In Conversation

One of Australia’s foremost young conductors, Luke Spicer has appeared as guest conductor of the Tasmanian, Queensland, and Canberra Symphony Orchestras, and as a conductor and music director with Opera Australia. He’s also been guest Assistant Conductor at the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, the Saarländisches Staatstheater of Saarbrücken, and with the Sydney Symphony, working with both Simone Young and Vladimir Ashkenazy.

In this conversation, Luke reflects on his journey from violinist to violist to conductor, influenced by formative experiences including a pivotal moment in Bathurst. He recounts studying under demanding mentors like Gianluigi Gelmetti, and his early performing experiences, including touring with Opera Australia. 

Luke Spicer conducts musicians of the Guizhou Chinese Orchestra and the Australia Orchestra for Folk Reimagined: East in Symphony in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Monday 7 July and at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday 9 July. 

Susannah Lawergren has developed a reputation as a beautifully clear soprano with “stunning vocal expression” and “compelling stagecraft”. A principal artist with both The Song Company and Bach Akadamie Australia, she’s also performed with our other top ensembles, from Sydney Chamber Choir and Opera Australia, to Cantillation and Ensemble Offspring, plus has appeared at the Sydney and Adelaide Festivals and the Canberra International Music Festival.

In this conversation, Susannah speaks candidly about her musical upbringing and studies, and reflects on the unique qualities of singing in different languages, explaining how language profoundly shapes vocal expression. We hear about how a beer at a pub serendipitously led to her involvement with Bach Akadamie Australia, plus about her career-making role with The Song Company. She also delves into the technical and emotional challenges of singing early and contemporary music, the importance of vocal pedagogy, and how her teaching approach emphasises sustainable practice and motor learning. 

Susannah Lawergren performs The Class of 85 with Bach Akadamie Australia 30 May to 1 June, followed by Love’s Four Seasons with The Song Company from 6 to 15 June. 

One of Australia’s finest mezzo-sopranos, multi-award-winner Sally-Anne Russell has a career spanning over 80 operatic roles and performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She is celebrated for her rich, expressive voice and captivating artistry. From Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, Sally-Anne has enchanted audiences across the globe. She’s worked with luminaries from Bryn Terfel and Sumi Jo, to our own Richard Gill and Simone Young, and appears on over 40 albums and DVDs. 

Sally-Anne recounts her early beginnings in Adelaide, including her shift from aspiring dancer to opera singer, and her unusually young entry into the State Opera of South Australia Chorus. She discusses her time performing in The Phantom of the Opera, her return to classical singing, and her subsequent international experiences, including scholarships and working with major figures like Bryn Terfel and Pavarotti. The conversation explores her affinity for Baroque repertoire, particularly Bach and Handel, her work as co-artistic director of the Albury Chamber Music Festival, and the unpredictability and resilience required in a performer’s life.

Sally-Anne Russell performs Warm Winter Songs at the Yallamundi Room of the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday, June 11. A fundraiser by the Sydney Opera House Ladies Committee, their events support the Arts Assist & Access Programs of the Opera House so children from under-resourced schools, or with a disability, can attend a performance at the House, which is often their first such experience. 

A man who can only be described as musical theatre royalty, Michael Ball made his West End debut in 1985 as Marius in the original cast of Les Misérables. He went on to play the lead role of Alex Dillingham in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love in both the West End and on Broadway. He’s appeared in a long string of musicals covering all parts of the repertoire – The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chess, Sunset Boulevard, even going full drag for Hairspray. He’s recorded 27 albums, including 6 number 1s, not including the 12 cast recordings he’s a part of. He’s twice won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and in 2015 was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to musical theatre.

In this lively and heartfelt interview, Michael reflects on his illustrious career, from his breakout role as Marius to his current portrayal of Javert in the Australian arena tour. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about the show’s early struggles, the camaraderie among its global cast, and how the evolving production has stayed relevant over four decades. Michael opens up about personal challenges, including a battle with stage-related anxiety early in his career, and how he overcame it with support from Cameron Mackintosh and others. We also hear about his success as a solo artist, his collaborations with Alfie Boe, and his ventures into songwriting. With warmth and humour, he discusses some of his memorable roles, his thoughts on fame and creative control, and the deep satisfaction he finds in all aspects of his work. 

Described as a renegade opera star and cabaret artist, Ali McGregor began her career as a principal soprano with Opera Australia before running away to the circus to become an award winning cabaret performer. Nominated for an ARIA in 2014, she went on to win both a Green Room and Helpmann Award in 2015. She’s one of the most in-demand performers on the international festival circuit and is a former artist director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, performing at venues from Glastonbury and Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House.

She’s currently collaborating with the Signum Saxophone Quartet and Musica Viva for Hollywood Songbook, a concert tour exploring the turbulent first half of the 20th Century through the music of emigres such as Kurt Weill and Hanns Eisler, with performances until 17 May.

In this interview, Ali traces her journey from performing at Opera Australia to creating innovative, genre-blending shows. She discusses the artistic freedom and creative risks involved in moving from traditional opera to the cabaret scene, and shares insights into her creative process plus her role as an artistic director. The conversation also touches on her efforts to make classical music more accessible and engaging to broader audiences through inventive programming and theatrical flair. 

