Sydney Social 101
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What’s On – The Glenmore Hotel re-opens after nine months
The iconic 91-year-old, 3 storey heritage hotel The Glenmore has re-opened, honouring its rich history, while getting a new breath of life, after nine months of loving restoration. Sydney Social 101 headed last night for a night cap to check out what all the fuss was about…
The Glenmore Rooftop
Sydney Social was advised that within an hour of opening its doors to the public on Friday afternoon, the sensational rooftop, featuring Utzon’s Corner – where Sydney Opera House architect, Jørn Utzon is said to have sketched his masterpiece – was filled with patrons old and new.
The Glenmore Opening Night
Several new features have been added to ensure future generations will continue to call The Glenmore their favorite CBD hotel for years to come. From the retractable rooftop guaranteeing the stunning Sydney Harbour views can be enjoyed all year round – rain, hail or shine; to the newly created lower ground floor Ladies pamper parlourandthe environmentally friendly cellar keg pumps.
The Glenmore Rooftop Bar
The most notable change is on the middle floor with the opening of The Glenmore Lounge. Originally used as accommodation, The Glenmore Lounge, with its own cocktail bar, lounge area and Juliette balconies now hosts a collection of elegant rooms that are ideal for private dining or gatherings. They are: the Grand Dining Room, Pool Room and Club Room.
The Glenmore Grand Dining Room
The Glenmore Lounge was inspired by Louise Lovely, the famous Australian-born Hollywood actress, who was known to charm The Glenmore patrons with her glamorous ways and Hollywood tales. However, if The Glenmore walls could talk, they would also have many tales to tell.
From the outside however it’s still the same old much loved Glenmore – which isn’t a bad thing!
As evidenced by some of the fascinating items recovered during the restoration, which included: a copy of The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper dated 22 October 1940; Sections of sandstone kerb and road surface on the alignment of Gloucester Walk; and a Holey Dollar Dump coin.
Dedicated to keeping a record of the past intact for future generations, the priceless relics discovered during the restoration, will eventually be displayed in The Glenmore for all to enjoy.
“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing reaction to the restoration and re-opening by both our Rocks locals and tourists alike” said Managing Director, Martin Short.
The Short and Anderson families have gone to great lengths to ensure the meals served from the new kitchens are better than ever at the same great prices, including signature meals: The Glenmore Burger, The Glenmore Club and The Glenmore Hot Dog.
Whether you come to drink in the views, relax on the rooftop, or linger in the lounge with a Glenmore Iced Tea, now the doors have re-opened, come and unlock a new experience at The Glenmore in The Rocks.
SOCIAL SPY** The 2012 Helpmann Awards® at Sydney Opera House – Hugh Jackman attends as a surprise guest presenter
Celebrating excellence and achievement in live performance
42 Awards presented plus the prestigious JC Williamson AwardTM
Wow, where to even begin, what a truly amazing evening surrounded by such talent that you could only sit back and watch in awe! Sydney Social 101 has made no secret about our passion for live entertainment, we’ve even been lucky enough to be invited to watch La Traviata at the open air stage at Sydney’s Botanical Gardens amongst other amazing performances!
Sydney Social 101 is also going to watch Legally Blonde on the stage tomorrow night, the stars of which were also out in force at the Helpmann Awards last night!
Stars of Legally Blonde – Cameron Daddo and Lucy Durack Helpmann Awards Photo James Morgan
The 2012 Helpmann Awards® were presented last night, Monday 24 September from 8pm at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Following the Awards Ceremony guests enjoyed an After Party at Marquee at The Star.
Surprise Guest Presenter: Hugh Jackman 2012 Helpmann Awards 2012 Photo James Morgan
I couldn’t actually believe it when surprise guest presenter, Hugh Jackman arrived to present the final award of the evening for Best Musical. We were also in the company of greatness, in the form of stunning Cate Blanchett!
Winner – Best Female Actress in a play – Cate Blanchett: Gross und Klein (Big and Small). Sydney Theatre Company – Photo James Morgan
The Helpmann Awards®, established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia (LPA), saw the presentation of awards in 42 categories. In addition Katharine Brisbane AM, and the late Dr Jimmy Little AO were honoured as the recipients of the prestigious JC Williamson AwardTM that recognises their outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry. Dr Jimmy Little AO was truly an inspiration and the award was truly fitting as his colleagues and peers recognised his achievements in music and in life.
