Verdi’s Requiem, HOTA, April 27
Not many of us can say we’ve seen almost 100 musicians and a chorus of over 60 singers perform live, but Verdi’s Requiem is here to change that. This incredible score was written when Verdi’s dear friend, poet and national hero Alessandro Manzoni died and Verdi was too grief-stricken to attend the funeral. From his sorrow came Verdi’s Requiem, one of the most powerful pieces of orchestra and chorus ever written, and Bleach* Festival is bringing its very own rendition to the Gold Coast. This performance is the festival’s centrepiece for good reason and we couldn’t resist listing it first in our favourites!
Throttle, Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, April 24–28
When most of us think of a drive-in performance, we’ll be taken back to nostalgic evenings at the trusty Yatala Drive-In. Although the concept is similar, Throttle by The Farm takes this idea and runs with it, producing live theatre for audiences to witness from the safety of their own cars. Audiences park up, shine their headlights on the cast and listen to the performance through their car radio. What ensues is an evening of movement from a collective of like-minded artists set to defy all expectations and genres.
Water Songs, various locations, April 18–23
The Gold Coast is known for its beautiful waterways and this festival season, Water Songs will voyage the coast’s waterways for its magical concert series. Join Stringmansassy front-woman Kacey Patrick, cabaret performer Pearly Black, 2018 Queensland Music Award Winner Karl S Williams and many more for one-of-a-kind performances in canals, creeks and channels across the coast. Being serenaded by some of the coast’s most amazing voices with our very own waterways as a beautiful backdrop sounds like absolute perfection to us. Note that this event has various locations and times, so be sure to head to the Bleach* website for performance whereabouts and updates.
Pyrophone Juggernaut, Bleach* at Burleigh, April 17–21
Have you ever seen a blazing, ship-shaped flame organ in action? Neither have we, which is why we won’t be missing Pyrophone Juggernaut at this year’s Bleach* Festival! Hubbub Music’s Pyrophone Juggernaut is the largest, hand-operated, multi-octave fire organ in the world and it’s sure to excite every member of the audience with its deep growls, atavistic moans and choral-sounding timbres. Head down to the Bleach* at Burleigh precinct for this distinctive performance, where you’ll experience a dazzling inferno in the park as it erupts into the night. You can hang around the Burleigh Bleach* Club pop-up bar for a beer and bite before or after as well.
Montaigne, Bleach* at Burleigh, April 28
Being the closing act of Bleach* Festival is no easy feat, but we know this responsibility is safe in Montaigne’s very trusty hands! Supported by Ella Fence, Pink Matter and Luther Cora, ARIA-Award winner Montaigne is sure to sing the house down at Bleach* at Burleigh with her captivating voice and electrifying art-pop tunes. If you’re looking for the perfect way to say farewell to the Bleach* Festival season, then this is an event not to be missed!
Take a look at the entire Bleach* Festival 2019 program here.
