Monthly Archives: March 2014

THE NEWCASTLE CONSERVATORIUM 2014 CONCERT DIARY

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MARCH

Thursday 27 1:00pm Free Lunchtime Concert – American cellist Eugene
Friesen. Four time Grammy Award Winner Friesen has
broken new ground for the cello, using it in a wide
variety of non-classical settings and creating new
techniques to expand its role as a solo and accompanying
instrument.

Friday 28 7:00pm Autumn Winds. Our Conservatorium Concert Band and
Junior Concert Band perform. Featuring soloists.

APRIL

Thursday 3 1:00pm Free Lunchtime Concert. University of Newcastle staff
perform a range of instruments and genres.
Friday 4 7:00pm Newcastle Writers Festival Launch. Special guest
speaker Wendy Harmer. She is one of Australia’s most
respected and versatile entertainers – broadcaster,
author, journalist and stage performer. Wendy will speak
about how the passion for reading shaped her life.
Saturday 5 10:00am Community Music Open Day at Maitland. Come
along and experience the joy of making music, we’ll
happily show you how! Free demonstrations plus a
chance to win four free lessons in an instrument if your
choice. Located at our Maitland Conservatorium at 301
High Street Maitland.

Thursday 10 1:00pm Free Lunchtime Concert – Romano Crivici.
Crivici’s music has its roots in pop, contemporary,
classical and native Australian sources. Experience
simple, haunting melodic patterns.

MAY

Thursday 8 1:00pm Free Lunchtime Concert. Performances by Bachelor of
Music Honours students in a range of various instruments
and genres.

Thursday 15 7:30pm Musica Viva presents American Brass Quintet. The
world’s leading ‘high priests of brass’ bring their richtoned
and perfectly matched sound to this unforgettable,
masterly concert, spanning the centuries from the
grandeur of Renaissance.

AUGUST

Thursday 28 7:00pm The Song Company presents Vocal Fireworks. In
this first-time collaboration with The Song Company,
Danish Guest Director and composer Bo Holten leads a
fiery program of neck-breaking speeds, hair-raising leaps
and awe-inspiring harmonies. Bo Holten is one of
Denmark’s most admired musicians. His Operation Orfeo
is his country’s most performed opera. Holten’s
impressive oeuvre includes concertos and vocal works,
and music for Lars von Trier’s film The Element of Crime.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 4 7:30pm Musica Viva presents Imogen Cooper. One of the
greatest pianists of her generation, Imogen Cooper CBE
makes a long overdue return to Australia for this special
program highlighting her poetic, insightful interpretations
of the composers closest to her heart: Brahms, Schubert
and Schumann.

Thursday 25 7:30pm Musica Viva presents Borodin Quartet. The
legendary Borodin String Quartet is approaching its 70th
concert season, so every concert glows with the
unmistakable authenticity of experience and knowledge:
the power behind the mighty ‘Borodin sound’, heard at its
finest in music by Shostakovich and Beethoven.

OCTOBER

Thursday 25 7:00pm The Song Company presents Bach’s Mass in B
Minor. In a rare soloistic performance, the singers of
The Song Company and Ironwood Chamber Ensemble
combine to present Johann Sebastian Bach’s magnificent
Mass in B Minor featuring one voice per part vocal
scoring. It took a Lutheran composer to write the most
expansive and profound setting of the Latin Mass ever
conceived.

NOVEMBER

Saturday 8 7:30pm Musica Viva presents Ray Chen with Timothy
Young. Raised in Brisbane, jet-setting virtuoso Ray Chen
is one of the brightest stars in the new generation of
violinists. His first national recital tour (with the sensitive
accompaniment of Timothy Young) has all the
spectacular fireworks you could wish for, from the
elegant finesse of Mozart and Prokofiev to the exuberant
acrobatics of Sarasate.

2014 CONCERT DIARY TICKET INFORMATION

Musica Viva: ticket prices vary. Purchase online at www.ticketek.com.au or call (02) 4929 1977
The Song Company: ticket prices vary. Purchase online at www.songcompany.com.au or call (02) 8272 9500
Conservatorium events: Tickets sold at the door. Adults $12, Child $5, Concession $8, Family $25. All ticket prices are GST inclusive.
Newcastle Writers Festival Launch: Purchase online at www.ticketek.com.au or call (02) 4929 1977. Tickets purchased online are $37.85
and $46.00 at the door. All ticket prices are GST inclusive.

