of gaming with Game Masters. Featuring over 125 playable games, ACMI's latest blockbuster exhibition celebrates the work of the world's most innovative and influential videogame designers, including Peter Molyneux, Warren Spector, Tim Schafer, Hideo Kojima and more.
This exciting exhibition showcases some of the most groundbreaking games ever made across arcades, consoles, PC and mobile platforms.
Presented in three sections, a spectacular live gaming universe has been custom built to allow visitors the opportunity to experience and explore rare original game artwork, revealing interviews with game designers and large-scale interactive displays.
Arcade Heroes focuses on the seminal arcade games of the late 1970s and early 1980s; Game Changers explores the work of the most influential game designers from the past 30 years; and Indies will reveal how independently produced games are leading the way in game play and aesthetics.
Sign-up to the Game Masters newsletter to receive exclusive announcements and information about the exhibition, including advance ticket on-sale dates, special promotions, exciting giveaways and fascinating interviews.
Melbourne Cabaret Festival
The third annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival will burst out across Melbourne over an expanded ten night season from Thursday 12 to Saturday 21 July 2012.
The program will be launched on the night of Monday 21 May. After then, explore the website for the full line-up of shows, late night experiences and master classes.
MSO presents Beethoven's Fifth and Pines of Rome
Alternating between the massive orchestral splendours of two works inspired by Roman spectacle, and the contrasting colours of Beethoven and Debussy, this concert is full of musical treasures.
Opening with one of the most famous works in the history of music, the concert concludesin a blaze of Roman glory with the thrilling spectacle of Pines of Rome.
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 2012 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!
Design:Made:Trade
Design:Made:Trade is the one and only design fair of its kind in Australia. The design fair, now in its fifth year, is part of Australia's largest celebration of design.
Design:Made:Trade will again take place at the historic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, and will be accompanied by design-related workshops, talks, exhibitions and displays. A two day trade fair, two day public consumer fair - Design:Made:Trade presents the very best of Australian design covering furniture, fashion, industrial design brands and much more.
A stepping stone for emerging designers, Design:Made:Trade is a curated show which presents a unique platform to create networks. Balancing a consumer market atmosphere with trade opportunity, Design:Made:Trade acts as a podium to help build business partnerships and gives designers the chance for profile elevation.
Celebrating a diverse range of design, this year's exhibitors cover an array of disciplines such as graphics, interiors, industrial, software, fashion, and visual arts. From conceptual works by designer such as Rowena Martinich, to finished and realised product from DesignByThem, Tide Design and Ink & Spindle - a spectrum of designers blur creative boundaries, offering boundless inspiration.
MSO presents Bolero
Ravel was an innovator who brought together superb skill and vivid imagination to create music that is enthralling in every way. From the lush splendour of Daphnis and Chloe, with its ecstatic climax, through the nostalgic beauty of the Piano Concerto's second movement, to the mesmeric dance of passion in Bolero, the richness of Ravel is on full display in these wonderful works.
The Nutcracker on Ice
The international ice dance sensation Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return this winter with a dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice
For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer - the world's leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice - has once again teamed with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful sublime ice dancing.
This brand new production follows the classic Russian tale of Maria, the little girl whose love brings to life her cherished Nutcracker dill - a magical Christmas gift from her mysterious Godfather - leading to adventures with the Mouse King, the enchanted Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
MSO presents Pictures at an Exhibition
A selection of Russian masterpieces provides the perfect showcase for the talents of the brilliant young conductor Tugan Sokhiev. Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's piano suite is famous for its spectacular imagery and thrilling orchestral colours. In his Second Piano Concerto, Rachmaninov bounced back from the depths of depression to create a work of unforgettable melodies which have made their way into the popular consciousness, ranging from the classic film romance Brief Encounter (1947) to the 1970s pop hit, All by Myself.
Melbourne Open House
Melbourne Open House (MOH) 2012 unlocks the city's significant buildings for the fine people of Melbourne (and her visitors) to explore. It's a rare opportunity to discover the often-hidden wealth of design, architecture, engineering and historic gems nestled around the city. If you love Melbourne, you'll love Melbourne Open House.