Gottfried von der Goltz is a violinist, conductor, and artist of extraordinary insight. As the director of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern sound of historically informed performance, breathing new life into Baroque and Classical music with a blend of scholarship and sheer musical brilliance. Whether wielding the bow as a soloist or guiding an ensemble from the podium, his interpretations are known for their energy, elegance, and deep expressiveness.

In this conversation, Gottfried discusses his musical upbringing, his leadership of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, and his early involvement in historically informed performance. He reflects on his musical family background, his studies at Juilliard, and his passion for exploring Baroque and Classical repertoire with authenticity, including playing on period instruments and embracing improvisation and varied ornamentation. He shares insights into the different national styles of Baroque music and talks about the challenges and creativity involved in recording historically informed interpretations.

This interview was kindly arranged by the Snow Concert Hall in Canberra.  

As Assistant Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, violinist Lerida Delbridge is a vital cornerstone of our classical music scene. She also has a passion for chamber music as a founding member of the Tinalley String Quartet, which has performed internationally and been the recipient of numerous awards. She has recently taken on the role of artistic director of Hunters Hill Music, which brings outstanding chamber music closer to audiences.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Lerida discusses her multifaceted musical life, reflecting on her early musical influences, international study experiences, and the challenges and triumphs of building a career in chamber music from Australia. Delbridge also speaks about the importance of community music-making, her cherished historic violin, and the joy and insight she gains from teaching.

The next Hunters Hill Music – Swirl, Swoop & Dance – is on at 2pm on Sunday 4 May at the Hunters Hill Town Hall. Visit huntershillmusic.com.au for further details about this and future concerts.  

It’s difficult to categorise Tom Gleisner, because he’s done it all. He’s a presenter, producer, director, writer, and actor, and even then that only scratches the surface of his talents. We first became aware of Tom thanks to The D Generation back in 1986, and as a part of Working Dog Productions he’s created comedy classics like Frontline and Utopia, panel shows like Have You Been Paying Attention and The Panel, and feature films such as the critically acclaimed The Castle and The Dish. But it’s musical theatre which Tom has most recently turned his hand to, writing the book and lyrics for Bloom, a new Australian musical set in an aged care facility.

Tom reflects on his inspiration for the show, and his desire to treat older characters with dignity and complexity. He also shares insights into the collaborative process of developing the musical. He also discusses his multifaceted career, from his early days with The D-Generation and Frontline, the success of The Panel, to his more recent work in television satire with The Hollowmen and Utopia. He talks about making The Castle on a shoestring and the greater complexities and budget requirements for The Dish. Beyond entertainment, Gleisner speaks passionately about his involvement in charity work, including co-founding an autism support organisation and chairing a cancer charity. 

Bloom plays at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until May 11.  

Zubin Kanga is a pianist, composer and technologist, who has been at the forefront of curating and creating interdisciplinary musical programs exploring what it means to be a performer in the 21st Century. His multi year project, Cyborg Solosits, is unlocking new possibilities in music making through interactions with motion and biosensors, new hybrid instruments, interactive visuals, and AI.

In this conversation, Zubin provides a fascinating glimpse into this project, where he is collaborating with dozens of composers around the world in an exciting exploration of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in how we create, perform, and enjoy music.

Zubin also provides insights into the world premieres he will be performing, which includes one of his own compositions, with Ensemble Offspring to launch their 30th anniversary season, for Lumen Machine, on April 12 at The Neilson and April 13 at the Newcastle Conservatorium.  

Globally renowned for his interpretation of baroque, classical and modern repertoire, counter-tenor Reginald Mobley is best known for his performances of JS Bach and Purcell. He’s sung with the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Early Music Vancouver, among many others, as well as at the coronation of King Charles III. He’s also an advocate for diversity in music and its programming, and has become the first ever Programming Consultant for the Handel and Haydn Society in his home town of Boston. He’s come to Australia for a national tour with Bach Akadamie Australia.

Reggie reflects on the significance of J.S. Bach in his musical journey. He shares insights into his early years, the influences that shaped his distinctive vocal career, and his passion for bringing Baroque music to life. The conversation also touches on diversity in classical music, his collaborations with leading ensembles, and his passion for blending musical traditions. With a mix of humour and thoughtful reflection, Reggie offers a fascinating look into his artistry.

Reginald Mobley performs with Bach Akadamie Australia for The Countertenor – Bach’s Holy Spirit at venues around Australia until April 25. 

A pianist dubbed both as a “formidable talent” as well as “Australia’s pre-eminent chamber music pianist”, Kathryn Selby has performed with orchestras and chamber groups around the world, most extensively throughout Australia and North America. For nearly 15 years she was the anchor of the Macquarie Trio, which made many recordings, several of which were nominated for the Best Classical Album ARIA award. She’s perhaps most familiar to us now as the name behind the popular series of chamber music recitals, Selby and Friends which the Sydney Morning Herald has described as “chamber music at its best”.

Kathy talks about how her passion for the piano led her to study in the United States from a very young age. We hear about the founding of Selby & Friends, the challenges of making a career as a pianist, and the rise and fall of the Macquarie Trio. She also touches on her personal struggle of her early move to the States, plus stories about the many great musicians who have influenced her. 

Selby & Friends next concert series, Joyeux Anniversaire, is on around the country from the 6th to the 13th of April.