Goulburn Police launch their inaugural ‘dob in a drug dealer day’

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Goulburn Police have launched a campaign encouraging the public to ‘dob in a drug dealer’ by calling Crime Stoppers.

The local operation, being run for one day on Tuesday 25 March 2014, is part of a police crackdown on drug supply. The community will have the opportunity to speak to a police officer between 7am and 7pm on this day.

Detective A/Inspector Matt Woods from Goulburn Local Area Command said it is important to speak up if you know something about drug supply in your local area.

“On Tuesday 25 March 2014, the community is urged to contact Goulburn Police on 4824 0737 if they have information about the supply or growing of drugs.

“This day has been formed to make it a priority for those in the community who know something, to say something. Now is the time.

“Police are committed to taking drugs off our streets. If you have information that can help please call Goulburn Police on 4824 0737 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information supplied will be treated with the strictest of confidence and callers are able to remain anonymous if they wish,” he said.

“Drugs in our community have a devastating effect on the community and are predominately linked to serious and violent crimes in the area.

“There is no acceptable use of drugs – the message is clear, we all play a part in relation to the observations of those engaged in drug supply – any information is considered important to our investigations.

“Do your bit to stop drug dealing in our town on Tuesday 25 March 2014,” Detective A/Inspector Woods said.

Vacancies Wagga Area

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SALEYARD LABOURER

Remuneration:Minimum $786.43 gpw + super
Enquiries:Stuart Lymbery – 0418 430 680
Closing Date:Friday, 28 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

TEMPORARY WASTE & STORMWATER OPERATIONS ENGINEER
Two (2) Year Fixed Term Contract

Salary Range:$77,000 – $93,000 gpa + super
Enquiries:Geoff Veneris – 02 6926 9573
Closing Date:Friday, 11 April 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST
CHILD DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Part-time 30 Hours Per Week

Remuneration:Minimum $804.69 gpw + super (based on part-time work arrangements)
Enquiries:Kym Stewart – 02 6926 9370
Closing Date:Friday, 21 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Part-time 21 Hours Per Week

Remuneration:Minimum $508.32 gpw + super (based on part-time work arrangements)
Enquiries:Graeme White – 02 6971 4621
Closing Date:Friday, 21 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

 

 

To view these opportunities and apply, please visit Wagga Wagga City Council’s vacancy page…

 

Newcastle News

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Monday 24 March

The City of Newcastle and Newcastle RSL Sub Branch are partnering to present a public art portraiture Project for this year’s 2014 Anzac Day program.

Have you had a significant role in Australia’s war efforts? Or do you have a relative or close association with with someone who has played a contributing role?

The RSL Sub Branch are seeking Novocastrians of all ages to help create a series of filmed portraits connecting the current generations to Australia’s wartime past.

People are invited to bring their family photos and objects to be photographed by professional artists.

When: Monday 24 March

Time: 11am – 4pm

Where: The Enterprise Centre, 76 Cowper Street, Wallsend

Register interest to: Stephen Finney at stephenfinney@bigpond.com or by calling 0408 434 025.

For more information, see the attached flyer.

 

Monday 24 March

Newcastle Art Gallery Public Meeting

When: Monday 24 March

Time: 7pm

Where: Newcastle City Hall, Hunter Room

It will be chaired by Felicity Biggins a well-known and respected member of our community.

The committee consists of Allan Morris, Cathy Tate, Dawn Mullane, Linda Drummond, Bruce Wilson.

For more info ‘like’ I support Newcastle Art Gallery Redevelopment on Facebook.

 

Tuesday 25 March

The Lunaticks Society of Newcastle presents: The Good, The Bad and Online Advertising

The Lunaticks Society of Newcastle will host a talk on the top issues impacting the TV and film industry today and in this digital age, we ask is technology steering the future of entertainment. Hear from leading innovators across TV, film, and digital media.

Where: The Delaney Hotel

When: Tuesday 25 March

Time: 6:30pm – 10pm

For more information, search for the Lunaticks Society of Newcastle on Facebook.
Newcastle Youth Orchestra (NYO) Presents:

The first concert for the season is exploring music across the globe. Climb aboard with NYO and Captain Elliot Peck as we visit France, Ireland, America and Hungary, and explore the works of Saint-Saens, Brahms and a whole lot more! Bring the kids and your imagination to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music making and giant puppetry.

Kids Classics: The Places You’ll Go

When: Saturday, 5th April 2014

Time: 2pm

Where: Newcastle Civic Theatre

Tickets: Available soon through Ticketek!

