HELEN MUSA wraps up what’s what on the local arts scene in this week’s “Arts in the City” column.

SHORTIS & Simpson return with their latest edition of “Under the Influence”, based on the musical influences of a special guest, this time bluesy singer, songwriter and harmonica player DJ Gosper, whose musical journey spans folk, country, boogie, blues, ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll and vaudeville. Smith’s Alternative, 6pm, September 17.

CANBERRA Choral Society’s 70th anniversary concert, “Attune”, to be conducted by Dan Walker, will feature the world premiere of two new works for choir and chamber orchestra commissioned from Ella Macens and Michael Dooley. Canberra Girls Grammar School Hall, Deakin, 7.30pm, Saturday, September 17.

“MOON in a Dew Drop” is a national touring exhibition by Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee, opening at Canberra Museum and Gallery on September 17 and running to December 4. Curated by former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, it is the largest survey exhibition of Lee’s works to date.

CANBERRA Symphony Orchestra’s next mainstage concert is “War and Peace”, made up of Richard Strauss’ “Metamorphosen”, composed in the wake of World War II; Beethoven’s “Eroica” symphony originally dedicated to Napoleon (but the composer later changed his mind) and Australian composer Malcolm Williamson’s “Second Piano Concerto”, performed by Kristian Chong. Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, September 14-15. 

ACT Embroiderers’ Guild is celebrating its 60th birthday with its big annual exhibition, featuring work from members, a cafe, gift shop, recycled embroidery and crafting supplies. Albert Hall, 10am-4pm, September 16-18. 

MUSIC for Canberra’s Mixed Ability Program was selected out of 171 grant applications to receive funding from the Snow Foundation. The program offers musical classes to people living with disability using music to encourage participants of all ages to develop skills in coordination, concentration, social interaction and to gain self-confidence.

THE ACT government will soon invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified artists to create a public artwork to commemorate the life of the late Susan Ryan and has committed $200,000 to this project. Email artsact@act.gov.au to be included on the mailing list.

CANBERRA Choral Society celebrates its 70th anniversary with “Attune”,  a concert featuring new works for choir and instrumental ensemble by Ella Macens and Michael Dooley, and three of Handel’s Coronation Anthems, all conducted by Dan Walker. Canberra Girls Grammar School Hall, 7.30pm, September 17.