Tours of Tuscany

Tours of Tuscany
Join this small group tour and immerse yourself in the current of sensation for a week of food, wine and culture in Tuscany.

Monday, April 26, 2010

AUSTRALASIAN COMMEDIA DELLʼARTE FESTIVAL



INAUGURAL AUSTRALASIAN
COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE FESTIVAL



BRISBANE 2010

GALA EVENT - WORLD PREMIER PERFORMANCE
“Pulcinellata Nera” - Black Comedy alla Pulcinella



SUNDAY 30 MAY 2010


A Little Opera in words, lazzi and music in the style of the Neapolitan Commedia dell’Arte by world reknown and master of the Commedia dell’Arte form..... Antonio Fava

6.15pm Pre performance drinks and nibbles

7.00pm Opening of World Premier Gala Event
             Welcome to distinguished guests, performers, presenters, Ladies and Gentlemen

7.15pm “ Pulcinellata Nera “ performance by Antonio Fava and - Cecilio Di Donato

What: World Premier Performance - “Pulcinellata Nera”
Where:Woodward Theatre - QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
When: Sunday 30 May, 2010 - 6.15pm for 7.00pm

Ticket price: Adults: $45.00 pp VIP drinks & nibbles    Children: $13.00 per person

BOOK HERE

PREVIEW PERFORMANCE
COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE FESTIVAL

PRESENTS

“Pulcinellata Nera” - Black Comedy alla Pulcinella

A Little Opera in words, lazzi and music in the style of the Neapolitan Commedia dellʼArte by world
reknown and master of the Commedia dellʼArte form..... Antonio Fava



What: Preview performance by Antonio Fava and Cecilio Di Donato
Where:Woodward Theatre in the QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
When: Sunday 30th May 2010 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Ticket price: Adults: $28.00 per person  Children: $13.00 per person
TICKETS AVAILABLE
BOOK HERE


COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE EVENING PERFORMANCE

Friday 28 and Saturday 29 May 2010


FRIDAY 28 MAY 2010



“Commedia per te” ... for you

“a poco a poco” ...little by little - Combined schools drama students
Directed by Tony Kishawi

A group of drama students drawn from the Brisbane district high schools combine to produce 30 minutes of Commedia mayhem and madness. 'Little by little' you'll be seduced by their charm and talent into the magical world of Commedia, where you, the audience, become a snippet of the scene, a piece of the plot, a magnet for the mayhem.




“Glue” - Birdwing Lane Theatre
Written by Karlo Bran
Directed by Ben Cornfoot, with Clint Bolster and Tammy Weller.

George has invented glue! He's convinced it's going to change the world, but his wife Wendy just isn't impressed. Ah, the trials of matrimony. This could be a short but sweet snapshot of the trials and tribulations of married life, a comment on how modern society stifles our creative juices, a condemnation of monogamy, or just ten minutes of funny stuff. Featuring Commedia-trained actors (who kept changing the lines), Birdwing Lane Theatre presents an absurdist, random, off the wall comedy that will stick in your head like... Glue!

“Commedia Viva” - Commedia Academy of Australia
Written by Antonio (Giri) Mazzella & Giovanni (Sanjiva) Margio

Never heard of Commedia? Well, you're not alone! Now is your chance to meet the characters of the Commedia dell’Arte; agile Arlecchino, lazy Pulcinella, blustering Capitano, miserly Pantalone, pompous Dottore, the swooning Sweethearts, and others.
Learn historical background and social context of early theatre as you laugh your way through comedic skits and scenarios - entertaining for both the novice and the expert

Plus more

What: Commedia dell’Arte Evening Performances
Where: Woodward Theatre - QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
When: Friday 28 May, 2010 - 7.30pm

Ticket Price for this evening’s performances: Adults: $38.00 pp
BOOK HERE


COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE EVENING PERFORMANCE

SATURDAY 29 MAY 2010




“Festa Commedia”

La Signora presents iSize - Corrina Di Niro - Interform

iSize takes a cheeky look at the modern day corporate woman.

