Our LAND People Stories, Bangarra Dance Theatre, February 23–24
If you’ve never had the pleasure of being mesmerised by the the Bangarra Dance Theatre, then here’s your chance. Known for showcasing compelling contemporary dance, soul-stirring soundscapes and uniquely Australian stories, Bangarra is one of the country’s leading performing arts companies and is bringing its distinctive theatrical voice to the Gold Coast with Our LAND People Stories. The show will feature three pieces – the paintings of Yirrkala artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu will be brought to life in Nyapanyapa, Wiradjuri family and kinship is explored in Miyagan, and the two sides of Sydney’s Governor Macquarie are uncovered in Macq. Don’t miss this.
Musical Fairytales, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, May 4
Music is a universal language of love and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra is giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the sounds of some of the world’s most famous romantic composers for one day only. The impressive performance will showcase Tchaikovsky’s elegant Sleeping Beauty, Strauss’ waltz Fairytales from the Orient, Prokofiev’s irresistible Cinderella and for the Aladdin fans – Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Sit back and let the talented ensemble brings these fairytale classics to life. Lovers of classical music, this is for you.
ab [intra], Sydney Dance Company, July 25–July 26
The Sydney Dance Company is back in town with the world premier of the Rafael Bonachela’s ab [intra]. Meaning ‘from within’ in Latin, Bonachela’s latest collaboration with Nick Wales explores the depths of human impulse by taking audiences on an electrifying journey into the extremes of human nature to discover what drives our relationships and ignites our ambitions. Featuring some of Australia’s best contemporary dancers, ab [intra] showcases mind-blowing athleticism and form to delve deep into the shared instincts that drive us apart and eventually bring us back together. Get set to be entertained, inspired and challenged from your seat.
Ruddigore or The Witch’s Curse, Opera Queensland, August 3–4
Lindy Hume, one Australia’s leading directors, is bringing the critically acclaimed production Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore or The Witch’s Curse to Gold Coast audiences, showcasing the wild and wonderful world of Victoriana. You’ll be laughing out loud as you’re taken on a journey through marriage, madness and mayhem with musical gems and colourful characters brought to life by a world-class cast including Bryan Probets, Christine Johnston, Kanen Breen, Jason Barry-Smith, Roxane Hislop and Natalie Christie Peluso as ‘Rose Maybud’. As the story goes, shy and law-abiding gent Robin Oakapple tries to muster the courage to ask Rose Maybud to marry him, but he’s an heir to a horrible curse and must commit a terrible deed every day or face a tortuous death. Curious? Same!
52 Strings, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, September 8
Treat your ears to the musical spectacle that is 52 Strings by The Arts Centre’s 2018 Ensemble-in-Residence, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, featuring talented string students and educators from the Gold Coast who have come together to create a mass ensemble of 52 strings. The showcase will pair together two works – one is a rare live performance of Penderecki’s 1960 Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, in which local musicians are invited to play. The full orchestra will come together to perform the renowned Vaughan-Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, before the Camerata completes the program with music from its Helpmann Award-nominated concert, Home.
You can feast your eyes on the 2018 season and book tickets online.
