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Christmas concerts are keeping Australian artists employed

For the performing artists who get busier than ever at this time of year, the main focus of their work is bringing good cheer.

19 Dec 2023 17:12

David Burton

Christmas. A clapping and joyful standing audience looking around, while a performer with a red dress throws their arms in the air on the stage behind them.

All Arts

Naomi Price performs for a captivated audience in ‘Christmas, Actually’. Photo: John McRae.

Christmas carol concerts are Australia’s most popular arts event. Sydney’s Carols in the Domain regularly attracts a live audience of tens of thousands, with a million watching the follow-up broadcast.

They are unique and challenging events, not only for the logistical burden of organising a diverse group of artists, but also for the necessary wrestling with concepts of “tradition” with which a 2023 carol concert invariably grapples. Usually white and Christian, relying on a musical framework popularised by European hymns, crafting a contemporary, relevant and nostalgic concert is a challenging balance.

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David Burton

David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.