A blend of burlesque & dance…just what is a woman to do when caught in such a dilemma?







The Black Nonnas - Commedia Academy of Australia
Written by Antonio (Giri) Mazzella & Giovanni (Sanjiva) Margio

They're big they're black and they're hairy - these Nonnas are the Italian Grandmothers your mother warned you about!

Maria and Antonietta are on the lookout for husbands, pasta or vino. They enjoy mangling traditional Italian songs about death, tragedy and donkeys.


“Womenʼs Breath” - Carmencita Palemo

Written by Carmencita Palermo

Feminine masks coming to life through dance and music.

Be entertained by the different faces of the feminine mask. A performance merging East and West based on the Balinese Topeng mask dance technique and the Italian Commedia dell'Arte. It is a joyful journey that will take you through Asia, the Middle East and South America. It's an interactive perfomance that will mesmorise you into the rhythm....


Plus more


What: Commedia dell’Arte Evening Performances
Where: Woodward Theatre - QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
When: Saturday 29 May, 2010 - 7.30pm

Ticket Price for this evening’s performances: Adults: $38.00 pp
BOOK HERE

COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE FESTIVAL



WORKSHOPS

“Inside the Mask” - 3 days of fun and exploratory workshops 28, 29 and 30th May 2010

Our theme “Inside the Mask” this year sets the stage for exploring the performer’s experience and perspective. We’ll take a look out from inside the mask - and it’s not just about history - from understanding the inside we can recreate the mayhem and carnival that is.....Commedia dell ‘Arte

Presenters such as :
Antonio Fava Italy
Gerard Boland NSW
Robin Davidson ACT
Carmencita Palermo Tas
Corinna Di Niro SA
Commedia Academy of Australia WA
Tony Kishawi QLD

as well as individual Commedia performers, actors and drama students.

What: Commedia dell’Arte Workshops
Where: Studios QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
When: Twenty one workshop sessions on 28, 29 and 30th May 2010

Registrations
PLEASE SEE WEBSITE: http://www.commediafestival.com.au/  for details and registration form

Where to find us...



Follow the signs to the Woodward Theatre!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Musical Concert During the Treasury Casino Italian Motor Expo

Be serenaded as you enjoy the Italian Motor Expo by some of Brisbane’s leading orchestras and concert band – beautiful Italian Vehicles and Classical music – the perfect setting for a Sunday afternoon!

Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO)
The Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra is a fun and vibrant youth orchestra organization fostering young people’s love for music and giving them orchestral training with a difference

Where: Reddacliff Place, between Brisbane Square (the BCC building) and the Treasury Casino
When: Sunday 30th May 10.30pm to 11.30pm
More Info: FREE EVENT - NO BOOKING REQUIRED

St John Ambulance Concert Band
St John Ambulance Concert Band, is one of Brisbane’s oldest bands, having been formed in 1919 by its first conductor, Albert Kaeser. A community band, consisting of approximately 30 members, with a wide range of ages and diverse backgrounds.

Where: Reddacliff Place, between Brisbane Square (the BCC building) and the Treasury Casino
When: Sunday 30th May 12.00pm to 1.00pm
More Info: FREE EVENT - NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Musical Concert in Queen Street Mall

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Saturday afternoon to the beautiful live sounds of some of Brisbane’s best orchestras and bands. Italian Week is holding a free Musical Concert in Queen Street Mall on the 29th of May, which features performances by the Queensland Youth Orchestra - Junior String Ensemble, the Brisbane Municipal Concert Band and the Brisbane Symphonic Band.

From 2:30 to 3:10
The Junior String Ensemble was formed in 1975 as a training group for string players aged up to 15 years. With 70 players aged from 9 to 15, the ensemble teaches members the skills of ensemble playing and orchestral discipline before they proceed to the other QYO orchestras.

From 3:30 to 4:15
Brisbane Municipal Concert Band is Brisbane's oldest continuously playing community concert band. Formed in 1903, they have a rich history of entertaining the people of Brisbane.

