Daniel Barenboim and Charles Dutoit share their insights, plus we look at John Adams, Alma Mahler, Rostropovich and more.

COVER STORY

The Argerich Enigma
One of the greatest living pianists, Martha Argerich has always been elusive about her life and her art. Daniel Barenboim and Charles Dutoit, two musicians who know her well, offer insights to help fathom the unfathomable.

FEATURES
John Adams at 70
Nixon’s 1972 visit to China provided rich material for composer John Adams. Andrew Mogrelia explains how classic politics made great opera.

Force Majeure
They say behind every great man is a great woman, and Alma Mahler stood her ground behind more than most. This is her story.

Cellist of the Century
Mstislav Rostropovich, who would have been 90 this year, was larger than life, on and off stage. We take a good look at his remarkable legacy.

Reformation!
When Luther nailed his theses to a Wittenberg church door, renewing sacred music was far from his mind. Yet that is precisely what he did.

Being Bennelong
Behind the scenes as Bangarra Dance Theatre take on Woollarawarre Bennelong, a man who holds a unique place in Australian history.

Piggy-in-the-Middle
Touring Australia, Pacifica Quartet’s Masumi Per Rostad talks about the secrets of good chamber music and the vicarious life of the viola.

INTERVIEW I
Conductor Charles Dutoit
The 80-year-old maestro’s return to Sydney consumates a 40-year love affair. Clive Paget talks to the great Swiss conductor about French music and modern opera – just don’t mention the R-word.

INTERVIEW II
Actor Alan Cumming
The self-styled Scottish elf trapped in a middle-aged man’s body is headed for Australia. Jo Litson finds out about his love for “sappy” songs and social media, and the horror of living in Trump’s America.

REGULARS
What I’m Listening To Pianist Éric Le Sage Five Questions For Pianist Louis Lortie Around The World Patricia Kopatchinskaja’s hair-raising Ravel Guest Column John Bell on resurrecting musical melodramas Guy Noble’s Soapbox Music, like sex, can be spoiled by overthinking Opera Column Mark Vincent pays tribute to Mario Lanza Did You Hear About The macabre demise of the devil’s violinist Backstage With Fortepianist Melvyn Tan World Premiere Maria Grenfell’s “slave song” inspired Spirals Rising Star Bass Adrian Tamburini Composer of the Month Janáček and the woman who inspired his Vixen Musical Journey Arts hub Lucerne merits more than a mere yodel Reviews The latest CD reviews plus the Limelight chart Panorama This month’s round-up of everything worth experiencing in dance, theatre, visual art, literature and film What’s On The must-see musical events around Australia this month Broadcast Guide ABC Classic FM & Australia’s independent radio stations My Music ABC Classic FM broadcaster Mairi Nicolson

GET YOUR COPY
The June 2017 issue of Limelight is available at retailers across Australia and digitally through Zinio.
You can also call Limelight on (02) 8599 4204 or email to purchase a copy over the phone: $9.95 plus $7.20 postage and handling (includes tracking and guaranteed next day delivery within the Express Post network).

SUBSCRIBE
New subscribers in June will be entered into our special prize draw! We’re offering a double pass to see Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Lyric Theatre Sydney, Sunday September 17 at 7pm.

Subscribe Now

EDITOR’S DOZEN
Wondering what to listen to this month? Well wonder no more – Limelight’s got your back (and ears) with this specially curated Spotify playlist: a selection of twelve tracks reviewed in this issue.

Get Limelight's free weekly round-up of music, arts and culture.