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Fitting tribute Sydney Symphony Opera set to celebrate Sir Charles Mackerras. Words: Anna Millar
O ne of the leading lights on the EIF, Sir long been Charles Mackerras, has synonymous with the talent and creativity at the heart of the Edinburgh International Festival. Fitting, then, that they should celebrate his passing earlier tribute concert commemorating one of his finest collaborations.
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Beginning his professional career as an oboist, Sir Charles went on to enjoy a 60-year relationship with Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the fruits of which will be enjoyed on Wed 1 Sep at Usher Hall, with a programme of works by Elgar, in what will be the orchestra’s first appearance at the Festival in 35 years. Before the concert, EIF director Jonathan Mills will lead a tribute alongside a host of musicians who worked with him, including Steve King of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Colin Piper from Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Welsh soprano and
friend of Sir Charles, Rebecca Evans, will also perform Susanna’s aria ‘Deh, vieni non tardar’ from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. In other EIF news, Opera Australia’s Bliss has been nominated for nine Helpmann Awards, including Best Opera, Best Direction of an Opera, Best Male & Female Performer in an Opera, Best Male and Female Performers in Supporting Roles, Best Scenic Design, Best New Australian Work, Best Original Score, Best Lighting Design and Best Lighting Design. Check out the European premiere in Edinburgh on Thu 2 Sep and Sat 4 Sep. Sydney Symphony Orchestra has also been nominated for Best Symphony Orchestra and Best Chamber performance; they perform at the EIF on Wed 1 and Thu 2 Sep.
See www.eif.co.uk for more information.
FRANK SKINNER NO-SHOW ■ TV funnyman Frank Skinner has pulled out of this year's Fringe. Skinner was due to host the Assembly's Talk Show, featuring the likes of Jo Brand, Mel Smith and Julian Clary. Rumour suggests Skinner was unhappy about the organisation of the show, while the Assembly camp say they’re yet to get a full explanation about Skinner’s no-show. Happily, though, Fringe campers, comedian Stephen K Amos has stepped in for the run. Take that, Skinner.
COMEDY Geordie comic Seymour Mace put two pesky hecklers through their paces last week, when he chased two unruly latecomers-cum- audience-members down three flights of stairs and up the street away from his Just the Tonic venue on Cowgate. That’ll learn ’em. EAT Those looking for somewhere to rest their legs and fill their bellies during August can head to Hamiltons, where new head chef Simon Van de Voors has not long taken up residence, following his impressive stint as executive chef on the ski slopes of Val d’isere. The new menu boasts Ayrshire pork belly with crackling and chilli jam and a Scottish salmon en croute with sorrel, wilted spinach and chive hollandaise. Yum.
SHOP Is it just we at List Towers who are loving the village atmosphere at some of this year’s festival venues? Thought not. Our favourite by a big ol’ country mile is the latest reinvention of Spiegeltent at George Square Gardens, which has gone a bit upmarket with massage huts, jewellery and craft stores. Check out our favourite, Joey and the Goose’s amazing pop-up vintage clothing and accessories shop daily.
DRINK It’s all popping up at this year’s Fringe and now Bulmers are getting in on the act with a pop-up pub in Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL Visit us daily for arts & entertainment news 19–26 Aug 2010THE LIST 7