From 4.30pm to5.30pm
The Brisbane Symphonic Band is one of Brisbane's premier community bands with origins that date back to 1976. The band, currently conducted by Stefanie Smith, regularly performs in own series concerts, at local and international festivals and as part of the Brisbane City Council's Bands in the Park program.

The Musical Concert in Queen Street Mall promises to be an entertaining event, and one that you shouldn’t miss!

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage

When: Saturday 29th of May
• Queensland Youth Orchestra - Junior String Ensemble: 2:30-3:10
• Brisbane Municipal Concert Band: 3:30-4:15
• Brisbane Symphonic Band: 4.30pm-5.30pm

More Information: FREE EVENT- No booking required

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Queensland Gallery of Modern Art - Australian Cinémathèque


The Australian Cinémathèque, located at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, presents retrospective and thematic film programs and exhibitions, exploring the important lines of influence between the moving image and other areas of visual culture, and showcasing the work of influential filmmakers and artists. Its mission is to collect, conserve, present and interpret film and screen culture.

The Gallery’s film and moving-image collection includes work by significant international, Asian, Pacific, Australian and Indigenous Australian artists. Other collection development areas include video art that responds to the specific history and genres of cinema; animation, especially from Asia; and conceptual art and its legacy through performance

http://qag.qld.gov.au/cinematheque

Stanthorpe State High School

Stanthorpe State High School is a school of approximately 650 students from Years 8-12 situated in Stanthorpe, on the Granite Belt. The school has always combined a respect for tradition with innovation and community involvement. The House Teams, named after local identities Withers, Wright, Langan and Finch and the school motto, Altiora Petentes (Striving for Higher Things) have been with the school since 1961 and represent its traditions.


http://www.stanthorshs.eq.edu.au/

Cortina Restaurant

Assoc. Toscani nel Mondo


Assoc. Toscani nel Mondo: Our association was formed to provide social & cultural activities for Tuscan immigrants, their families & friends. It is recognized by Florence in Italy as Queensland’s official social & cultural organization for Tuscany. Each year, we promote the Tuscan culture by organizing dinners, lunches, exhibitions & various socio-cultural gatherings. The association keeps in constant contact with the Tuscan region & in particular one of its provincial cities: Lucca.

Di Bella Coffee


At Di Bella Coffee, coffee is our passion, pleasure and way of life.


Di Bella Coffee, Australia’s fastest growing coffee company offers a coffee journey from crop to cup.
The company boasts two roastery’s, in Bowen Hills in Brisbane and in North Melbourne, with a third opening in Adelaide in 2009. Over 900 cafes throughout Australia serve Di Bella Coffee, creating over 1 million cups of coffee each week.

At Di Bella we roast our hand-selected, high grade beans daily to assure you of the freshest cup of coffee and most exquisite aromas.

With a combined experience of more than a decade, Di Bella expertly selects and roasts only the highest quality beans from around the world to produce full-bodied flavours and uniquely complex blends.

At Di Bella you are always guaranteed the finest products, personalised service and the quality coffee ensuring you always receive the ultimate coffee experience...

http://www.dibellacoffee.com.au/

Gusto da Gianni

Gianni Greghini, the man behind award-winning Gianni's Restaurant and Gianni Events at Hamilton, brings you Gusto da Gianni, the exciting new dining concept now open at Portside Wharf.


Hailing from Italy, Gianni’s most recent venture Gusto Da Gianni aims to incorporate both his insatiable love of superb food and wine with the timeless traditions of family and festivities that are so inherent in everyday Italian life.

The result is Gusto Da Gianni, a unique concept in the Brisbane dining scene with a number of different spaces. The restaurant seats up to 350 and includes an Italian osteria, cantina, pizzeria, formaggeria, private groups rooms and authentic antipasti bar.