A free event held over two days in July, MOH in its fifth year promises to be bigger than ever in 2012, with an estimated 100,000 people exploring 100 buildings. Favourite buildings from the past few years are re-opening.
Some of the buildings and tours require booking - Bookings commence early July online. Take the opportunity to explore areas that normally may not be accessible and learn more about the city of Melbourne. Pencil in Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 of July on your calendar and prepare to be a tourist in your own city for a day...or two.
Melbourne Open House is a not-for-profit organisation run by a group of professionals volunteering their time and services. It's made possible through the generous support of partners, sponsors, building owners and volunteers. Melbourne Open House is a Committee for Melbourne initiative.
To view the Melbourne Open House map, please visit the website.
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.
Race 1 - Sunday 24 June, Studley Park, Kew, Melbourne: 5km / 10.8km
Race 2 - Sunday 29 July, Plenty Gorge: 6.4km / 11.8km
Race 3 -Sunday 26 August, Silvan, Dandenong Ranges: 7.3km / 14.3km
Race 4 - Sunday 23 September, Anglesea, Great Ocean Road: 7.9km / 14.6km
New event - Saturday 22nd September, Surf Coast Century, Anglesea, Great Ocean Road, 100km Ultra Marathon
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 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 61 years in 2012 which makes it one of the oldest film festival's 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.
ACO – Beethoven 9, Ode to Joy
The ACO's internationally-acclaimed Beethoven symphony series reaches its climax with Symphony No.9, Ode to Joy, featuring one of the finest British choirs and an exceptional line-up of soloists.
Critics called the ACO's recent Beethoven concert in London "the finest concert of the summer" and spoke of "thrilling playing", "vibrant drive" and "total involvement", concluding, "this compact chamber orchestra matches anything Europe can offer in energy, precision and interpretative rigour."
Building to the symphony, a trio of serene yet intense works, swelling to Beethoven's depiction of a sea voyage.
MESSIAEN - Prayer of Christ ascending towards his Father, from L'Ascension
BRAHMS - Geistliches Lied
BEETHOVEN - Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage
BEETHOVEN - Symphony No.9
Richard Tognetti Artistic - Director and Lead Violin
Choir of Clare College, Cambridge (Graham Ross Director)
Lucy Crowe - Soprano
Fiona Campbell - Mezzo Soprano
Allan Clayton - Tenor
Matthew Brook - Bass
HIA BuildGreen Expo
Victorian householders and businesses are set to be offered the keys to creating a new era of sustainability.
With over 100 exhibitors and growing daily, showcasing products and services which save water, save energy, reduce waste, increase recycling or provide cleaner energy for use in the home or business.
Visitors will be able to save money by comparing and buying hundreds of amazing products to cut water, energy and bills. The best eco technologies on the market will be demonstrated and experts available to answer questions. Practical free seminars on how to positively impact the planet will also run continuously over the three days.
Many households and businesses, want to make changes, but are not sure what steps they can take to contribute. The BuildGreen Expo will provide the forum for visitors to gather information from the experts and make informed decisions on how they can make an impact on their own environments.
Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow 2012
Coonawarra is hitting the road again! Get up close and personal with your favourite Coonawarra winemakers during the 2012 Annual Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow.
Coming to the Melbourne Town Hall on the 16th of August 2012, this is your chance to see, smell and taste an impressive range of Coonawarra wines and meet the winemakers
Cry Me A River: The World of Julie London
Backed by a ten-piece band, Rhonda dims the lights as she slips into the world of one of America's most mysterious sirens, Julie London.
After rave reviews and sell-out shows at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Brisbane's Powerhouse, Australia's sexiest chanteuse Rhonda Burchmore brings Cry Me A River: The World of Julie London to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre.
With a long list that includes some of the great tunes of the era, Rhonda teases the audience and captures London's effortless style while showcasing some of her biggest hits. Her timeless songbook includes 'Cry Me A River', 'Let There Be Love', 'Saturday Night' (is the loneliest night in the week), 'You'd be so Nice to Come Home To' and many more.
Chess
With lyrics by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King) and music by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Mamma Mia!), this highly acclaimed musical develops the ancient distinguished game of chess into a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political intrigue.
