What's on at the Independent?

The Independent plays host to a wide range of concerts and talented performers.

The list below shows the full year's programme - filter the list by clicking on a month name.

You can also filter concerts using the category menu.


The Independent Theatre will hold all tickets for box office collection if purchased within 14 days of the performance date.

Sunday 01 August at 04:00 PM

GoTo Aiko's Violin Recital:

GoTo Aiko’s violin recital is a collaboration of friends, presenting an intimate chamber music performance. West meets east in this unique program with western music being juxtaposed by eastern music from a similar period.

Joining Aiko for her annual recital, are Caroline Henbest (viola) from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Timo-Veikko Value (cello), principal cellist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sawai Koto Ensemble led by Satsuki Odamura.

Aiko Goto appears courtesy of the Australian Chamber Orchestra of which she has been a member since 1998.
Aiko studied the violin through The Suzuki Method and at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan, then at the Juilliard School in New York where she studied as a scholarship student under Dorothy DeLay and Masao Kawasaki.
Aiko has been a member of The Saito Kinen Orchestra since 1995 whose music director is Seiji Ozawa. Since 2000 she has held annual solo recitals in Sydney and at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra.

This friendly and warm chamber performance offers east and west blends, from the 16th century to the current day and the opportunity to experience the unique voices of the Japanese koto. The koto ensemble involves both the standard thirteen-string koto and the seventeen-string bass koto.

The combination of these talented musicians is sure to create a dynamic stage presence, and enjoyable performance to warm a winter Sunday afternoon.

Violin Aiko Goto
Viola Caroline Henbest
Cello Timo-Veikko Valve
Sawai Koto Ensemble led by Satsuki Odamura

Program:
Mozart, Duo for Violin and Viola in B-flat major, K.424
Sawai, Illusion for Violin, Viola and 2 Kotos and 1 Bass Koto – Koto Ensemble
Bach, Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
Dohnanyi, Serenade for String Trio in C Major, Op.10

Aiko_goto_©_mirek_rzadkowski_web

Tickets:

  • Adult: $40
  • Concession: $30
  • Full time Student or Child $20

  • Bookings:
    For telephone bookings please call 02 8019 0290.

    Good seats available from the Box Office from 3.00pm Image: © Mirek Rzadkowski

    Sunday 08 August at 02:30 PM

    Seraphim Trio: Celebrating Schumann

    Seraphim Trio celebrates the two hundredth anniversary of another great romantic, Schumann, by locating his fi rst piano trio in the rich musical tradition of Haydn and Brahms. Here Haydn explores a rare minor key, paving the way for the dark romantic imaginings of Schumann and Brahms.

    Program
    Piano Trio in F sharp minor, Hob. XV:26
    HAYDN

    Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63
    SCHUMANN

    Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor, Op. 101
    BRAHMS

    Seraphim-2010


    Tickets:
    Subscriptions

    • $90 for three concerts
    • $60 concession for three concerts

    Individual concerts
    • $38 Adult
    • $25 Concession
    • $15 Student

    Bookings
    Please call 02 8019 0290

    Wednesday 11 August at 07:00 PM

    The Australian Singing Competition: Semi-Finals Concert

    The Australian Singing Competition’s Semi-Finals Concert is the second stage of the prestigious Competition for classical singers under the age of 26.
    Ten singers, selected from Heats held around Australasia, will be accompanied by internationally renowned pianist David Harper in a programme ranging from lieder & art songs to opera & oratorio.

    Eminent opera star Lisa Gasteen AO
    leads the panel of adjudicators. She will announce several awards, including the Tinkler Encouragement Award, but the biggest ‘prize’ will be the opportunity for five singers to progress to the Finals where they will vie for valuable scholarships, cash prizes and the $30,000 Marianne Mathy Scholarship and a masterclass with Lisa Gasteen AO,
    altogether valued at over $160,000.

    Duration of event: approx 3 hours, with 1 interval

    Combo tickets are available to attend the Masterclass as well as the Concert - see below for Masterclass details.

    Tickets:
    $30 Single For Semi-Finals Concert
    $25 Per ticket for Groups of 10 or more
    $35 Single for a Combo ticket with Masterclass
    $28 per ticket for a Combo ticket with Masterclass for Groups of 10 or more

    To purchase single tickets, click on the Buy Tickets Button.
    To purchase Combo tickets, click on the Buy Subscription button.