Gusto da Gianni welcomes everyone from families and couples to corporate functions or those looking for a glass of wine and a quick bite to eat.
An extensive menu is sure to please. Traditional Crispy Pizza with Prosciutto Rocket and Reggiano, Homemade

Gnocchi with Chilli and Tiger Prawns, Peppercorn and Cream Eye Fillet, and Zucchini Flowers Stuffed with Creamy Goats Cheese are all favourites with our regulars.
With waterfront views of the Brisbane River, Gusto da Gianni is also a fantastic place to have a relaxed drink in our spacious lounge bar. Choose to have an aperitivo or something from our wine list specialising in local and Italian wines.

The restaurant comfortably seats over 300 people in a variety of seating configurations. Gusto da Gianni conveys rustic warmth with a cluttered, family-style interior – think stone walls, colourful ceramics in rustic sideboards, large images of smiling Europeans and big group tables.
Gusto da Gianni can cater to any sized group or function, from couples to large groups and private parties. Reservations can be made for tables of four or more.

“I am extremely passionate about what we do at Gusto and I’m very much looking forward to sharing this passion with everyone else, no matter what their tastes or where they come from,” says Gianni.

http://www.gustodagianni.com/

Italiquore


Italiquore

At Italiquore, we import only the finest alcoholic beverages from Italy and around the world. We ensure our high quality of products and service by importing from companies that have the highest integrity and are well respected around the world. Our product line consists of a mix of fine sparkling wines, spirits and liqueurs.

Italiquore is a proud sponsor of Italian Week 2009. Brisbane's Official Italian Festival

Pallini
Limoncello liqueur, Peachello liqueurPallini Limoncello is the number one selling ultra-premium limoncello in the World and is crafted from an authentic family recipe created more than 100 years ago by the Pallini family. Its delicious natural zest comes from the fragrant peel of Italy’s finest Organic Sfusato Amalfitana lemons hand-picked on the Amalfi coast, and infused for eight months in the finest pure spirit. The result is an intense burst and tangy flavour. Pallini Limoncello and Peachello is 26% ABV and is available in 750ml (6 x 750ml per case).

Strega
Italian grappa, liqueursAccording to an old legend, Benevento is the place where witches from all over the world meet. Here since 1860 the Alberti family has guarded the secret of an ancient recipe, handed down from father to son. And it is here in Benevento that the oldest Italian liqueur, well known all over the world is produced. It is a liqueur whose unique colour and incomparable flavour make it the focal point of every encounter.


Nardini
Italian grappaDitta Bortolo Nardini has been producing since its origin its three famous Acquavite di Vinaccia (grappa): the Bianca (Alc. 50% by Vol.); the Riserva (Alc. 50% by Vol.) aged in Slavonian oak barrels for a minimum period of three years and the Ruta (Alc. 43% by Vol.) infused with the rue herb. Beside its classic grappas, the distillery produces and commercializes, under its own brand, a variety of premium grappas and liquors including Mandorla, Tagliatella, Acqua di Cedro and Ginepro which are the outcome of a bicentennial tradition. The entire range of grappas and liquors is available in the traditional 1 litre bordolaise bottle, the same since 1779, while some products are also for sale in smaller capacity bottles

Keglevich
Flavoured vodkasKeglevich is a range of high quality Italian flavoured vodkas containing triple distilled vodka and real fruit juices. Its colourful high-impact bottle is sure to stand out from the crowd in your bottle shop or bar. It is perfect served straight up, over ice or in cocktails! Keglevich is a huge seller in Italy capturing around 45% of the market and is now available in Queensland! This vibrantly packaged vodka comes in a 700 ml bottle and will be available in peach, melon, wild berries and strawberry flavours in cases of 6. With media attention on binge drinking this new vodka is sure to attract attention with an ABV of 20%.

Gancia
Asti/Sparkling wineGancia was founded in 1850 by Carlo Gancia who created the very first Italian sparkling wine and paved the way to the birth of the Italian sparkling wine industry. The company is still 100% owned by the Gancia family, now in the fifth generation. By using the same expertise which dates back to 1850, the fifth generation of the Gancia Family has today created the Gancia Method, a new unique and special method of making Asti, by combining a best selection of grapes with yeasts specially cultivated by expert winemakers as per an original House of Gancia method.

http://www.italiquore.com.au/

Elio Moda

Sicilian born designer Elio Marzullo owner and creative director of the Elio Moda label has reached iconic status in Queensland.