Inspired by Bobby Fischer-Boris Spassky Match of the Century in 1972, the monumental rock score for this brilliant musical includes the mega hits 'I Know Him So Well', 'One Night In Bangkok', 'Where I Want To Be' and 'Anthem', one of the most stirring melodies ever.
"One of the best rock scores ever produced in the theater. This is an angry, difficult and rewarding show, one that pushes the boundaries of the form" - Time Magazine.
Tickets on sale through Arts Centre Melbourne from 14 May 2012.
Melbourne Writers Festival
In 2012, Melbourne Writers Festival, the city's premier literary event, celebrates its 27th anniversary. The festival brings together an array of talented writers, artists, thinkers and performers from across the globe.
Expect the unexpected as Melbourne Writers Festival opens its doors to all - celebrating everything from novels to film, from journalism to songwriting, from comedy to cartooning and from advertising to politics.
Please stay tuned to the website for the full details of the 2012 program.
MSO presents Grieg Concerto
Sir Andrew Davis leads a celebration of the music of Australia's - and Melbourne's - greatest composer, the fascinating and brilliant Percy Grainger. An orchestrator of dazzling virtuosity, Grainger invested the music of British and American folk traditions with original realisations, and his music exults in an Australian ideal of democratic openness. As a pianist, Grainger's performances of the concerto by his mentor and friend Edvard Grieg were famed for their sympathy and insight, and this concert celebrates Grainger's triumph with a performance by superb Australian pianist Piers Lane.
The Spring Graze
The Spring Graze, from the makers of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, welcomes the start of spring with more than 60 events across Melbourne and Victoria throughout September.
From gourmet picnics and alfresco dining under the warm spring sunshine, to tastings of delicate new-release wines and dinners inspired by multi-cultural traditions, restaurants, wineries and producers will celebrate the Put Victoria on Your Table philosophy by drawing on a bounty of new-season produce.
For a full listing of The Spring Graze events, visit the website.
Australian Football League Finals Series
Don't miss the spectacular crescendo of 23 weeks of fantastic competition in the 2012 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.
Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA)
Prepare to hold on tight as the Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) graces Melbourne for the first time ever this September! In what will be four days of drama, comedy, action and more, KOFFIA will take Victorians on an intense ride of Korean cinema!
Taking place at ACMI Cinemas, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne, KOFFIA will be more than just a film festival, featuring industry forums, musical performances and cultural acts.
Presenting a showcase of the latest hits direct from the land of morning calm, as well as a few classics, the Korean Film Festival offers a direct chance for people to satisfy their hunger for drama. Don't miss it! The Korean Film Festival in Australia is organised by the Korean Cultural Office Australia.
For details about KOFFIA including session times and how to buy tickets, visit the website.
2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival
The much-loved Melbourne Fringe Festival is an annual showcase of the breadth and depth of talent emerging from Victoria's diverse and complex independent arts scene. Kicking off on September 19 and running through to October 7, the 2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival will showcase 324 bold new shows covering every conceivable art forms, from circus to cabaret, dance to design.
For 19 days, the cream of Melbourne's independent arts scene will bring you something new, something different and everything inspiring.
Cancer Council Walk to Work Day
Individuals and organisations are encouraged to build regular walking into their daily routine by registering for this year's Cancer Council Walk to Work Day: Friday, September 28.
Registration is free and for the first time organisations and individuals also have the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for the Cancer Council.
View the website for more information.
Promises, Promises
Set in Manhattan in the 60's, Promises, Promises stars Australia's favourite leading lady, Marina Prior (Mary Poppins, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Fran Kubelik, the cafeteria waitress whose romantic troubles have got her down and Matt Hetherington (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sugar) as Chuck Baxter, the enterprising associate on the way up. This smart and sexy musical is based on the Oscar-winning Billy Wilder film, The Apartment.
Promises, Promises has a score by the Academy-award winning team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and book by the legendary Neil Simon who with this musical, tickles your funny bone and then breaks your heart. Their hits from this show are 'I Say A Little Prayer', 'I'll Never Fall In Love Again' and 'Promises, Promises'.
Tickets on sale through Arts Centre Melbourne from 14 May 2012.