For more information visit the website at: http://www.nyo.com.au/#!2014-orchestra-season-/c1ulo.
Sunday 4 May

Hippocrates Fronditha Aged Care Facility is hosting a Greek Panigiri on Sunday 4 May.

Come and help them celebrate with a day of Greek music, traditional dancing and food.

For more information, see the attached flyer.

Ongoing:

 

Job Vacancies Wagga Area

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SALEYARD LABOURER

Remuneration:Minimum $786.43 gpw + super
Enquiries:Stuart Lymbery – 0418 430 680
Closing Date:Friday, 28 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

TEMPORARY WASTE & STORMWATER OPERATIONS ENGINEER
Two (2) Year Fixed Term Contract

Salary Range:$77,000 – $93,000 gpa + super
Enquiries:Geoff Veneris – 02 6926 9573
Closing Date:Friday, 11 April 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST
CHILD DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Part-time 30 Hours Per Week

Remuneration:Minimum $804.69 gpw + super (based on part-time work arrangements)
Enquiries:Kym Stewart – 02 6926 9370
Closing Date:Friday, 21 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Part-time 21 Hours Per Week

Remuneration:Minimum $508.32 gpw + super (based on part-time work arrangements)
Enquiries:Graeme White – 02 6971 4621
Closing Date:Friday, 21 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

 

COMPLIANCE OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT)

Salary Range:$58,000 – $70,000 gpa + 9.25% super
Enquiries:Greg Minehan – 02 6926 9332
Closing Date:Tuesday, 18 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

 

TEMPORARY STRATEGIC PARTNER – CORPORATE PLANNING

12 Month Maternity Relief Placement

Remuneration:Minimum $1,285.47 gpw + super
Enquiries:Serena Wallace – 02 6926 9235 or Michael Schmid – 02 6926 9220
Closing Date:Friday, 14 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

 

CIVIC THEATRE: CASUAL FRONT OF HOUSE

Remuneration: Minimum $24.80 gph + super
Enquiries:Jo Somerville – 02 6926 9684
Closing Date:Friday, 14 March 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

 

 

To view these opportunities and apply, please visit Wagga Wagga City Council’s vacancy page…

 

 

Enigmatic Music Sensation Ray Isaac Launches New Album in Sydney With Unique Anti-Bullying Message

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Music sensation Ray Isaac is counting down to the launch of his brand new album, which has a touching twist. The launch, which will take place on April 5th at Marble Bar in Sydney’s Hilton Hotel, will herald the release of his new album to US, UK and Australian markets, and the lead track on the album is an anti-bullying anthem that is set to take the world by storm.

Multitalented Ray, who divides his time between London, LA and Sydney, and works as a singer, songwriter and DJ, is cultivating a name for himself on the global music circuit. The album itself has been crowd funded predominantly by Ray’s devoted Australian fans, and he is now ready to launch the record and the lead track ‘Who I Am’ to the world’s media and music press.

Ray says of his album launch, “I’m thrilled to be launching my new album and music video in Sydney, which was the place where this whole album started for me. The fans have received me amazingly in Oz, and I’d like to give back by inviting them to the launch of my album, which will take place on April 5th and will feature a two-hour concert with me backed by a live band, free food, an autographed copy of my album, and of course, the first screening of my new video, ‘Who I Am’.”

 The video sets this album apart from the rest with a unique, anthemic anti-bullying message. The song itself, ‘Who I Am’, is about human beings taking back their equality and self-love, but also has a strong anti-bullying message which has real resonance with Ray, who used to be a teacher. The song is intended to empower young people, and heal any hurt or pain caused by bullying, and Ray intends to send the video out to schools and ensure it goes viral online to spread this important message to as many young people as possible. He believes in teaching young people to love themselves in order to find happiness, and feedback on his track already indicates that it is a strong, relatable song that many people can find comfort in.

Ray has also issued an invitation for all media to come and watch the screening of the video for the first time, as well as receiving a free copy of the album for potential review. All members of the media are invited to attend to get an idea of what Ray is trying to achieve with the launch of this album and video, and to enjoy being serenaded by the man himself for two hours while they chat to fans and discover more about this enigmatic musician with a passion for spreading anti-bullying messages.

