Musicians, performers and arts industry workers around the country are once again watching work disappear because of the current COVID lockdown in NSW, which is having nationwide ramifications.

Opera Australia’s new production of Attila had only just opened at the Sydney Opera House in March 2020 when the coronavirus hit and the production was forced to closed after just two performances. The production was due to celebrate a return Sydney season this week but the pandemic has once again shuttered venues. Perhaps the performance scheduled for 10 July will go ahead. Who knows? And OA is far from alone, with numerous performances having to be cancelled or postponed.

In a glimmer of light for Sydney, Melbourne Digital Concert Hall (MDCH) will present and broadcast two live concerts this weekend, which audiences can view online.

Emily Granger and Andrew Blanch. Photo courtesy of Melbourne Digital Concert Hall

MDCH’s Standing with Sydney Series will consist of live gala concerts on 2, 3 and 7 July at the The Concourse, Chatswood. The Series will support over 30 artists and industry workers, including technicians, sound engineers and piano tuners, who have...