From one island to another
This August, emerging local artist Rychèl Thérin returns to the Sir John Cheshire Gallery with a 30 piece exhibition of new photographic work. Born in New Zealand, she left as a child and has recently returned to study a Visual Arts Masters degree at Massey University, New Zealand. This recent work is a visual diary of Rychel?s travels over the last six months, revisiting the places of her childhood and beyond. All of the photographs are directly linked to New Zealand and it?s individualism but at the same time relate overseas to politics, conservation and identity.
?I left New Zealand when I was 11, so returning there to study has been interesting and rewarding, full of new and old experiences, places and expectations. There is a very identifiable trend of individuality in the country, people paint it onto letterboxes and cars, carve it out of trees, even signpost it!?
Atlas: Mapping a Homeland
Private View: Tuesday 19 August 5-8pm
Date: Tuesday 19th to Sunday 31st August 2008.
Where: Sir John Cheshire Gallery, The Welcome Centre,
19 Val Plaisant, St Helier
Gardar Thor Cortes and Dame Tiri Te Kanawa
The Gloucester Hall is set to hold a once-in-a-lifetime performance by opera sensations Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Gardar Thor Cortes in September.
Icelandic tenor Gardar Thor Cortes? has had a very successful time in the last three years, with the release of his self-titled, debut album, ?Cortes?, being the fastest selling release in Iceland and it also went straight to Number One in the UK Classical Charts, staying at the top spot for three weeks. His second album recieved similar high aclaim. He has been compared to the late Luciano Pavarotti, but remains humble of this likening, and the ?James Bond of classical music? has also been named Iceland?s sexiest male for two years running.
Cortes will be supporting Dame Kiri Te kanawa, one of the most famous sopranos in the world. After her debut as the Countess in ?Le Nozze di Figaro? at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1971, her performance, in 1981 of Handel?s ?Let The Bright Seraphim? at the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer was watched around the world by an estimated six hundred million people.
Te Kanawa has received a numerous amount of recognition, most notably in 1982, when she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire. Also, she was invested with the Order of Australia in 1990 and in 1995 in the Queen?s Birthday Honours List, she was awarded the prestigious Order of New Zealand.
Date: 5/9/08 Where: Fort Regent
Alfresco Arts
The end of July saw the launch of St. Helier?s annual Alfresco Arts at Weighbridge Squarewith Big Beat, a ?junk? percussion band.
Throughout August, there will be a chance to see a variety of energetic outdoor entertainment including street theatre, music, dance, circus skills, installation, comedy and workshops.
When speaking of this summers programme, Outreach Co-ordinator at the Jersey Arts Centre, Paul Talbot, said: ?Alfresco Arts! is back this summer with free open-air entertainment to suit all ages and interests. The programme includes talented European, UK and local acts as well as exciting workshops, enabling family and friends to both enjoy and partake in the festival.?
It is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy some free outdoor street art and entertainment provided bythe Jersey Arts Centre and funded by Jersey Tourism. See our listings for some of this years highlights.