 Launch information:

Date April 5th

Time: 7pm Sharp

Venue: Marble Bar – Sydney Hilton

Level B1, Hilton Sydney Hotel/488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000

“SOCRATES NOW” the internationally acclaimed play on at the Griffith Duncan Theatre

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“SOCRATES NOW” the internationally acclaimed play on at the Griffith Duncan Theatre, University of Newcastle, Saturday 22nd March 2014.
Humour, Wit , Wisdom and a matter of life and death….
“Restless, humorous, brilliant and fascinating.” – Odyssey Magazine, USA
” I was very privileged to be present at a rare gift at the Seymour Centre’s York Theatre…. a consummately performed, English translated version of Plato’s play, APOLOGY OF SOCRATES. ……after a masterclass in acting, and classic Greek logic, we were won over.” – Sydney Arts Guide

Following its New York debut and 300 performances in 15 countries, Emmy Award winning Yannis Simonides, and the acclaimed play, “Socrates Now” in Newcastle for the first time and for only one performance.
Don’t miss this timeless classic account of history’s most famous trial, The Apology, by Socrates’ faithful student, Plato, brought to life in this hit international theatrical production.
Hear the godfather of philosophy face his accusers with his trademark wit, cutting logic, and the courage of his convictions. Consider his arguments on virtue, ethics, justice, politics, duty, love of life and hope in death, and make your own judgment. Engage in the post-performance “Socratic” dialogue and the opportunity to discuss your verdict with the actor. What would you ask “Socrates”?
Emmy award winner Yannis Simonides channels the eccentric yet magnetic personality of Socrates and offers a profoundly humane and engaging work which captivates with its humour, immediacy and simplicity. In today’s world the search for meaning is universal, and the wisdom of the Ancient Greek philosopher is more relevant than ever before.
SOCRATES NOW has been presented around the world including in the USA, Canada, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Belgium and UK. It has also been performed at the United Nations, the European Parliament, Harvard and Oxford Universities. It is now in Australia for a strictly limited season.
Newcastle performances in English at the Griffith Duncan Theatre
22nd March 7.00pm Adult: $35, Conc. $30 Student: $20 Transaction fees may apply
Kindly supported by the University of Newcastle
For more information and online bookings visit http://www.facebook.com/l/JAQEYLvqXAQGkqj9YAietl_0SJQbmDtAV3_bbCjyPKZO8rg/www.socratesnow.com.au or call 0450486358.

Review: Upstream Color (2013)

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This is a somewhat bizarre film that screams “I am an art film” throughout similar to UpstreamColorMelancholia with its 20 minutes of slow-motion at the beginning!

Yes it is an interesting idea: an organism that binds people together so that they experience life in very similar ways. My only criticism is that the film language used to describe this was deliberately painful to understand and comprehend.

On one hand you have a film with poor editing and narrative structure, but if you’re going to show it at Canne you can get away with both of these problems by simply suggesting you meant it that way to break new ground in film making.

This I believe is my problem with a film that could have been so much better, the maker forgot about the audience and just tried to impress their peers. The film’s style is also not very original, Goddard was turning out this sort of image blinking, hard to follow rubbish in Number Two in 1975.

 

Review: The Returned (2013)

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This film is an interesting take on the zombie flick which only hints at the dreaded walkingThe-Returned-2013-Movie-Image dead outbreak throughout. A magic serum has been found for people who have been bitten which makes them “returned” to normality.

The problem develops when supplies of the serum start to run out and people begin to revert back to their original state. People start hoarding serum and cutting each others throats to get their hands on what is left of the dwindling supply.

I have long felt that the zombie flick in contemporary times is a metaphor for how we feel as a society about ice/drug users and the uncontrollably violent way they affect our lives, films like 28 Days Later support this hypothesis.

It is therefore interesting that The Returned suggests throughout that our fear is unfounded and that medical solutions exist, just as they do for people with drug problems. Posing as the more violent the people who are against the “Returned”.

I’m not sure how that stands up in terms of the ice/drug epidemic affecting our society, but this is what makes this film somewhat more important than the other Zombie films in recent years.

 

Review: The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013)

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I was not overly impressed with the first Hunger Games and this film was about as good. Movies_Hunger_games_catching_fire__hero_is_aiming_046424_Pretty much just a remake of the original (complete with Liam Hemsworth appearing for five minutes, why he gets star billing is beyond me..Miley maybe?)

For reasons not very well explained all of the champions from every zone are forced back into the arena to fight in honour of the 75th centenary of the games.

The film ends setting itself up nicely for a sequel just as the original did, leaving a very open story-line. I have never liked this attitude to a film: they should be complete within themselves. It just looks cheap, this started some time back with The Matrix II and Hollywood films have been plagued with it ever since.