    Thursday 12 August at 10:30 AM

    The Australian Singing Competition: Masterclass

    Experience the exciting opportunity to see each of the 5 Finalists participate in a ‘live lesson’
    with Lisa Gasteen AO and David Harper.

    Event duration: 10:30am - 1pm.

    Tickets:
    $10 Single ticket for Masterclass
    $8 per ticket for Groups of 10 or more
    $35 Single ticket for Combo with Semi-Finals Concert
    $28 per ticket for Combo with semi-Finals Concert for Groups of 10 or more.

    To purchase single tickets, click on the Buy Tickets Button.
    To purchase Combo tickets, click on the Buy Subscription button.

    Saturday 11 September at 08:00 PM

    Classical Guitar Society: Judith Hickel & John Couch

    This first class duo joined forces in 1999 and performs music from a wide variety of styles. Born in New Zealand, John Couch is currently based in Canberra, where he studied with Timothy Kain. In 2001 he became the first guitarist to win the Gisborne International Music Competition for Orchestral Instruments, and in 2002 he won the Australian Guitar Competition.

    John has toured extensively throughout Australasia and internationally. He has released two solo CDs, A Fairytale… with Variations, featuring contemporary guitar music from around the world, and Desdemona’s Song, a collection of guitar favourites. Australian-born Judith Hickel has won prizes at international competitions in Russia and New Zealand. The duo’s CD Andre’s New Shoes celebrates ten years of musical collaboration and has been widely praised by critics and peers.

    “This CD is a real winner… highly recommended”, Tim Kain

    Couch_hickel_sm

    Tickets:

    • Adult $28
    • Concession $22
    • Members $22

    Bookings
    Please call 02 8019 0290

    Members!Prime seats at concession rates - www.theindependent.org.au using your electronic I.D. number. Check with Phil Samuel for details.

    Sunday 19 September at 02:00 PM

    The Actors' Forum: Trying

    This well known Canadian writer brings us an intimate study of an historical American legal figure.
    Judge Biddle was Attorney General under Roosevelt 1941-45 and later Chief Judge of the American Military Tribunal at Nuremberg.
    The playwright has personal knwoledge of this irascible scion of an aristocratic legal family, since she herself once worked for him.
    In this play we meet him as he faces mortality and a new young forthright secretary. They are each TRYING to come to terms with the other and what starts as a battle of wits grows into a moving relationship of mutual respect and affection. Along the way, we are graced with reflections on mortality and wisdonm and insights into American history.

    Tickets:
    Adult $20
    Concession $15

    Tickets on sale at the door one hour before performance.
    No prior bookings.

    Enquiries: 0411 899 792

    Tuesday 21 September at 11:00 AM

    Musica Viva Coffee Concerts series: Genevieve Lacey & Karin Schaupp

    “Genevieve Lacey has a tone which is floating, translucent and beautiful.”
    The Sun Herald

    “‘A flawless performance (by Karin Schaupp) the like of which I have not heard before.”
    Classical Guitar (UK)

    Genevieve Lacey and Karin Schaupp, two of Australia’s most distinguished instrumentalists, have established an enviable reputation both within Australia and internationally. They have been performing as a duo since 2004 and are highly acclaimed for both for their individual musicianship and the close musical rapport they convey as performers.

    The program features solo and duo works from the Classical period to the present day.

    Genevieve Lacey, recorders
    Karin Schaupp, guitar

    Program:
    Solo and duo works for guitar and recorder by Ernst Krähmer, Franz Schubert, Johann Kaspar Mertz, Felix Mendelssohn, Manuel de Falla, Jacques Ibert and a group of traditional folksongs.

    Morning tea will be served from 10am.
    Concert starts at 11am. Duration 1 hour.

    Lacey_schaupp_1

    Tickets:
    $40 Single tickets

    Bookings:
    Please call Musica Viva on 1800 688 482

    For more info on the 2010 Coffee Concert Season visit www.musicaviva.com.au

    Thursday 14 October at 08:00 PM

    Seraphim Trio: Celebrating Song

    For its final recital for 2009, Seraphim Trio is joined by soprano Lisa Harper-Brown, to celebrate the glorious combination of piano trio and soprano. A selection of Beethoven’s ‘Scottish Songs’ will be performed alongside his beloved Piano Trio in E flat. Seraphim Trio will also unveil a new, special collaboration by composer Graeme Koehne and poet Peter Goldsworthy, The Ringtone Cycle: a portrait of a love aff air in a text-message age. *World premiere, commissioned with the support of Ars Musica Australis