Elio’s passion for styling, love for fine fabrics and nose for cutting edge looks has pushed his designs to the top.

The Elio Moda label has flourished in Australian fashion landscape for over 20 years, maintaining a strong connection with European style and Elegance.
The innovative concept of the fashion house that among other things offers a fully qualified team of personal stylists is one of a kind in Queensland, bridging the gap between European and Australian style.

More Info: http://www.eliomoda.com.au/

Commonwealth Bank

The Commonwealth Bank is one of Australia’s leading providers of integrated financial services including retail banking, premium banking, business banking, institutional banking, funds management, superannuation, insurance, and investment and sharebroking products and services. The Group is one of the largest listed companies on the Australian Stock Exchange and is included in the Morgan Stanley Capital Global Index.

The Commonwealth Bank is a long-standing supporter of community activities and organisations. This support is directed at a broad range of activities that bring long term benefits to Australians and reflect community activities and organisations. Areas of particular emphasis include education, medical, youth, science and technology, the arts and the environment.

http://www.commbank.com.au/

Brisbane City Council

Vespa Studio’s

Brisbane Marketing


Brisbane’s reputation as a progressive and globally competitive destination has steadily developed over recent years and Brisbane Marketing has been a driving force in supporting and celebrating this success story. Put simply, we’re the people who promote Brisbane and its surrounding regions as the destination for leisure, conventions, investment and major events.

No-one knows Brisbane better than us. We’re passionate about what we do and we take great pride and pleasure in our work of championing this great region. Our vision is to be the brand leader for Brisbane; recognised and valued by the community and our stakeholders as foremost in building awareness and enhancing the profile of the city.

http://www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/

Ourbrisbane.com

ourbrisbane.com is a unique, Brisbane-based website which provides up-to-date local information that enriches the experience of people who live in and visit the city. The award winning website is an initiative of Brisbane City Council and is now the number one leisure and lifestyle website for Brisbane and the greater Brisbane region, attracting more than 500,000 unique visitors and more than five million page impressions each month. ourbrisbane.com has everything you need to know about Brisbane – including festivals, events, dining guide, things to see and do, local news, weather, transport, traffic updates and more.

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/

4MBS Classic FM

4MBS Classic FM: One of Australia's premier classical radio stations, 4MBS Classic FM has been broadcasting for 30 years and has received many awards. 4MBS Classic FM was named Australia's Radio Station of the Year at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia's 2004 Awards. 4MBS has a small number of paid staff and about 300 volunteers covering all aspects of the station's operation. As well as broadcasting 24 hours a day every day of the year, the station presents a series of events each year promoting classical music, including the annual 4MBS Festival of Classics- Australia's largest classical music festival.


http://www.4mbsclassicfm.com.au/

Brisbane News

Brisbane News has been delivering a quality lifestyle magazine to Brisbane's affluent suburbs for twelve years. Readers have bonded with its unique mix of informative, entertaining and uplifting stories, and this proven format is consistently achieving extremely high levels of reader loyalty.
Each Wednesday, Brisbane News is targeted directly to high income demographics with select distribution to 120,000 homes and businesses in Brisbane. Every copy goes to a clearly identified prime consumer target, so there is absolutely no wastage.

Brisbane News covers food, fashion, arts and entertainment, travel, and real estate with consummate style. Glossy pages, stunning photography, witty commentary and beautiful images. Brisbane News just begs to be read, creating a subtle but powerful sales environment for your business.
We offer a range of tailored marketing opportunities designed to leverage your exposure to our affluent readers, including special features, inserts, preferred positions, and more.

http://www.brisbanenews.com.au/

Monday, April 12, 2010

Getting To The Spencer Park in Newmarket

Italian Week Cup

As part of Italian Week 2010 celebrations, Brisbane City Football Club ‘Azzurri’ at Spencer Park Newmarket, will stage a tournament of ‘Calcetto’ 5-a-side Football on Wednesday 26th May 2010 to kick-off at 6.00pm.
The tournament will consist of 2 groups of 4 teams, playing in a round robin of 10 minute halves, with the winner of each group to play in the Final for the ‘Italian Week Cup’. Teams are to be made up of adult males, females or mixed and be named any region of Italy. Registration fee is $200 per team. With proceeds from registrations going to support Italian Week.
So grab some family and friends together and form a team and be part of this fun night.