ACO – Mozart, Handel & Vivaldi Concertos
One of the world's finest keyboard players, respected conductor and historian, and director of the Academy of Ancient Music, musical firebrand Richard Egarr directs this concert of rousing Baroque music from the harpsichord and performs Mozart's delightful Piano Concerto No.12 on the fortepiano.
Egarr's program displays all the invention and innovation that abounded through the 17th and 18th centuries, calling on virtuosic techniques that still excite the ear. Egarr introduces the music in talks one hour before each concert.
Satu Vänskä is soloist in a dashing Vivaldi concerto on the ACO's Stradivarius violin.
CORELLI - Concerto Grosso, Op.6 No.1
CASTELLO - Two Sonatas, "per stromenti d'arco"
BIBER - Battalia
VIVALDI - Violin Concerto, RV190
MOZART - Piano Concerto No.12
HANDEL Concerto Grosso, Op.6 No.1
Richard Egarr - Guest Director, Harpsichord, Fortepiano
Satu Vänskä - Lead Violin
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 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.
2012 Melbourne Marathon Festival
The 2012 Melbourne Marathon Festival will be held on Sunday October 14.
This year, with over 28,000 registered competitors we will head 'Back to the G' for another action packed weekend of events!
After a year away from the MCG in 2011 the 2012 Melbourne Marathon Festival is pleased to announce that all participants will have the opportunity to cross the finish line on the grass of the famous MCG.
Online registrations will open on Wednesday May 7 for all event categories which include the Marathon, the Flight Centre Half Marathon, The Coffee Club 10km, the Asics 5.7km and the Asics 3km Walk.
Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase
Meet the brewers. Enjoy their beer.
The idea is simple but there's nothing 'simple' about the boutique beers featured in the Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase. Learn more about the brewing process and enjoy up to 20 samples from Victoria's finest microbreweries.
Don't miss the next Microbreweries Showcase at Federation Square in October.
Melbourne Microbats
This year Melbourne Microbats research teams will be treated to a complete dusk till dawn experience sleeping overnight inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - something usually unavailable for the general public - while also being able to enjoy the Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema in the gardens while waiting for the microbats to come out.
Looking for a fun family activity on a Saturday night? Why not sign up for an overnight adventure inside the Royal Botanical Gardens and help uncover the secrets of Melbourne's urban dwelling tiny bats. Children, aged 10-17 are only $59 and adults are $89. All prices include accommodation, breakfast, light refreshments and a contribution to continuing this important research. Family nights are only the Saturday night teams.
This year's field research will focus on the long-term viability of microbats in Melbourne by focusing on female microbats; their breeding behaviours, reproduction, survival rates of babies, birth rates, death rates and roosting locations.
Details on the distribution, abundance and diet of bats will be recorded and later analysed in the laboratory by researchers. This information will be used to establish baseline data on the community composition and critical habitat requirements of insectivorous bats across greater Melbourne and ways to better conserve and sustain their populations.
ACO – Russian Visions
As soon as he played with the ACO, Steven Osborne wanted to return with Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No.1, for it requires an immensely virtuosic string orchestra, flexibility and humour veering on craziness. The time has now come with this all-Russian concert.
Brimming with carefree energy, Tchaikovsky's Souvenir is an exuberant postcard from an Italian summer holiday. "The ACO...set the audience in a spin with its heady version of Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence. Richard Tognetti was intent on making the most of the Russian nostalgia, romancing his violins, sending the audience into a clapping frenzy." Herald Sun
PROKOFIEV (arr. Barshai/Tognetti) - Visions fugitives
SHOSTAKOVICH - Piano Concerto No.1
SHOSTAKOVICH - Octet
TCHAIKOVSKY - Souvenir de Florence
Richard Tognetti - Artistic Director and Lead Violin
Steven Osborne - Piano
David Elton - Trumpet
Polish Festival @ Federation Square
Ever wished you could just stick a pin in the map, tap your shoes and transport yourself to somewhere exciting and faraway? To spend a day of your weekend overseas, but be back in the comfort of your own home Sunday night? Well, forget plane tickets and hanging around airports for hours - with just a short drive or train trip, you can experience all the captivating colour, sounds and aromas of a European market square right here in the centre of Melbourne!
