March 2023

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The cover of Limelight's March 2023 issue

Features

Sir Simon chats about Bruckner, Brexit and the LSO tour of Australia.

by Clive Paget

From the Olympics to opera, Àlex Ollé discusses La Fura dels Baus.

by Jansson J. Antmann

Jennifer Koh on racism and investing in the music of tomorrow.

by Jessie Tu

The importance of breath control for musicians and singers.

by Shamistha de Soysa

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Soundings

Interview

Anne-Louise Sarks is about to direct her first play as Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO. She discusses her path to directing, her special rapport with Kate Mulvany, and Sarah Bernhardt’s bravado.

by Jo Litson

On the Record

This month, Roderick Williams gussies up English songs, Ravel and Arnold receive ardent advocacy, and a trio of suppressed Jessye Norman recordings sees the light of day.

by Clive Paget

Cutting Edge

Percussive artist Matthias Schack-Arnott talks about opening up John Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes with his three-dimensional musical approach.

by Maddy Briggs

Interview

Neurodiverse writer Ryan Enniss addresses preconceptions about autism in his new play Drizzle Boy.

by Steve Dow

Books

The ballet icon’s life and work undergo a forensic examination that pulls no punches.

★★★★★

by Jansson J. Antmann

Film

The 2023 Alliance Française French Film Festival is a showcase of French stars – and zombies.

by Jason Blake

Film

Fans of British cinema will find Sam Mendes’ film, starring Olivia Colman, a poignant trip down memory lane.

★★★★½

by Clive Paget

In the Limelight

A round-up of our recent news reports.

The latest arts appointments and departures.

The buzz around live performance.

Radio and streaming concert highlights.

Coda

Guy Noble's Soapbox

There are times when we can’t help longing for reclining, cinema-style seating at the theatre.

by Guy Noble

Playing Up

Karin Schaupp was born to play the guitar. She explains why the instrument always brings her comfort, and her plan to affirm its chamber music credentials.

by Karin Schaupp

Sacred Cow

Diana Simmonds considers the showbiz adage, ‘never work with animals or children’, as sound advice on the animal front.

by Diana Simmonds

5 Questions For

The Venezuelan-born pianist, who was mentored by Martha Argerich and Nelson Freire, has become a favourite with Queensland audiences. He discusses his return after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

by Sergio Tiempo

My Music

The Sydney-based director recalls his journey from the school choir to the operatic stage, via musical theatre and the Olympics.

by Shaun Rennie

Playlists

Staff and Contributors

Editor
Jo Litson

Digital Editor
Jason Blake

Designer
Tristan Main

Editor-­at-­Large
Clive Paget

Staff Writer
Maddy Briggs

Contributors
Peter Berner, Shamistha de Soysa, Steve Dow, Jansson J. Antmann, Guy Noble, Shaun Rennie, Phillip Scott, Karin Schaupp, Diana Simmonds, Sergio Tiempo, Jessie Tu, Will Yeoman

Publisher

Limelight Arts Media Pty Ltd

Chief Executive Officer
Cara Anderson

Subscriptions & Operations Manager
William Jeffery

Sales Manager
Carla Bird

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Printing
Printed in Australia by IVE

Limelight is published by Limelight Arts Media Pty Ltd (ABN 34 624 578 801)

© 2023 Limelight Arts Media

No material may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher

Next issue available 20 March

This month’s cover image is a photograph from Opera Australia’s 2014 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of Madama Butterfly, directed by Àlex Ollé. Photo © James Morgan