Registrations close on Sunday 23rd May 2010.

If participating in a team is not your cup of coffee, you can relax on our Sunset Boulevard and enjoy a meal of Pasta and BBQ Pork Spare Ribs while watching the games. Our Azzurri Bar is fully licenced and our Di Bella coffee bar will cater for all your hot beverage needs. Bookings are essential.

For team registrations, table bookings or for further information please contact us on 3356 8834 between 6.00pm - 9.00pm Monday to Thursday or by email to
secretary@brisbanecityfootbball.com.au

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Getting To The Italian Alfresco Feast

Getting To The Princess Theatre

Getting To The Dante Alighieri Society

Getting To Angelo's Fresh Pasta Products

Getting To The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Getting To Gusto Da Gianni

Getting To The Treasury Casino

Getting To Cortina Restaurant

s

Getting To The Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Getting To The Cinematheque



The Australian Cinémathèque is located at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the second site of the Queensland Art Gallery. The two buildings are located within easy walking distance of each other (150 metres), and are part of the Queensland Cultural Bank Parklands. For and access map and further location details please visit our website: http://www.qag.qld.gov.au/  

Australian Cinémathèque
Gallery of Modern Art
Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)7 3842 9555 or +61 0(7) 3840 7303
Email: gallery@qag.qld.gov.au

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Barista Course at Di Bella Coffee

If you’ve ever wanted to create the perfect cappuccino, latte, or espresso, you cannot miss the Di Bella Coffee appreciation course as a part of Italian Week 2010.

Di Bella Coffee has created “The Ultimate Coffee Experience,” perfect for any type of caffeine lover, from hospitality workers, to café owners to coffee aficionados.

The coffee appreciation course includes a factory tour, where you learn everything from the history of coffee through to how it is roasted, participation in a cupping session, learning how the experts taste coffee and commercial coffee machine training.

On completion of the course you will receive a Di Bella Coffee gift pack, as well as a certificate of participation in the coffee appreciation course.

Cost is at the special price of $50 per person (normally $130), and all proceeds will go towards the supporting of Italian Week events. Numbers are strictly limited to 12 people per day.

What: Di Bella Coffee appreciation course
Where: Di Bella Coffee Head Office, 82 Abbotsford Rd, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
When: One and a Half hour course

Wednesday 26th May - From 3.00pm to 4.30pm


Thursday 27th May  - From 3.00pm to 4.30pm


Friday 28th May - From 3.00pm to 4.30pm


Cost: Italian Week promo $50.00 (Normally $130.00)

Italian Week on James Street - CJ’s Pasta

CJ’s PASTA
Chefs David Cotelli and Christian Gruber will break down the myths behind gnocchi making at this year’s Italian Week. Their interactive cooking and tasting demonstration for kids will give them the insider ‘know how’ so they can apply their new culinary skills at home!

Where: CJ’s Pasta, James Street.
When: 11am Saturday 29th May
More information: Free event but arrive early for a good position!

Italian Cooking Classes Launch at James St Cooking School

James St Cooking School will celebrate Italian Week with the official launch of their new cooking -class series “The Italian Job” on Wednesday May 26. Classes highlight the Italian love of fresh seasonal produce and examine the variation of cuisine according to region and it’s evolution since 4th century BC.

Where: James Street Cooking School, James St Markets
When: Beginning 26th May
More information: $120 per person (includes lesson, following dinner and accompanying wines). Numbers are limited & bookings essential either visit jamesstcookingschool.com.au or call 07 3253 8850

Italian Week on James Street - Harveys

HARVEYS:
Renowned Brisbane Chef PJ McMillan will showcase his favourite Italian meals during this year’s festival. For the entire week diners can indulge in a number of seasonal Autumn specials including porchetta- traditional roasted pork accompanied by grilled polenta and sautéed radicchio with salsa verde.