As it has done with astounding success for seven years now, the Polish Festival at Federation Square recreates Melbourne's most iconic space into an experience straight out of Krakow's Old Town. Packed with all the things people travel the globe for, there'll be lively music and dancing, mouth-watering food and beverages as well as a plethora of unique merchandise - from T-shirts to Christmas decorations, books to jewellery, and of course travel services, should you love the recreation so much you decide to check out the original!
Down by the Yarra there'll also be the all-day Kid's Stop, where the little 'uns can get creative at their own private party, and for grown-ups, our ever-popular beer garden, offering a chance to relax in the shade and sample some of Poland's world-class ale. Up on the square's main stage, Poland's various distinct regions will be represented in a packed 7-hour program, that takes you right around the country in a whirlwind spectacle of song and dance.
All Melburnians are warmly invited to take advantage of the once-a-year travel offer on Sunday 18 November, and experience the festive and fun-loving heart of Poland in the sun-drenched surrounds of Melbourne. Unlike the travel agents, this trip is absolutely free, no insurance needed and is definitely not to be missed!
The Suzuki Night Market
The Suzuki Night Market season begins on Wednesday November 28th, 2012.
Food
Take a tour of world flavours. Over 35 stalls prepare fresh food on-site from a range of cuisines, including: Indian, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Spanish, Dutch and Middle Eastern.
Bars and Wineries
Fully licensed bars where you can select from a range of Victoria's regional vineyards. Enjoy their best vintages by the glass or bottle on the night or take some home for the cellar.
Free Entertainment
Two stages showcasing the best world music and live entertainment Melbourne has to offer!
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!
Over 200 vendors offering everything from unique clothing and jewellery through to original prints and plants, promising a unusual shopping experience that will have you coming back for more.
Health and Harmony
An area dedicated to mind, body and spirit - enjoy massage therapists, visit tarot and aura readers, reflexology and iridology practitioners.
Regional Food
Stock the pantry with a selection of Victoria's regional fare. Taste a delightful array of food to take home. Includes wonderful chutneys, mustards, olive oils, fudge and both fresh and dried fruit.
WDSF World DanceSport Championship Standard
The world's top athletes will take to the floor at the WDSF World Dance Championship Standard, on Sunday 2 December 2012.
Arguably the most prestigious discipline in the sport of dance, the event will attract over 220 competitors from more than 50 countries and take place as part of 'A Festival of Dance'.
The DanceSport program across the four days will feature:
Thursday 29th, Friday 30th November and Saturday 1st December: The 67th Australian DanceSport Championships including an international ranking event in Standard and Latin.
Sunday 2nd December: The 2012 WDSF World DanceSport Championships Standard, with the Grand Final taking place in the evening as part of a spectacular grand final event.
Pottery Expo @ Federation Square
The Pottery Expo project was created in 2001 by Jane Annois, an internationally exhibited Australian ceramic artist and teacher. The project aims to promote high quality innovative studio ceramics created by Australian ceramic artists, bringing these art works to the public at various venues. Expo's are held in Warrandyte, Federation Square and Gapsted.
The first Pottery Expo @ Federation Square in November 2005 was a great success and it has now become a popular annual event. The Potter Expos are a great opportunity to meet and see the work of not only local potters but also those from around Victoria and interstate.
Pottery Expo is based on the concept of the Marché de Potiers [Potters Markets] of France. Bringing ceramic art more into the public arena is an important part of fostering the growth and development of this artistic field.
Some feature attractions include:
- Many of Victoria's finest ceramic artists presenting their work for sale. Meet the artists, be captivated by their work
- Activities and Demonstrations throughout the day: throwing, decorating, sculpting, hand-building and more
- TAFE and University ceramics courses represented by students and lecturers
- Ceramic products and information available (books, clay, tools, etc)
- Food and refreshments on-site
- Live music
War Horse
War Horse is based on the celebrated novel by Michael Morpurgo.
Actors, working with magnificent, life-sized puppets, lead us on a thrilling and emotional journey through history.
A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.
At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land.
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.
Australian Open - The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific
Summer in Australia is tennis. Balmy nights, superstar tennis players, colourful fans and unpredictable matches that cause some to weep in sorrow and others to shed tears of jubilation.