    Program
    Piano Trio in E flat, Op. 1 No. 1
    BEETHOVEN

    Folksong settings ‘ Scottish Songs’ Op. 108
    BEETHOVEN

    The Ringtone Cycle*
    GRAEME KOEHNE with libretto by PETER GOLDSWORTHY

    Seraphim-2010


    Tickets:
    Subscriptions

    • $90 for three concerts
    • $60 concession for three concerts

    Individual concerts
    • $38 Adult
    • $25 Concession
    • $15 Student

    Bookings
    Please call 02 8019 0290

    Sunday 24 October at 02:00 PM

    The Actors' Forum: Jigsaws

    A much neglected Australian playwright penned this family saga which brings us three generations of the women in one family. Alliances and conflicts between sisters and mothers and daughters are exposed with a supervising grandmother calling the tune. All the characters are capable of much wit and wisdom while a spotlight is shone on the eternal question of "the equality of the sexes" and the need for women to lead their own lives.
    During the play, there is some discussion on the inadequacies of husbands and partners, which does tend to happen when women get together. But don't worry gentlemen, we have not turned into a feminist organisation. There will be lots of plays about blokes next year...
    Directed by Linden Wilkinson.
    A special arrangement with Jennifer Rogers and Currency Press Pty. Ltd.

    Tickets:
    Adult $20
    Concession $15

    Tickets on sale at the door one hour before performance.
    No prior bookings.

    Enquiries: 0411 899 792

    Saturday 30 October at 08:00 PM

    Classical Guitar Society: Simon Powis

    A passionate and expressive style coupled with a formidable technique has garnered international attention for Simon Powis as a talented soloist, chamber musician and innovator.
    After completing his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, Simon traveled throughout Europe, studying with some of the world’s most renowned virtuosi including David Russell and Pavel Steidl.
    He undertook a Masters of Music at Yale on a full scholarship, studying with distinguished guitarist/composer Ben Verdery, and was the first guitarist in over two decades to undertake doctoral studies at this prestigious institution.

    Simon has toured extensively as a soloist, with performances in the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C) and the Banff Center for the Arts (Canada). Simon is devoted to performing new music and has premiered over 30 new works.

    This program will include the ground-breaking Due Canzoni Lidie by contemporary Italian composer Nuccio D’Angelo, plus a varied selection of works by Scarlatti, Albeniz, Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Jorge Morel.

    Simon_powis_web

    Tickets:
    $28 full
    $22 concession
    $22 CGS members

    CGS Members
    Prime seats at concession rates - www.theindependent.org.au using your electronic I.D. number. Check with Phil Samuel for details.

    For more information visit www.classicalguitarsydney.org.au

    Sunday 31 October at 04:00 PM

    Nexus 2MBS: Virtuosi

    Nexus 2MBS Virtuosi performs chamber music with great passion and intensity, its nucleus being a piano quartet:

    Kirsty Hilton, violin

    Jeremy Williams, viola

    Patrick Murphy, cello

    Brenda Jones, piano

    Featuring guest artist
    Robin Wilson, violin
    Smalley and Schumann

    Nexus1_web_size

    “Delightful concert, good performances and superb Brahms … no wonder the audience was enraptured” – Fine Music Magazine



    Program
    Dohnányi: Serenade in C Major, op. 10

    Smalley: Piano Quintet

    INTERVAL

    Schumann: Piano Quintet in Eb Major, op. 44


    Tickets:
    Subscriptions

    • $85 for three concerts
    • $70 concession for three concerts

    Individual concerts
    • $35 Adult
    • $30 Concession

    Bookings
    For assistance with bookings please call 02 8019 0290

    Friday 12 November at 08:00 PM

    The Idea of North: Radio Show

    They say video killed the radio star.. well we're not so sure.

    Come and decide for yourself and be part of a "live studio audience" as we present Radio Show.
    Step back in time to an era of simple pleasures when the entire family would gather around the old transistor radio to listen to their favourite show, excited and intrigued by what was happening at the other end. It's now your turn to find out what goes on behind the scenes.
    Join in the fun of a live radio show where you'll hear us perform golden oldies to the top of the pops. We'll be your very own radio hosts and who knows what else!
    This show is bound to have just about everything.
    The only difference is it probably won't make it out onto the airwaves... it'll be for your ears (and eyes) only!