Where: James Street
When: Beginning 26th May
More information: Call 3852 3700 to book

Italian Week on James Street - CRU

CRU
Head Chef, Paul Hoffman, will design a tailor-made tasting menu matching the heady, powerful and tannic wines of Italy’s most famous wine growing regions of Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto.

Wine Director Jeff Power will conduct a retail-focused promotion throughout the week at Cru Cellars kicking off on Wednesday May 26 with an Italian tasting evening focusing on the pointy or serious end of the Italian wine spectrum.

Where: James Street, Fortitude Valley.
When: Beginning 26th May
More Information: Call Jeff at Cru on 3252 1744 to book

Qld College of Wine Tourism

The Queensland College of Wine Tourism is a state-of-the-art training facility located right on the New England highway at Stanthorpe. The College provides specialist education and training facilities in wine tourism for secondary, TAFE and university students in a real industry setting.

The Banca Ridge Cellar Door and Bistro provides a la carte luncheon dining from Tuesday to Sunday during the hours of 10am and 3pm. The bistro provides a daily lunch menu prepared and served by hospitality students under industry supervision. The feature dish is the ‘Medley of Mains’, a tasting platter served with selected Banca Ridge wines made by Gateway Schools Students under the supervision of a qualified winemaker. Open to the public, guests can enjoy fine dining in front the double-sided open fire place or dine on the deck overlooking the vineyard and lake.
Visitors can browse in the Interpretive Gallery and learn about the Queensland wine industry through static and dynamic displays or book a tour of the College.
In addition to bistro dining, the College provides excellent conference and function facilities for up to 120 people. Packages can be tailored to suit clients’ needs and include conferences, dinners, wine appreciation courses, seminars, meetings, cookery classes, and videoconferencing.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Official Festa della Repubblica

The Consulate of Italy hosts its official Italian National Day event. Festa della Repubblica (literally Festivity of the Republic) is celebrated in Italy on the second of June each year. The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War.

Where:- Gallery of Modern Art
When:- 6.00pm
More Information:- By Invitation

Italian Week Official Opening and Media Launch with Lord Mayor Campbell Newman

Italian Week, an Initiative of the Italian Government, kicks off in Brisbane on the 26th of May. The official launch of the festival will include Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, as well as key Brisbane media. This event will commence Italian Week celebrations, which will showcase a realistic, modern Italy, whilst capturing the flare and excitement of one of the world's most ancient countries through past and present automotive, culinary and musical innovations.

Where: Treasury Casino and Reddacliff Place, between Brisbane Square (the BCC building) and the Treasury Casino
When: Wednesday 26th May 2010 11.00am
More Information: Media and Invited guests

Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO)

Often described as the Youth Pops Orchestra, The Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra, (BRYO) in 1983 to provide additional opportunities for young musicians to extend their musical experience in a positive social environment. BRYO has developed over the years, consisting generally now of a 77 piece Symphony Orchestra, and a 16 piece String Orchestra.

In July BRYO will be touring to perform at the World EXPO 2010 Shanghai China as the only Queensland Representative at the EXPO Music Festival.

BRYO performs regularly throughout the year. Concerts over the years have featured BRYO at a variety of venues including, QPAC, Brisbane City Hall, the TIVOLI, Baptist Tabernacle, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Church, and Balmoral High School amongst many others. BRYO is the resident Symphony Orchestra for The Police Commissioner’s Carols at Southbank Piazza and Broadbeach Carols at various venues.

BRYO has a commitment to touring and to music exchange. Major tours have resulted in performances from Cairns to Canberra, in addition to smaller regional tours, including Armidale, Dubbo, Yamba, Bundaberg and many other regional cities, towns and centres.