Bernadette Robinson Helpmann Photo James Morgan
Simon Burke was a great host of the Helpmann Awards, talented, humorous and humble. The evening included performances by the casts of Cirque du Soleil, The South Pacific Company, and The Chorus Line Company; Artistes from The Australian Ballet; from A Long Way to the Top – Marcia Hines, Jon Stevens, Brian Cadd, Doug Parkinson and Ian Moss; and Aston, Dan Sultan with a Tribute to Jimmy Little AO, and Bernadette Robinson. All of which left Sydney Social 101 speechless and in awe!
Lisa McCune Eddie Perfect Kate Ceberano Teddy Tahu Rhodes Photo Lightbox Photography
Award Presenters included Amanda Bishop, Blake Bowden, Bille Brown AM, Bryan Brown AM, Darcey Bussell CBE, Daniel Carter, Kate Ceberano, Gerry Connolly, Li Cunxin, Cameron Daddo, Lucy Durack, Marta Dusseldorp, Amanda Harrison, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Genevieve Lemon, Matt Lee, David McAllister AM, Lisa McCune, Rob Mills, Simon Phillips, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Leo Schofield AM, The Hon. George Souris, Stuart Wagstaff AM, and John Waters.
Amanda Pelman and Brian Cadd Helpmann Awards Photo Credit Lightbox Photography
The Awards Ceremony was Produced by Jon Nicholls and Directed by Stuart Maunder.
President of Live Performance Australia, Andrew Kay, said “We’re delighted to be presenting our 12th anniversary Helpmann Awards®, live from the Sydney Opera House this evening.
Bryan Brown and Matilda Brown Photo James Morgan
The Helpmann Awards® are a celebration of the very best in live performance in Australia. They also serve as a reminder of the central place live performance takes in the lives of so many Australians, whether it be a child attending a live concert for the very first time, a young Australian attending a concert by their favourite band or comedian, or one of the millions of Australians who attend our major musicals or performances by our extraordinary performing arts companies.
Live performance engages and entertains audiences across the breadth of Australia from the smallest rural community to the largest city. And the strength of the industry is evidenced in the extraordinary list of outstanding Helpmann nominees we honour tonight.”
NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, congratulated the winners of this year’s Helpmann Awards®.
“It has been a tremendous year for live entertainment in Australia, particularly NSW with our dream run of major musical premieres. The extraordinary talent of our vibrant live performance industry continues to shine both on stage and behind the scenes,” Mr Souris said.
“I am a fan of live performance and greatly admire the artistic brilliance and creativity celebrated through the Helpmann Awards® held in our global city of Sydney, the live performance capital of Australia.
“The Helpmanns are the premier awards event for the live performance industry, highlighting the significant contribution the sector makes to our State and country.”
The Helpmann Awards® will be broadcast exclusively live on Tuesday 25 September at 8.30pm on Australia’s arts and entertainment channel STUDIO – channel 132 on Foxtel.
WHAT’S ON OCTOBER: CLOUDY BAY LOUNGE, OPERA KITCHEN: SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PRECINCT
When I first arrived in Sydney, one of the places that I wanted to go to first was the Opera House, it is an iconic Sydney landmark that is recognisable across the globe!
Whether you’re visiting or live in Sydney, this is a venue that you don’t want to miss! The guys at Cloudy Bat have announced that in celebration the anticipated release of their 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, they will launch the Cloudy Bay Lounge – the ultimate harbourside experience this Spring.
Throughout October, Opera Kitchen at the Sydney Opera House will play host to the elegant Cloudy Bay Lounge, offering visitors a unique waterside escape to enjoy a glass of the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour.
In true New Zealand style, visitors can purchase a basket of fresh battered or grilled fish and chips from the acclaimed Opera Kitchen with a glass of the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, on offer for the special price of $29.
This year, Cloudy Bay will also be offering an exclusive wine tasting opportunity for wine enthusiasts. Every Thursday evening, Cloudy Bay will host twilight tasting sessions between 5:30pm and 6:30pm, with Opera Kitchen providing complimentary oysters upon arrival.
“There really is no better time or place to enjoy the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc than Sydney Harbour in the Spring. The outstanding cuisine provided by Opera Kitchen, along with stunning harbour views, provide the perfect ambiance for a simple, yet luxurious evening experience this October,” said Ian Morden, Estate Director, Cloudy Bay Vineyards.
The Cloudy Bay Lounge will be open to the public from Thursday October 4, 2012 and runs through to Sunday November 4, 2012 between 11am and 11pm daily. Wine tasting will take place every Thursday evening throughout October, and November 1, between 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
About Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985. Innovation, meticulous attention to detail and regional expression are the guiding principles of Cloudy Bay. The Cloudy Bay team is committed to producing ‘wines of region’ and strives to enhance the pure, bracing flavours and stunning vibrancy, naturally afforded by the climate and soils of Marlborough, New Zealand.