    Warm_rust_lores

    Further information available from The Idea of North website: www.idea.com.au


    Tickets:

    • Adult $40
    • Concession $34
    • Family (2 adult + 2 child under 16) $115
    • Groups (10 or more) $34 per person

    Bookings:
    Please call 02 8019 0290

    Tuesday 16 November at 11:00 AM

    Musica Viva Coffee Concerts series: Andrew Goodwin & Daniel de Borah

    “The fine young tenor Andrew Goodwin impressed mightily with his sweet, light timbre.”
    Cumberland Newspapers

    “I was immediately impressed by Daniel’s pianism, his musicianship and his ability to draw the listener into his musical world.”
    Stephen Hough, pianist, UK

    Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah met as students at St Petersburg Conservatory, where they forged a close musical partnership. Together they now perform regularly in recital.

    Andrew’s debut role at Moscow’s Bolshoi Opera was Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, a rare achievement by a foreigner. Daniel has won major prizes at the Sydney, Tbilisi and Arthur Rubinstein international piano competitions and has appeared in recital at London’s Wigmore Hall.

    Andrew Goodwin, tenor
    Daniel de Borah piano

    Program:
    Robert Schumann
    Liederkreis, op 39

    Johannes Brahms
    Fantasies for piano, op 116 (selection)

    and songs by Brahms and Richard Strauss

    Morning tea will be served from 10am.
    Concert starts at 11am. Duration 1 hour.

    Andrew_g_and_daniel

    Tickets:
    $40 Single tickets

    Bookings:
    Please call Musica Viva on 1800 688 482

    For more info on the 2010 Coffee Concert Season visit www.musicaviva.com.au

    Saturday 11 December at 07:30 PM

    Sydney Chamber Choir: O Magnum Mysterium

    With Christmas approaching, December can be hard work, so take a little time out to relax, enjoy some beautiful music, and learn to breathe again!

    This program combines 16th-century musical treasures with a beloved 20th-century classic, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Innocence and wisdom combine in the ancient poetry and the exquisite music for women’s voices and harp.

    Also featured is the lush O magnum mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, one of America’s most popular contemporary composers.
    Plus, a newly-commissioned Australian work by Gordon Kerry, whose music for choirs, chamber ensembles and orchestras is in demand in the USA and Europe as well as across Australia. Kerry was awarded the Ian Potter Cultural Trust Music Fellowship for 2009.

    Artists
    Conductor: Elizabeth Scott
    Guest artist: Owen Torr (harp)


    Program:
    BENJAMIN BRITTEN: A Ceremony of Carols

    MORTEN LAURIDSEN: O magnum mysterium

    TOMÁS LUIS DE VICTORIA: O magnum mysterium, Missa O magnum mysterium

    FRANCIS POULENC: Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël

    GORDON KERRY: Et incarnatus est
    (World premiere; commissioned work*)

    *The composition of this work was commissioned by The Ian Potter Cultural Trust.

    Sydney_chamber_choir_websize

    Tickets:
    $45 Adult
    $30 Concession

    Bookings:
    To purchase tickets please go tostickytickets.com.au

    Sunday 20 February at 04:00 PM

    Louise Hermann and Tony Stockwell present: Two Mediums, Two Worlds

    World Renown UK Spirit Medium and author Tony Stockwell will be joining Sydney based medium Louise Hermann for an afternoon of Mediumship.
    Tony is known for his television work including The Psychic Detectives and Sixth Sense and has demonstrated across the UK, Europe and the US.

    Louise has also demonstrated to hundreds of audiences and works hard with the spirit world to bring forward proof of survival through names, events and specific details.
    Both Tony and Louise endeavour to provide you with comfort that your loved ones do survive the process of physical death and continue to live on in spirit form.

    Louise_and_tony-website_small

    Program:
    Seating at 3:30pm for a 4:00pm start.
    Demonstration by Louise Hermann for 1hr and 15min.
    Interval for 30 minutes. Refreshments can be purchased at the Theatre bar.
    Demonstration by Tony Stockwell for 1hr and 15 min.

    Please note:There are no guarantees on readings for the afternoon as this is determined by the spirit world.

    Merchandise including books can be purchased from 3:30pm.

    Tickets:
    $55 Single ticket
    No concessions.

    The Independent Theatre for Functions, Conferences and Wedding Receptions - 269 Miller Street, North Sydney