THE original stage version of rock musical “The Island of Doctor Moron” premiered in 2014 to rave reviews for its larger-than-life characters. Now it’s a movie and will be screened at the National Library of Australia, 6.30pm, on Friday, October 14. Bookings to tickethost.com.au

MEMBERS of the Canberra Critics Circle, which has been hosting the annual ACT Arts Awards and Artist of the Year (now sponsored by “CityNews”) for 25 years, are puzzled to read the proposal in the ACT Opposition’s arts policy of $225,000 for “new Canberra Arts Awards across a range of catagories [sic] including; performance, painting, drawing sculpting and more”. The critics have been doing it for next to nothing by subscription and with the generous support of the public.

THE Canberra International Music Festival has appointed Canberra arts community stalwart and president of MusicACT Gavin Findlay as its new general manager. The festival has also scored funding from the Australia Council and Events ACT. “This festival has come of age,” crows jubilant director Roland Peelman.

RADFORD College drama teacher, footy coach, writer and rock band leader George Huitker has reminded us that it was he who cast Stef Dawson as Kate in “The Taming of the Shrew before she became a Hollywood star. (“CityNews”, August 25). He also notes the Radford origins of the groups Safia and Hoodlum Shouts.

FORMER Canberran and classical guitarist, Jacob Cordover, now lives in Barcelona but will unveil his new CD “Expresivo” at a private-house concert in Rivett at 7pm, on Friday, October 14. Bookings to trybooking.com.

AS part of Mental Health Month there will be an exhibition of art in various media at The Q, Queanbeyan, from October 10-22. Opening by psychologist Dr Basseer Jeeawody at 6pm, Monday, October 10, all welcome.

THE Song Company will perform a program of reconciliation at Wesley Uniting Church, 6pm, on Thursday, October 13. Bookings to songcompany.com.au

MEANWHILE Wesley Music Centre has the Remember Bach Festival coming up, 10am-4.30pm, on October 15. It’s a collaboration between Austral Harmony and the Wesley Music Foundation to raise funds for an Early Music Scholarship. Bookings to trybooking.com/NAMJ or at the door.

CANBERRA-raised baritone Jeremy Tatchell and pianist Elena Nikulina. “From Russia (and NZ) with Love” will play for Art Song at Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, on Sunday, October 9. No bookings required. Tickets at the door.

THE Sydney Lawyers Orchestra is performing a free concert in the Great Hall of the High Court, 1.30pn on Sunday, October 9, that includes the premiere of a work by Frederick Septimus Kelly, the Australian composer, pianist and Olympic gold medallist who died 100 years ago on the Western Front. Free but bookings to hcourt.gov.au/about/concerts

 

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