Encompassing 36 shows from 6 continents in seven venues across the city, this year's Melbourne Festival contemporary music program is the most extensive to date.
This year's highlights include the special events Gurrumul, His Life and Music; Amadou & Mariam's Eclipse Project; Clannad's return to Australia after two decades; a one-off collaboration between The Cinematic Orchestra and Philharmonia Australia; a series of Australian exclusives, including Yo La Tengo, Active Child, The Polyphonic Spree and Steve Mason; and a free opening night concert, Creation, in Fed Square featuring Archie Roach.
The Foxtel Festival Hub will return to the banks of the Yarra; for 17 days and nights, the bespoke performance space will host some of the festival's hottest acts, including The Polyphonic Spree, Fuck Buttons, Husky, Olafur Arnalds, Cody ChesnuTT, Flight Facilities, WERK, Caitlin Rose and A Celebration Of Melbourne Ska.
Director Michael Kantor's debut film, The Boy Castaways — starring Tim Rogers, Paul Capsis and Megan Washington — will be coupled with a live concert at the Forum, Songs of Wreck and Ruin, performed by the cast of the film.
"This year's program is a response to the depth and variety of music appreciation that you find in Melbourne audiences," said Director of Contemporary Music Declan Forde; "the extensive knowledge of quality artists from around the globe, the appetite for new experiences, and the love and respect for local heroes."
That's barely the tip of the iceberg — for more info on the Melbourne Festival, running from October 11-27, visit melbournefestival.com.au.
