There will be eight sessions of Elevenses at The Joan in 2020 – a full annual program of Art + Music talks happening once a month on a Wednesday with the return of Lecturer of Music Dr Paul Smith (University of New England); and Sheona White, Director of Penrith Regional Gallery, along with a brand new selection of keynote speakers from established Arts and Music backgrounds.
In April, Denise Mimmocchi, Senior Curator Australian Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales will discuss the work of sculptor Margel Hinder, with Musician and Lecturer of Classical Music Andy Bromberger speaking about the development of music notation over the last 4000 years in July. For August Lorraine Kypiotis, Senior Lecturer Art History and Theory, the National Art School will lead audiences through an art insight into the Inspiring Women of the Renaissance period.
Sessions will begin at 11am with refreshments and a light morning tea, and finish at 12.30 with a short break in the middle. Each talk will incorporate a short Q&A at the end.
The first instalment of Elevenses at The Joan kicks off on Wednesday March 11 with the Milestones and Mayhem of Opera, led by Dr Paul Smith, Lecturer of Music, University of New England accompanied by a special guest singer.
While opera conjures a specific image of grand choruses, large orchestras and thrilling voices, the history of opera paints a chequered and constantly shifting picture. In different parts of the world and at different times the way an opera looked and sounded could be surprisingly stark. While a common practice developed in the late 19th century, over the past half a century many artists have toyed with the form and stretched it to its limits. This first talk of the Elevenses programme on Wednesday March 11 covers the main milestones of opera from the 17th century and considers the changing roles of the singers, conductors and directors of operas.
Tickets $15 per talk or $96 for a subscription to all eight talks; ticket price includes elevenses, comprising light refreshments.
The talks will take place at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.
To book please call the Box Office on 02 4723 7600 or visit www.thejoan.com.au