Few musicians have expanded the horizons of their instrument quite like harpist Alice Giles. From winning the Israel International Harp Contest at just 21, to acclaimed performances across Europe and America, Alice has become one of the world’s most celebrated harpists — praised for her artistry, imagination and technical brilliance. But her journey has not always been conventional: she’s performed with the great orchestras, championed contemporary repertoire, and even carried her harp to Antarctica.

In this conversation, Alice reflects on her formative years and the mentors who shaped her, including the legendary June Loney and Alice Chalifoux. She shares the challenges and triumphs of building an international career, the delicate art of balancing music with family life, and what it means to her now to guide the next generation as both teacher and Chair of the World Harp Congress. With warmth, insight and a touch of adventure, Alice offers a portrait of a musician who has never stopped exploring what the harp can be – in sound, in colour, and in life.

Alice Giles performs with the Australian World Orchestra under chief conductor Alexander Briger for Mahler’s 4th and 5th Symphonies, at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on Wednesday September 3, and the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Thursday September 4.

Actor, director, playwright, and singer Brittanie Shipway has worn just about every creative hat there is – and worn them brilliantly. From starring in The Dismissal, Chess, and The Pirates of Penzance to writing her own acclaimed play A Letter for Molly, Brittanie’s career is a tapestry of performance, storytelling, and cultural connection.

In this conversation, Brittanie shares the vision behind her reimagined Once on This Island at the Hayes Theatre which blends the show’s Caribbean story with the voices, languages, and traditions of a richly diverse cast. We explore the importance she places on the Gumbaynggirr part of her heritage, the mentors and moments that shaped her, the joys and challenges of creating new Australian works, and why she’s determined to make theatre a place where everyone feels welcome. She is a warm, thoughtful, and passionate artist determined to expand the stage for all.

Once on This Island, directed by Brittanie Shipway, plays at the Hayes Theatre until August 31. Brittanie will also be directing The Witches of Eastwick, this year's "neglected musical" at the Hayes, with performances 8-11 October.

One of the foremost clarinettists and leading artists of his generation, Michael Collins has shared his dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianship to audiences the world over. He’s served as the principal of the Philharmonia Orchestra and London Sinfonietta, and has been conductor of several orchestras, including serving as principal conductor of the City of London Sinfonia for most of the 2010s. He’s back in Australia, and has just concluded playing at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. Later this month, he performs with the Omega Ensemble for their upcoming tour, Elevator Music, where he joins artistic director David Rowden in giving the world premiere of Graeme Koehne’s Double Clarinet Concerto.

In this captivating conversation, Michael traces the arc of his extraordinary musical life – from childhood fascination with the clarinet to international acclaim as both soloist and conductor. He shares stories of mentorship from figures like Thea King and Jacqueline du Pré, gives insights into commissioning new works, and offers his unique perspective on interpreting core repertoire like the Copland and Mozart concertos. With great warmth and humour, he tells of the joys and challenges of conducting from within an ensemble, and how a herd of sheep once upended his life, revealing a musician devoted to beauty, integrity, and reinvention.

Michael Collins joins the Omega Ensemble for Elevator Music at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday 16 August, at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on Tuesday 19 August, and at the Newcastle City Hall on Thursday 21 August.