Musical Wednesdays - Arts Music Video Program 2009 - March-June Program

From March to November the Library runs a regular program of music videos selected from our collection. These relaxed Wednesday afternoon sessions, held in the Arts Listening-Viewing Room, are a must for music fans. Enjoy free screenings of classic music and dance performances - from popular musicals to opera greats.

When Every second Wednesday afternoon
Where Arts Listening-Viewing Room. Enter via the Arts Reading Room and Audio-Visual Centre (from the Information Centre).
Bookings Not required but early arrival (10 to 15 minutes before scheduled program starting time) is recommended due to limited seating. For groups of more than four people please ring 03 8664 7194 in advance to make arrangements.
Cost Free

Please note: The program does occasionally change. To confirm dates and screenings please call the Arts Desk 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday on 03 8664 7006 at the beginning of the week.

March 25  Turandot: an opera in three acts
12noon-1.55pm 

Spectacular production of Puccini's classic opera, recorded live at the Arena di Verona.  It features Ghena Dimitrova, Nicola Martinucci, Orchestra & Chorus of the Arena di Verona, and is conducted by Maurizio Arena. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

April 8  Sylvia: a ballet in three acts
12noon-2pm

Taken from Greek mythology, this elegant and opulent ballet tells the story of Sylvia, loved by Aminta, abducted by Orion and eventually rescued by Eros. It features music by Delibes and choreography by Frederick Ashton. With Darcey Bussell (Sylvia), Robert Bolle (Aminta), Thiango Soares (Orion), Martin Harvey (Eros), artists of The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra & Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and is conducted by Graham Bond. Performed live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the Royal Ballet.

April 22  The Flying Dutchman: an opera in three acts
12noon-2.15pm

Acclaimed production of Richard Wagner's opera.  Filmed in performance at the Bayreuth Festival in 1985. It features American bass-baritone Simon Estes as the Dutchman, and Danish soprano Lisbeth Balslev as Senta. With Chorus and Orchestra of the Bayreuth Festival, and conducted by Woldemar Nelsson. Sung in German with English subtitles.                                                     

May 6  Fonteyn & Nureyev : the perfect partnership
12noon-1.30pm

A tribute to the legendary ballet partnership of Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev. Includes archival footage from Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet and more. With appearances by ballet personalities such as Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet. Narrated by Robert Powell, Fonteyn & Nureyev.

May 20  Lucrezia Borgia: an opera in four acts
12noon-2.30pm

Dame Joan Sutherland and tenor, Alfredo Kraus, star in this historic performance of Donizetti's magnificent opera. With the Orchestra & Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and conducted by Richard Bonynge. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

June 3  La Bayadere: a ballet in four acts
12noon-2.15pm

Exotic India serves as a backdrop for this wonderful ballet. This is Rudolf Nureyev's production for the Ballet de l'Opera de Paris.  It features music by Ludwig Minkus, and choreography and staging by Rudolf Nureyev.  With Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire and artists of the Paris Opera Ballet.  With Orchestre Colonne, conducted by Michel Queval.

June 17  Double Bill - two screenings
12noon  Gaite Parisienne.
Performed by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, this is a silent film edited with sound in 1979.  Filmed at various performances in the 1940s.

12.40 pm  Dancing in the Light : six dances by African-American choreographers.
Filmed for television and showcasing six historic dance compositions. Includes performaces by Bill T. Jones & the Arnie Zane Dance Company.
Concludes 1.35pm.