For more information on Cloudy Bay go to http://www.cloudybay.co.nz/Home
SWITCHED ON SYDNEY – 130 Climbers on top of the Harbour Bridge turn it on for the opening night of Vivid Sydney
One of the main things I love about Sydney is the fact that there is always something going on. This very moment is no exception! On Friday night, in a premiere event that was part of the opening night of Vivid Sydney, 120 people lined the eastern arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and illuminated themselves in unison with the lighting of the sails on the Sydney Opera House. I saw it for myself and have to say it looked V cool!
This spectacular display started at 6pm with the illumination of the BridgeClimb Sydney Climbers dotted down the eastern arch of the Bridge, 134 metres above sea level. Then the whole city came alight as the Opera House sails were deluged beneath an interpretative digital show of movement and cool animation, and more than 60 art installations from Walsh Bay to The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art were floodlit in a domino-like effect across the night sky.
It was a memorable opportunity for the huge number of spectators to see Sydney in a different light – in many different lights. “The city looks so incredible from up here. The lighting and colours are just breathtaking”, said one climber. And another said, “I feel so special to be part of this. I will never forget this moment for as long as I live.”
This unique location provided the perfect vantage point to witness the brilliant display of colour, movement and digital designs. The position on the Sydney Harbour Bridge allowed the climbers to experience the feeling of being part of a startling interactive lightshow as the lights came alive across the city. It truly was a night without darkness.
I went on a boat cruise yesterday with my other half, a boat cruise specifically catered for the Vivid activities in and around the city – If you’re in Sydney over the next two weeks, I’d strongly recommend you try to get down to Circular Quay and The Rocks to check it out for yourself!
Further info on Bridge Climb can be found here: www.bridgeclimb.com
One week to go until the city is transformed by Vivid Sydney
So pretty!
I love living in Sydney. I love the atmosphere, the scenery and most of all I love the events. Once of my fave Sydney events is Vivid Sydney, and I’m excited to confirm that it’s only a week away!
Next Friday night the lighting of the sails of Sydney Opera House will herald the opening of Vivid Sydney, the annual festival of light, music and ideas, bringing the city alive with creativity in precincts from Walsh Bay, through The Rocks to Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House.
Vivid Sydney, developed and managed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, is the biggest winter festival for the city with free and ticketed events running for 18 days from 25 May – 11 June.
From families looking for an entertaining night out, to city locals and visitors wanting a new way to explore the city after dark, music lovers or those interested extending their creative minds through discussion and collaboration, Vivid Sydney has something for all to experience.
Highlights of Vivid Sydney 2012 include:
- Lighting the Sails – a visual feast of colour lighting and digital mastery illuminating Sydney Opera House created by multi-award winning German design team URBANSCREEN as part of Vivid LIVE
- Vivid Light – More than 60 interactive and immersive light installations from Walsh Bay, through to The Rocks and Circular Quay, huge 3D digital mapping projections across the city scape including projections on the Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House, and three never seen before mobile light artworks which will change location each night.
- Vivid Ideas – connecting Australia’s creative thinkers with global leaders and industry talents in over 100 creative industry and public events exploring topics ranging from electronic gaming to fashion, film craft, design and publishing to architecture and photography.
- The new Vivid Ideas program at the Museum of Contemporary Art features key note speakers; Cory Doctorow, author and co-founder of world famous weblog Boing Boing; Chad Dickerson, CEO of Etsy; UK fashion talent, Henry Holland, from House of Holland, Jake Nickell, founder of Threadless and an appearance by VICE founder and CEO Shane Smith.
- Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House – featuring over 25 events, including two world premieres and several Sydney exclusive performances by international and local artists including Florence + the Machine, The Temper Trap and Janelle Monae.
- Creative industry conferences including Global Media Ideas by X Media Lab, The Song Summit, Mumbrella 360, CeBIT Australia and SPARC Design.
Vivid Sydney is one of five signature events in the NSW Events Calendar supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
The full Vivid Sydney program is available at http://vividsydney.com
The giant, glittering La Traviata chandelier floats across Sydney Harbour and onto the stage!
HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
LA TRAVIATA
From 24 March, 2012
Whilst having a glass of wine with one of my dear friends recently in Bondi FM, my friend and I came across a booklet describing a glittering production to arrive on Australian shores, La Traviata. Only this event has a twist, no, it wasn’t confined the walls of the Sydney Opera House, it was be staged outside at the stunning Mrs Macquarie’s Point!