For two weeks in January, Melbourne Park has it all. The eyes of the world zone in on this vibrant precinct as the best tennis players on the planet fight it out for one of the biggest Grand Slam(R) titles the sport has to offer - the Australian Open.
And every year it keeps getting bigger, better, more intense and more breathtaking as these stunning athletes leave nothing to chance in their quest for the ultimate prize.
It won't come easy or without drama, angst, excitement and triumph as the best tennis players in the world push each other to unchartered territory in skill, determination, courage and endurance.
Check the website for all the latest news and further ticket information, or join slice newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and offers from Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.
2012 FORMULA 1(TM) Australian Grand Prix
*Date subject to FOM confirmation.
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 2012 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.
Thai Culture and Food Festival
Join the Thai community as they celebrate and showcase their rich and historical culture.
The 9th Annual Festival will begin with a traditional blessing by Buddhist monks, and an opening ceremony. Federation Square will be transformed into a haven of Thai culture with booths showcasing Thai arts and crafts, Thai tourism and Thai kick boxing. On offer there will also be Thai massage and information about Thailand and its people.
There will be continuous entertainment on stage with performances of Thai dance, Thai kickboxing, a Miss Thailand beauty contest and a fashion parade. The fashion parade will be featuring the best in Thai designs including famous Thai silk. Thai Product stalls will sell Thai produce.
Enjoy 30 performers direct from Thailand plus local talent. The riverbank side of Fed Square will be bedecked with food tents featuring 20 of Melbourne's premier Thai restaurants serving Thai delicacies and highlighting regional food and drink specialities as well as the famous Singha Beer gardens and music stage and live performances and more in the BMW Edge theatre.
The Festival attracted 65,000 people to Federation Square last year - it is a fun-filled family event and it is free!
Visit the website for further details.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
This coming Autumn looks totally foolish with the 2013 Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolling around again throughout March and April - the greatest comedy caper in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Comedy Festival doesn't come cheap on talent, but the tickets are. There's even an extensive free program to suit the most fiscally challenged of punters. Great value laughs are dished out by the most popular of local comics and some very special international guests - from stand-up to theatre, music, film and even visual art.
There's something to satisfy the tastes of everyone - even the stoniest faced naysayers - incorporating the likes of little tykes over the school holidays right through to the midnight schmoozers who can't get enough of a good thing.
Planetshakers Conference
Planetshakers Conference is aimed at impacting and empowering people of all ages to be all they can be and to make a difference in their community.
Previously a youth conference held in four states each January with 25,000 attendees, Planetshakers Conference has emerged and is now a national conference held in Melbourne, Australia. It will incorporate three separate conferences in one, an 18+ Conference, Youth Conference and Children's Conference.
Bangla New Year by SHUROLOK
A colourful cultural evening is being organised to celebrate the Bangla New Year (Bengali era 1419) in Melbourne. SHUROLOK, a prominent community cultural group based in Melbourne, will host the event at the BMW Edge (Federation Square).
Bangla (or Bengali) is one of the widely spoken languages of the current world with estimated native speakers of 180 million. Though it is native to the eastern region of South Asia (Bangladesh; Indian states West Bengal or Paschim Banga, and parts of Assam and Tripura), the Bangla-speaking Bangalee diaspora spreads around the world. Bangaless across the globe would consider the advent of the Bangla New Year as a momentous occasion. They call it 'Pohela Baishakh' meaning the first day (pohela) of the first month (Baishakh) in the Bangla calendar which falls on 13 April 2013.
As a traditional and most widely celebrated secular festival, Bangalees welcome Pohela Baishakh with rendition of traditional music - dance, Mela (open market), wearing colourful traditional clothes, eating sweets and exchanging greetings - "Shubho Noboborsho" (Happy Bangla New Year).
Charming melody, jubilant rhythm and flamboyant dance are integral part of all Bangalee celebrations.
ANZAC Day at the Shrine
ANZAC Day, one of the most celebrated days in history commemorates and remembers those who fought for us in the Great War. Each year there is a dawn service and a march to honour those men and women.
The Dawn Service commences on the Shrine Forecourt at 6am. The ANZAC Day March along St Kilda Road starts at approximately 9am and concludes at the Shrine by 1pm for the Commemorative Service.
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.