BRYO’s performances at Q.P.A.C, Parliament House, Brisbane City Hall etc have even been complimented by a performance behind the goal posts on the football field with the Broncos! BRYO runs The Queensland Festival of Youth Music every few years, and was chosen to form the core orchestra for the Energex Brisbane Festival in 1998 and 2000, conducted by Maestro Tommy Tycho.

Coming up Highlight Concerts in 2010 .
1. From Russia With Love – at Schonell Theatre April 16
2. BRYO’s Indigenous Connections Concert – featuring Indigenous Dance, Music and Robert Barton on Didgeridoo – At St John’s Cathedral .Saturday May 15
3. BRYO’s Italian Week -Sunday May 30
4. BRYO and QYO Wind Symphony – Concert at The Old Museum – Sunday June 20
5. BRYO’S Last Night at the Proms - Saturday August 1.
6. BRYO’s Music from Sci Fi and Games - Saturday October 16
7. Police Commissioner’s Carols - Saturday December 11

Repertoire:
Music performed by BRYO encompasses a variety of styles Classical, Broadway, Popular, and Contemporary. The Orchestras’ Library is quite comprehensive and contains full orchestral sets of works of many notable Composers and Arrangers, in all of the above mentioned styles of music.

info@bryo.org.au
http://www.bryo.org.au/

Where:- Reddacliff Place, between Brisbane Square (the BCC building) and the Treasury Casino
When:- Sunday 30th May 1.30pm to 2.30pm
More Details: - Free event - no booking required - ItalianWeek.com.au for more details

Queensland Youth Orchestra - Junior String Ensemble

The Junior String Ensemble (JSE) is one of nine orchestras and ensembles comprising 470 musicians operated by Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO).

In 2010, the ensemble has 65 players aged 8 to 15 years. JSE has had only two conductors in its history: Monica O’Neill (née Paulsen) from 1975 to 1990 and Chen Yang from 1991 to the present.

JSE regularly performs joint concerts with other QYO, youth and school ensembles. In 2010, JSE is performing in combined concerts with the Western Suburbs String Orchestra, the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra, St. Hilda’s School String Ensemble and Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Chamber Orchestra.

In 2009, JSE toured to Dalby, Roma and Toowoomba, performing three school concerts and two public concerts at Roma State College and Westhaven RSL Care Community Hall, Toowoomba. In September, JSE performed as part of Deep Blue orchestra’s Young Blue performance at Brisbane’s 150th birthday celebrations at the Riverstage.

JSE performs a wide range of repertoire, much of which is arranged by conductor Chen Yang. In 2009, JSE performed works by Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Handel and more, and premiered a new work called ‘Tilt Train’ by 14-year old Bundaberg student, John Rotar.
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Chen Yang has had a long association with Queensland Youth Orchestras. He first joined as a violinist in 1975 and was concertmaster of QYS from 1978 to 1980, touring with the orchestra in 1980 to Europe, including the International Festival of Youth Orchestras in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Attributing these positive QYO musical experiences as a major influence in choosing music as a career, Chen studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and graduated with distinction in violin performance.

As his first professional musical undertaking, Chen was the Concertmaster of the Queensland Theatre Orchestra (later renamed the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra), working under the distinguished conductor, Georg Tintner.

In 1981, Chen joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as a member of the first violin section until 1989. He continued performing as a freelance musician throughout the early 1990s, performing in show orchestras for many major musical productions at QPAC.

Chen is the leader and conductor of The Sinfonia of St Andrew’s orchestra and is the string teacher and conductor at St Hilda’s School, Southport. He is also the leader of the Corda Spiritus Orchestra of Brisbane who have performed several concerts for 4MBS Music Festival in recent years. His other musical interests include performing on baroque violin with period instrumental ensemble, the Badinerie Players of Brisbane. Chen adjudicates regularly for eisteddfods and competitions and is also a prolific arranger of string music for the Junior String Ensemble. Chen was the conductor of QYO3 from 1983 to 1988 and since 1991 has been the conductor of the Junior String Ensemble.

Where:- Queen Street Mall Stage
When:- Saturday 29th of May 2.30pm to 3.10pm
More Info:- FREE EVENT - NO BOOKING REQUIRED