As preparations begin for the stage extravaganza, Sydneysiders today had a sight to behold, as a giant 9m x 9m glittering chandelier made of Swarovski Elements crystals, floats across Sydney Harbour today by barge and onto the purpose-built 25-metre stage at the Royal Botanic Gardens, for HANDA Opera on Sydney Harbour – La Traviata, which opens next Saturday 24 March for an exclusive three-week season.
Rehearsals move to the site this weekend, and will be underway on the purpose-built 25-metre stage and the 9 metre chandelier ahead of Opening Night. Starring in this production are sopranos Emma Matthews and Rachelle Durkin who will alternate in the role of Violetta, international tenors Gianluca Terranova and Ji-Min Park who alternate in the role of Alfredo as well as opera favourites, Jonathan Summers and Warwick Fyfe.
Internationally-acclaimed director Francesca Zambello has been appointed Stage Director of this production. Her career has spanned theatre, music theatre, film and opera and has ranged from Aladdin at Disneyland and The Little Mermaid on Broadway, to War and Peace for Paris Opera and Carmen for Opera Australia. She is a multi-award winner with three Olivier Awards, two Evening Standard Awards, two French Grand Prix des Critiques, and a Helpmann.
Audiences will watch HANDA Opera on Sydney Harbour – La Traviata from a luxurious 3,000 seat grandstand erected in the Royal Botanic Gardens, on the water’s edge. The seating grandstand will have large and expansive hospitality areas at either end. The northern end being three-tiered with catering outlets on each level; the southern end two tiered with the top deck nestling beneath a canopy of trees.
The stage is set
Australia’s most accomplished and daring Set Designer Brian Thomson is busy supervising constructing of the set. His previous projects include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Opera Australia’s 2011 hit La Boheme, the Sydney Olympic and Melbourne Commonwealth Games ceremonies and New Year’s Eve events. Under his watchful eye, the pylons on which the set rests, have been sunk into the harbour bed and the massive stage structure has been built atop this, by ESS Australia.
Thomson’s minimal but striking stage design will be dominated by the giant chandelier measuring 9-metres x 9-metres, that will sparkle with 10,000 Swarovski Elements crystals symbolizing the world of Verdi’s much-loved opera with its glittering Parisian salons. This giant crystal-adorned La Traviata Chandelier was made in Melbourne with finishing touches done in a warehouse on the water’s edge in Sydney, and floated by barge under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Sydney Opera House, and onto the site at the Royal Botanic Gardens!
lt weighs 3.5tonnes and measures 9metres in height and 9metres in width. The La Traviata Chandelier made with Swarovski Elements took 720 man hours to manufacture and 240 man hours to assemble. Along with the beautiful 10,000 Swarovski Elements crystals the La Traviata Chandelier contains 1,025 crystal shapes, 23,104 facets, 24 moving lights and 3,000 LED lights.
Let the show commence! (I can't wait!)
The chandelier will be suspended from a 26-metre crane, blackened out so that it is invisible against the night sky. At the end of La Traviata’s Act I, Violetta, after singing the famous aria Sempre Libera, will ascend with the chandelier in a capsule as fireworks explode all around.
Tess Schofield has designed the 1950’s inspired costumes, including Mardi-Gras themed outfits for the masked ball in Act II, which will see guests arriving by motorboat. The set design is complemented by a sophisticated lighting design by John Rayment which will create the atmosphere of changing scenes through colour, dazzling light displays and fireworks. The choreographer for this unique production, will be esteemed Melbourne choreographer Stephen Baynes.
The site has been designed by Ross Wallace to include five distinct dining experiences, with catering at each level delivered by fresh CATERING. Options range from individual hampers (including a glass of sparking wine) through to fine dining in The Platinum Lounge.
The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra will be conducted by Opera Australia favourite, Brian Castles-Onion from a water-tight sound studio built beneath the stage.
Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia said in a recent interview “Everyone loves to look at the outside of the Sydney Opera House, so why not have that as the backdrop of a wonderful production? It is one of the most beautiful views in the world.”
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – La Traviata is Opera Australia’s most ambitious project to date. The NSW Government through Destination NSW is a foundation partner in this spectacular new global event for Sydney.
Book now to avoid disappointment
Book at ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 723 038
VIP Packages visit showbiz.com.au
Vivid Sydney 2012 lights up the harbour city
In my first year in Sydney I vividly (see what I did there) remember getting the train over the bridge and seeing the Opera House lit up a bright green – I couldn’t help but think that it was such a great PR stunt (obviously working in the PR business by day, my mind is never off). Little did I know that it was part of something so much bigger and that this was it’s first year.
