Here’s arts editor HELEN MUSA’s latest arts news – today’s “Artsday” column.

THE Canberra Choral Society and the National Capital Orchestra have replaced interstate artists with local soloists, bass Andrew Fysh and soprano Rachel Mink for their performance of the Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem, conducted by Leonard Weiss. Llewellyn Hall, this Saturday, July 24. This will be the largest gathering of Canberra-only musicians performing here in quite some time, approaching the 120 onstage capacity. Book here.

OPERA Australia has announced the forced postponement to 2022 of their production of “The Phantom of the Opera” which was scheduled to open at Sydney Opera House in September and the Arts Centre Melbourne in November.

The works in “Timeline“, by Alex Asch and Pat Hoffie, and curated by David Broker, reveals a timeline of passionately held views and values evident in the ways Asch and Hoffie interpret their present as a legacy of the past, which in turn drives the future. Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes. Open to the public from 11am, Saturday, July 24.

AARWUN Gallery presents an exhibition of works and memorabilia by the late Mark Brandon “Chopper” Read, titled “I Regret Nothing”. The late gangland killer turned author left a legacy through his paintings which will be on display at Aarwun Gallery, Gold Creek, until August 8. Opening event 2-5pm, Saturday, July 24. Free but book here.

GRAINGER Gallery will launch its eighth show in as many months with Cate Maddy’s “I Didn’t Come to Stay” opening in Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick at 5pm on Saturday, July 24. A former Hawker College student, Maddy’s vibrant, painterly works revisit the still-life tradition and the Australian bush that surrounds her Victorian home. Open daily, 11am-5pm, until August 15.

“UNDER the Influence”, Shortis and Simpson with special guest Keith Potger has sold out, but Contentious Character Winery has now opened their enclosed deck to seats with a restricted view, at a reduced price. 810 Norton Road, Wamboin, 6.30pm, August 7-8, book via bookings@contetentiouscharacter.com.au or 6238 3830.

AFTER a postponement and a cancellation, the QT Winter Twilight Series is going ahead this weekend with Canberra roots and blues musos KillWater performing live on the QT Deck, 5pm-8pm, Sunday, July 25, all welcome, bring a blanket.               

FORMER ANU student Hannah Gadsby is now a global superstar as a comedian, with an Emmy and a Peabody behind her. Her new live stand-up show, “Body of Work” is at Canberra Theatre, July 23-24, book here and 6275 2700.

The Llewellyn Choir, under the baton of Rowan Harvey-Martin, will be presenting an evening of French music by Gabriel Fauré and others at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 212 Antill Street, Hackett, 5.30pm, Sunday, July 25. Book here.

IN “Together Alone”, artists Toni Hassan and Ali Aedy jointly offer intimate works that speak of personal and universal experiences; the spaces between us, connection and disconnection, agency and loss. At Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka, Friday-Sunday, 11am- 5pm, July 23- August 1.