All posts tagged: culture

Opera in the Bowl

There’s no better way to spend a balmy summer’s evening than with a picnic in hand and live music in the Myer Music Bowl. Join the most‐loved opera chorus and arias from four leading soloists, the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria, this Saturday as they present Mazda Opera in the Bowl. Brought to you by Opera Australia’s Principal Partner Mazda Australia, this free concert celebrates the magic and memorable moments in opera. The 2015 line-up features dazzling soprano Eva Kong, gorgeous mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley; tender-hearted tenor Diego Torre; and commanding baritone Luke Gabbedy, with Orchestra Victoria conducted by Anthony Legge with the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Christopher Lawrence. Bring the kids, this event is family-friendly and free! So, whether you’re an opera aficionado or opera novice (like us), this is the perfect way to spend a chilled Saturday night. When: Saturday, 14 November Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl Visit the website here. We Know Melbourne tip: You can’t book your seat, so be sure to  be sure to arrive early as capacity is limited to 10,000.

Polish Festival

For one day, Federation Square will be transformed into a European style historic town square for the Polish Festival. The festival celebrates Polish hospitality as well as their hearty food and ‘romantic traditions.’ Sounds like one not to be missed. When: Sunday, 15 November, 10am – 5pm Where: Federation Square Visit the website here.  Want to find out more about what’s happening in Melbourne? Sign up to the We Know Melbourne mailing list here to stay in the loop.

French Festival

Paris to Provence

The annual extravagant Paris to Provence French Festival  returns to the Como Historic House this November for it’s sixth year. Immerse yourself in a whimsical French pop-up village for 3 days showcasing the beauty and elegance of the French culture. Recreating a French marketplace, the Como Historic House will be tranformed into a lively French village filled with stalls of French Chefs, cultural activities, the finest French food and wine, roaming performers, French music, ballet and art classes, and a French Photography contest & exhibition. To top it all off, there will  even be a French bulldogs dress-up party. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the French countryside (or are longing for a return), the Paris to Provence Festival will inspire you to book that one way ticket. When: November 20 -22 Where: Como Historic House Visit the website here.  Win a double pass to Paris to Provence. Visit our Facebook or Instagram for all the details. Want to find out more about what’s happening in Melbourne? Sign up to the We Know Melbourne mailing list …

National Geographic Live: Ocean Wild

Dive deep into the world’s oceans with one of National Geographic’s most seasoned explorers. Watch as Brian Skerry’s images illuminate the vast hidden world beneath the waves. Join Brian for an intimate look at dolphins’ intelligence, hang out with the endearing Artic harp seal discover the truth about the global fish crisis and circumnavigate the globe in search of the world’s most endangered whale, the right whale. When: Thursday, 29 October Where: Hamer Hall Visit the website here.

The Village Festival

Celebrating it’s 10th birthday, The Village Festival returns to Edinburgh Gardens this October. Part old-school circus, part village carnival, and part edgy arts festival, the festival is the perfect one to welcome in the summer festival season. The birthday festivities will feature  four days and nights of creativity, curiosity and craziness. With a program full of interpretive dance, theatre, and kids performances, this is truly an event with something for everyone (and their dog!). When: 29 October – 1 November 2015 Where: Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North Visit the website here. 

The Changing Face of Victoria

Take a step back in time and discover the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria. From Ned Kelly’s original armour, to letters from World War One and images of Coles 100 years ago, the Library’s historic collections of photographs, personal accounts and artefacts will delight and amaze.  New items and stories are added to this exhibition twice yearly, revealing different aspects of the Library’s historic collection. Visit The Changing Faces of Victoria exhibition in the octagonal, fifth-level balcony of the State Library’s Domed Reading Room. When: 1 Jan 2014 – 31 Dec 2016 Where: State Library of Victoria Visit the website here. 

Federation Bells

Birrarung Marr’s Federation Bells are a set of 39 bronze bells that chime out more than 30 compositions three times and the City of Melbourne with Arts Victoria are giving the public the opportunity to  compose the music for Melbourne’s Federation Bells. Head to  www.federationbells.com.au, where you can create a virtual multi-track masterpiece using the 39 distinctive bells. Publish your composition and you can hear it played on the Federation Bells installation in Birrarung Marr. Listen out for the bells ringing each day between 8am to 9am, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and 5pm to 6pm. When: 22 Jan 2014 – 20 Nov 2016 Where: Birrarung Marr Visit the website here.

Midsumma Festival

Melbourne’s annual queer celebration, Midsumma Festival returns this January for another great 2 weeks full of arts and culture spread over 85 different venues. Bringing together a mixed bag of artists and performers, the festival will include events and activities such as visual art, theatre, cabaret, live music, parties and film. When: 17 Jan 2016 – 7 Feb 2016 Where: various venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria Visit the website here. 

Victoriana Pleasure Garden

The Victoriana Pleasure Garden exhibition launches at Tasma Terrace this Friday. The exhibition seex a fusion of nineteenth century high fashion, photography and culture from acclaimed photographer Gerard O’Connor and stylist Marc Wasiak.  Capturing the spirit of the Victoriana garden party and Spring in all its glory, this is one garden party not to be missed. Don’t miss their pop-up bar this Friday with food, wine, beer and bubbles. When: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, October 5 – December 18 2015 Where: Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne 3002   Visit the website here.

Rivoli Cinemas turns 75

The Rivoli Cinemas turns 75 years old this month and to celebrate they’re holding a weekly classic film series. Take a step back in time and catch old classics like Casablanca, Vertigo and Shawshank Redemption. The art-deco cinemas officially opened its doors on October 11, 1940 and was designed by noted cinema architects, H. Vivian Taylor and Sollieaux. Over the years, Rivoli Cinemas has become a landmark in Victoria, possessing a rich heritage with its stunning art deco opulence, showcasing the latest in contemporary and art-house film offerings. The month-long celebrations will finish with a nostalgia imbued Gala event, including an exclusive screening to the most anticipated film of the year, Carol (2015), starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara! Visit the website here.