If you’re visiting or plan to be in Sydney this May/ June – you simply must make an effort to get down to Sydney Harbour and take in the amazing sight that is Vivid Sydney!
Vivid Sydney is back for its fourth year, with a program that according to Destination NSW will transform the city at night into a colourful canvas of light, music and ideas.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner today announced that the festival’s lighting centrepiece, the lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails would be designed by German light collective, URBANSCREEN.
Mr Stoner joined this year’s three Festival Directors at Sydney Opera House to announce the Vivid Sydney 2012 program. Anthony Bastic presented the Vivid Light selections. Fergus Linehan unveiled the Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House music line-up and Jess Scully outlined an 18 day and night Vivid Ideas program.
“As the major investor in the festival, the NSW Government is committed to supporting and growing Vivid Sydney, an event that has been truly embraced by Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
“Last year Vivid Sydney attracted more than 400,000 people and in 2012 we expect up to 500,000 people will attend the festival from the 25 May – 11 June. Destination NSW estimates Vivid Sydney 2012 will inject more than $10 million in new money for the State,” he said.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said Vivid Sydney, developed by Destination NSW, has become an international success story reinforcing Sydney’s position as Australia’s global tourism and events city.
“As the largest annual festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Vivid showcases Sydney as the creative industries hub of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney was recently ranked as one of the world’s top ten ideas festivals by the influential Guardian newspaper in the UK; being named alongside SXSW and TedX is a major endorsement of the festival.
“Images of the illuminated Sydney Opera House sails have been seen by tens of millions of people across the globe, in all of our key tourism markets. Last year 45,000 interstate and overseas visitors attended Vivid Sydney,” she said.
Vivid Sydney Creative Advisor, Ignatius Jones said once again audiences would be wowed by a world-class festival program where the best, brightest and most innovative talent in the creative industries from both here and overseas come and play with light, music and ideas that will dazzle and amaze.
The festival includes free and ticketed events around Circular Quay, The Rocks, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Sydney Opera House.
The hugely popular Vivid lights will be switched on every night of the festival from 6.00pm to midnight in a free lighting display around The Rocks and Circular Quay, featuring 50 interactive and immersive light art sculptures, illuminated skyscrapers and large scale 3D mapping projections on the Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House.
Vivid Light Festival Director, Anthony Bastic has selected light art works from around the globe including France, Poland, Hong Kong, Scotland, USA, Brazil, Singapore and New Zealand. Australians feature from Sydney, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and regional NSW from Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Maitland and Newcastle.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House will feature a line-up of local and international artists hand selected by Festival Director, Fergus Linehan. Cutting edge, German projection artists, URBANSCREEN, have been invited to weave their creative magic across Sydney Opera House in the festival favourite, ‘Lighting the Sails’.
The astounding line-up of local and international artists, includes opening night act – the critically acclaimed English artist Florence + The Machine who will perform with the Ceremonial Orchestra taking over the Concert Hall.
The YEAH YEAH YEAHs frontwoman Karen O will present her ‘Psycho Opera’ STOP THE VIRGENS; R&B superstar Janelle Monáe will make her long awaited Australian debut with ‘The ArchAndroid Orchestra’; and New York’s finest creative minds Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly and Sufjian Stevens will collaborate on a special commission for Vivid LIVE.
The theatrically lit up canvas of the city will provide the backdrop for the biggest meeting of creative industries coming to Sydney to collaborate, foster business connections and showcase new ideas.
This year’s festival has more than doubled the creative industry events with over 100 specialist and collaborative events in the Vivid Ideas program curated by Festival Director, Jess Scully.
“Vivid Ideas will attract global industry leaders alongside emerging talents, coming together over an 18 day program of discussion, debate and workshops at the new Vivid Ideas Exchange located at the Museum of Contemporary Art,” said Mr Jones.
Highlights from the Vivid Ideas program include a partnership with the Sydney Film Festival, keynote talks from Chad Dickerson, CEO of Etsy and UK fashion talent, Henry Holland, from House of Holland, and creative industry conferences X Media Lab, Song Summit, Mumbrella360 and CeBIT Australia.
Mr Stoner said I strongly encourage Sydneysiders and visitors to step out during Sydney’s mild winter and experience Vivid Sydney 2012.
“Vivid Sydney has a record number of creative industry events and we invite creative practitioners from across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific to come to Sydney to share ideas from around the world,” he said.
Vivid Sydney is one of five signature events in the NSW Events Calendar developed by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
The full Vivid Sydney program is available at http://vividsydney.com
Vivid Sydney 2012 renders are available at http://vividsydney.com/media-centre
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