The “Rock stars of Renaissance music” is how The New York Times described the award winning British vocal ensemble The Tallis Scholars. Founder and artistic director Peter Phillips has devoted his life to creating the ideal choral sound, and exploring many neglected gaps in the polyphonic repertoire. He’s also commissioned many contemporary composers including Eric Whitacre, John Tavener and Nico Muhly. On top of all that, he’s written columns for newspapers and magazines, presented radio lectures, and even written a novel.In this conversation, Peter discusses how his fascination with vocal harmony began in his school days, developed at Oxford, and eventually led to the formation of The Tallis Scholars in 1973, an ensemble that would become synonymous with the purity and precision of Renaissance choral music. He shares insights into the challenges of interpreting centuries-old music, from deciphering incomplete manuscripts to navigating lost performance traditions, and how the group strives to make these works vivid for modern audiences. Warm and deeply insightful, Peter reveals the passion, intellect, and humour that have sustained his remarkable career in music.The Tallis Scholars, under founder and artistic director Peter Phillips, perform at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, 12 October. They will also be performing at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday, 9 October, and at the QPAC Concert Hall on Friday, 10 October. Performances in Canberra and Melbourne had already occurred at the time of publication of this program.
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Meow Meow: Red shoe cabaret
As a self-described “post-post modern diva”, Meow Meow is one of the world’s most outstanding cabaret artists. She has played to sold-out venues from London to New York, and Berlin to Sydney. Winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Prize in 2010, and a Helpmann Award in 2012, she’s performed with the great Barrie Humphries, been commissioned by David Bowie, and created roles in London’s West End. Berliner Zeitung called her “The Queen of Chanson” while London’s Evening Standard said she possessed “devilishly funny bones and heavenly vocal cords”.Meow Meow displays her razor-sharp wit throughout this conversation, exploring her artistic evolution and inspirations, revealing the mix of parody and sincerity which are the hallmarks of her shows. We hear about her early musical influences and passions, and the impact past and present artists have had on her work and outlook.Meow Meow’s The Red Shoes, is playing at Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre until November 9.
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Martin Baker: Inspired by tradition
British organist Martin Baker has spent a lifetime at the keyboard, from the moment he first touched the instrument as a child to his twenty years as Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral. Along the way he has become one of the world’s most sought-after organists, known especially for his dazzling improvisations.Martin reflects on the twists of fate that shaped his career, from early lessons on a family keyboard, to the honour and pleasure of leading music at some of the UK’s most important cathedrals. He recalls playing at unforgettable occasions, including the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, revealing the quick thinking required when a live event doesn’t go exactly as scheduled.With warmth and humour, Martin talks about the joy of improvisation, whether it’s adding an unexpected burst of ABBA into a Phantom of the Opera screening, or creating music that lifts a congregation in worship, sharing insights into the rich traditions of Catholic and Anglican church music.A candid and illuminating glimpse into the artistry, craft, and humanity of one of today’s great organists.This program was recorded while Martin was visiting Sydney in May 2025 to perform at St James, King Street.
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John Rando: Those Broadway melodies
Tony Award-winning director John Rando has staged some of Broadway’s most inventive and entertaining productions – from Urinetown to On the Town, The Wedding Singer to Mr. Saturday Night. He was one of the creative forces behind the stage musical version of Back to the Future in both the West End and on Broadway, which he is now bringing to Australia.In this lively and wide-ranging conversation, John takes us behind the scenes of turning a beloved movie into a dazzling theatrical spectacle – complete with a time-travelling DeLorean – and reveals how musicals can deepen characters we thought we already knew. He shares stories from his early days in Texas and New York, reflects on some career-changing moments, and talks about working with legends like Billy Crystal and Glen Ballard.The interview is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and the art (and gamble) of making Broadway magic, and throughout John displays warmth, humour, and his passion for the stage.Back to the Future: The Musical opens at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on 26 September.
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Tara Morice: Strictly speaking
Tara Morice has been a beloved presence on Australian stage and screen for more than three decades. Best known for her breakout role as Fran in Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom – a performance that earned her BAFTA and AFI nominations – Tara has built a career across film, television and theatre that is as varied as it is enduring.In this wide-ranging conversation, Tara reflects on the global phenomenon of Strictly Ballroom, the early days of working with Baz Luhrmann, and the challenges of sustaining a long career in the arts. She talks candidly about typecasting, ageing in an industry obsessed with youth, and the balance between artistic integrity and simply paying the bills. She also explores the touching story behind her documentary My Biggest Fan, and why she’s relishing the chance to bring humour, honesty and celebration to her upcoming role in Menopause: The Musical.Menopause: The Musical plays at the State Theatre, Sydney, for two weeks only from September 19.
In Conversation is brought to you by 2MBS Fine Music Sydney.
In each episode, Simon Moore speaks to a figure in our artistic landscape, delving into all the detailed and interesting facets of their life, from the trivial to the profound. Our guest also introduces some musical extracts that are meaningful to them.
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