Music is the dominant artform in this HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column.

After a contentious parting of the ways around two decades ago, The Australian Ballet will once again perform with Canberra Symphony Orchestra. This time it’s Bizet’s Carmen, to run at the Canberra Theatre in June 2025. The ballet’s edgy production of Carmen has been praised by dance reviewer Michele Potter as “magnificent”. 

Illusionist Michael Boyd returns with his magic and illusion show direct from Las Vegas. Canberra Theatre, October 2.

Canberra Craft Bookbinders’ Guild has an exhibition of 38 bindings/constructions of fine, contemporary, sculptural and artistic creations at the mezzanine level, Civic Library, until October 2. 

Canberra looks set to become Music City for the next couple of weeks, with a deluge of top-quality concerts:

• The Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists will take the stage for their Pure Energy, under the baton of Carlo Antonioli. Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, October 5. Free, but bookings are essential.
• Canberra Mandolin Orchestra & Canberra Recorder Orchestra will stage their inaugural concert collaboration under the direction of Michael Hardy and Margaret Wright. All Saints Anglican Church Ainslie, September 29.
• The Song Company’s Fire Songs and Madrigals, celebrating the ensemble’s 40th anniversary is at Wesley Music Centre, September 29. 
• Old will meet new when a team of classical virtuosi team up with didgeridoo master William Barton to explore Brahms, Ligeti and more in a Musica Viva tour. Llewellyn Hall, October 5.
• Canberra Bach Ensemble celebrates its 25 years with a bold and brassy program at St Christopher’s Cathedral, October 5-6.