2023 continues to shine a light on the Sydney performing arts space.
From the installation of a brand-new, world-class sound system to its first-ever standing general admission shows, 2023 has been a year of firsts for City Recital Hall. Kicking off the year with the launch of newly curated seasonal programming, the venue has seen artists from a wide range of genres, eras and locations perform on its stage. The gospel stylings of Emma Donovan & Paul Grabowsky kicked off Season 01 | 23 while the larger-than-life energy of seminal electroclash artist Peaches and fast-rising Multi-hyphenate Nakhane celebrated the togetherness and joy of Sydney WorldPride. Ableton co-founder and electronic pioneer Monolake cut the ribbon on the Hall’s brand new d&b audiotechnik Soundscape system, one of the first spatial audio sound systems in a venue in Australia. For 02 | 23, the venue removed its seats and hosted French disco pioneer Cerrone’s first-ever Australian tour while the following night Los Angeles hip-hop pioneers The Pharcyde brought the house down with a live show that had the whole auditorium bouncing.
Season 03 | 23 promises to connect the venue’s past and future in the present, bringing together artists from around the globe and across time to Sydney’s most pristine live music space. The piano, violin and trumpet are centre stage in the venue’s relaunched signature classical program featuring international artists Jack Liebeck, Katya Apekisheva, Paavali Jumppanen, Jeroen Berwaerts and Konstantin Shamray; world leading instrumentalists each in their own right, while boundary-pushing electronic pioneers Autechre challenge the concept of live performance with a show that can only be described as fully immersive sensory deprivation. Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids bring their delicious harmonies and intricate musicianship to the pristine acoustic space while local artist Gordi will take to the stage in August to showcase her unique combination of lush electronics and moody acoustic songwriting; the perfect backing to her instantly recognisable voice. In-demand songwriter and producer Oneohtrix Point Never, fresh off the back of work with The Weeknd, FKA Twigs, Charli XCX and Soccer Mommy, presents a brand new solo live show which repurposes seminal tracks from his catalogue in sonic discourse with newer releases. He is accompanied by live visuals performed by long-time collaborator Nate Boyce who developed a new real-time animation system that updates the graphical themes dating back to their earliest collaborations from over a decade ago.
Ed Kuepper’s genre-defining alt-rock celebrates its history with the Australian musical icon’s first full band show of solo material in over a dozen years. Featuring Ed’s legendary sparring partner Mark Dawson on drums, Sunnyboys bassist Peter Oxley plus celebrated pianist Alister Spence and brass maestro Eamon Dilworth, The Exploding Universe will tackle the best of Kuepper’s recent vinyl reissues Electrical Storm and the classic Honey Steel’s Gold this September. American singer-songwriter Son Little continually revolutionises the modern understanding and expectations of the R&B genre. Delivering an unadulterated transmission of Black American music, he brings slick melodies, stomping gospel organs, brash psych-rock arpeggios and timeless emotional depth to Sydney to close the season out in late September.
03 | 23 is music you know and music you don’t. Challenging yet familiar, it simply Sounds Better.
Visit www.cityrecitalhall.com for tickets and more info.