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.

Whether as a singer and musical director of The Swingle Singers, or composing choral works that are sung across the globe, or championing women in music, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange has made an indelible mark on the choral and jazz worlds alike.

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal interview, Joanna reflects on her remarkable musical journey – from a childhood shaped by foster care and early singing in a parish choir, to leading The Swingle Singers and becoming a celebrated composer and cross-genre soprano. She shares the inspiration behind her choral reimagining of The Four Seasons, titled A Season to Sing, which is receiving its Australian premiere this year thanks to the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

Joanna speaks movingly about the influence of her foster father, her late mother, and the joy of collaboration with her husband, Alexander. The conversation explores her creative process, her championing of inclusive choirs, her experience navigating sexism in the music industry, and the unexpected honour of composing for King Charles III’s coronation. With humour, humility and emotional candour, Joanna offers a portrait of a musician whose artistry is rooted in resilience, curiosity, and community.

The second half of Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s A Season to Sing will be performed as part of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs concert Lost Birds on Saturday 16 August at the White Bay Power Station.

One of Australia’s most talented creatives, Toby Schmitz is a beloved actor on stage (including Broadway) and screen, from the works of Shakespeare and Tom Stoppard to TV dramas such as Black Sails and The Pacific. He’s directed at the Darlinghurst Theatre and The Old Fitz, and is also a playwright, winning the Patrick White Award for his play Lucky in 2002. And as if that weren't enough, he’s penned a successful novel, The Empress Murders.

In this rich and wide-ranging interview, Toby reflects on his multi-faceted career as an actor, playwright, director, and now novelist. He discusses his current role in Grief Is the Thing with Feathers at Belvoir, detailing the adaptation process and the creative collaboration involved. He revisits formative moments in his life, from his unusual musical tastes as a child and difficult school years, to his time at NIDA and early stage roles. He shares candid stories about navigating the highs and lows of the acting world – including missed opportunities, critical acclaim, and the freelance grind. He speaks with great passion about Shakespeare, Tom Stoppard, and the thrill of live theatre, while also describing the long and arduous journey of writing and publishing his debut novel The Empress Murders. Throughout, his sharp wit, love of language, and enduring dedication to storytelling shine through.

Toby Schmitz stars in Grief is the Thing with Feathers, adapted from the Max Porter novel, at Belvoir Street Theatre until August 24. His novel, The Empress Murders, is available at all good book sellers.

The New York Times Magazine dubbed Danielle de Niese as “opera’s coolest soprano”. Melbourne born, she has gained worldwide acclaim for her beautiful stagecraft, and superb communication. She regularly appears on the world’s most prestigious opera and concert stages, from Hamburg to New York, and from Glyndebourne to the BBC Proms. She has six solo albums to her name, and has won an Emmy for her TV presentation.

In this conversation, Danielle speaks about her role debut as Carmen with Opera Australia, exploring her meticulous preparation for the part including her interpretation of the character and insights from reading the original novel. It traces her remarkable journey from winning Young Talent Time as a child, the family move to the United States at a young age to pursue her career, a Met debut at 19, and a breakout success at Glyndebourne with Julius Caesar. She reflects on the important influence and support of her parents, and her dedication to giving back through charity work. The interview also explores her forays into musical theatre, and how she balances diverse artistic passions with a deep commitment to opera.

An Australian soprano who has established herself as one the leading artists of her generation, Nicole Car is a fixture at all of the world’s top opera houses, be it the Met, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Opéra National de Paris, or the Sydney Opera House. She’s praised for her beautiful, rich timbre and unique musicality, with Limelight magazine speaking recently of her unfailingly clear and strong voice, with lovely tone and silky legato.

In this wide-ranging interview, Nicole reflects on her role debut as Rusalka in Dvořák’s opera of the same name, exploring the character’s emotional depth. She recounts her early musical influences – from her initial interest in becoming a jazz singer to a transformative experience watching Tosca – and her unusual path into classical music. The conversation traces the steep learning curve she threw herself into, her career-defining competition wins, and her thoughtful approach to role choices, including knowing when to say no. She speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing private life with a demanding international opera career, offering touching insights into life in Paris, and performing alongside her husband Étienne Dupuis.

Nicole Car performs Dvořák’s Rusalka with Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House until August 11.

One of Australia’s most beloved tenor crossover artists, Mark Vincent burst into our consciousness thanks to a stirring rendition of Nessun Dorma on Australia’s Got Talent in 2009, and never looked back. He has performed in venues around the world, and eight of his albums to date have topped the ARIA Classical Crossover charts. He’s also performed in musical theatre, from Dirty Dancing to My Fair Lady. He’s now performing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, currently playing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal.

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging interview, Mark reflects on his extraordinary journey from singing as an eight-year-old in his grandparents’ Italian restaurant to becoming Australia’s best-selling classical crossover artist. He discusses his current role as Old Deuteronomy in Cats, his enduring passion for music, and formative influences including Andrea Bocelli, Julie Andrews, and Mario Lanza. He opens up about childhood challenges, early financial hardship, and the pressure of supporting his family from a young age. Mark also speaks candidly about fatherhood, and how personal struggles have shaped both his character and artistry. The interview is rich with emotion, humour, and music – from Nessun Dorma to My Way – offering a heartfelt portrait of an artist whose voice and vulnerability go hand in hand.

Mark Vincent performs in Cats at Sydney’s Theatre Royal until September 6, before heading to the other capitals. He is in concert with the Australia Symphony Orchestra at Glen Street Theatre on Sunday, July 5.