Australian icons, internationally renowned artists and local legends are set to join the celebrations when a popular arts and cultural festival turns 21.
A packed program of special events and premiere performances will be staged during the 10-day NOOSA alive!, at Noosa Heads from July 21 to 30.
The Queensland Ballet will launch the festival with the world premiere of its new work, Tartan and Tchaikovsky Mash, at The J Theatre on the first two days.
The two-act performance will feature Tartan, a new contemporary piece inspired by Scottish music, and a compilation of short works set to music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
In a Queensland premiere, Meg Washington and Paul Grabowsky will partner for an evening of music.
The pair began collaborating when Meg was a newly graduated jazz singer and their intimate show at The J Theatre reunites the kindred musical spirits.
The internationally renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra will perform an exclusive, one-night-only performance at The J Theatre, generously supported by the Wilson Foundation.
Artistic director Richard Tognetti will lead the ACO through a diverse program that moves from beloved works by Mozart and Bach to contemporary songs by Randy Newman and US-German musician Kurt Weill.
NOOSA alive! festival president Andrew Stafford said it was only fitting the annual event marked its milestone 21st year with a huge celebration.
“NOOSA alive! is one of the most anticipated events on Queensland’s cultural calendar and we are delighted to present our 21st program filled with big events, big names and big performances,” he said via an event press release.
“I’m particularly proud that Queensland Ballet has chosen NOOSA alive! to debut its brand-new work, Tartan, and that we will also host the first Queensland performance of Meg Washington and Paul Grabowsky’s new work, plus the ACO’s exclusive performance really adds to what will be a fantastic 21st celebration.
“While the festival has grown so much over the past 21 years, one thing remains a constant – events sell out incredibly quickly, so I urge everyone to get tickets before it’s too late.”
Mr Stafford said much of the program was already on sale, but the festival had more to announce with a second ticket release and more surprises in the coming weeks.
Also announced for the 2023 festival is TENORI under the STARS!, an evening of gourmet food, fine wine and exceptional music on Noosa Main Beach.
Tenors David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor will perform a repertoire that blends opera, musical theatre and jazz, accompanied by guest soprano Laura Coutts and harpist Hayley Erin.
From high notes to high wires, Cirque Bon-Bon ENCORE! will return with a new show to dazzle audiences by fusing contortion, aerial artistry, dancing and death-defying acrobatics across two performances at The J Theatre.
Enduring star of the Australian stage and screen Rhonda Burchmore will revisit special moments from her illustrious career and perform a selection of her favourite show-stopping numbers.
Rhonda Burchmore: Up Close and Personal is at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar and hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi.
NOOSA alive! has partnered with Slow Food Noosa to present The Perfect Dinner at Pomona’s Majestic Theatre.
Guests start with a screening of The Perfect Dinner, a delicious film about an Italian mafioso who crosses paths with a chef, followed by a three-course Italian feast.
Meanwhile, Seafood Seduction will be a a three-course lunch at Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant where seafood is the indisputable star of the show.
Diners will be serenaded by local singer Lizzie O’Keefe, supported by Aaron Bool on jazz guitar and Louise King on cello.
NOOSA alive! is proudly presented by 2023 principal partners Wilson Foundation and Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation.
Wilson Foundation chair Karen Wilson said the festival was “an opportunity to celebrate the vital role that arts and culture plays in our lives – bringing personal enjoyment, enriching experiences and creative inspiration”.
Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation’s Trevor St Baker said the organisation was pleased to continue supporting the highest levels of creative performing arts at the annual festival.
Visit NOOSA alive! for more information, to purchase tickets and to subscribe for updates and program announcements.
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