Melbourne's Festival of fun

The Melbourne Festival bursts onto the streets next month for 24 days and nights of theatre, dance, music, opera, visual arts and many free events.

October is the time to get shoulder to shoulder with Melburnians to experience large-scale works by international companies such as the Kirov Opera, Ballet Frankfurt, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Orchestre des Champs-Elysees.

Between October 11 and November 3, the city will host more than 20 world premieres, eight Australian premieres and six major Australian debuts.

Performances will also be in abundance by Australian artists, and venues will include the city's new park by the river next to Federation Square Birarrung Marr.

Opening night is October 11 at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl in King's Domain. Entertainment under the stars is free, from the State Orchestra of Victoria, the Melbourne Chorale, the National Boys Choir and tenor Keith Lewis.

Tourism Victoria in Auckland: (09) 379 0425
e-mail: maria.apii@dsd.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Festival