Monday 29 October 2012

Pacha Launches in Sydney



Pacha - the world’s most spectacular music and entertainment experience - is set to launch in Sydney on Saturday, 24 November and will take over Sydney’s ivy every Saturday night.

Much more than a traditional night club, Pacha Sydney will be a mad burlesque of circus, dance and sensory overload; a wicked romp through the dark alleys of the imagination. A world-class, specially appointed Pacha Sydney creative team will mastermind a concoction of theatrics, dance, music, light and costumes experience that will engage, entertain, and amaze.

Each unforgettable Pacha experience will feature a company of professional dancers, aerialists, street performers, psychedelic projections and lighting which will take over the surrounding laneways and turn every corner of Sydney’s only rooftop pool bar, ivy Pool Club, Changeroom and ivy’s two-storey open-air courtyard into a haze of activity.

ivy encompasses 10 bars over four spectacular levels with varying musical offerings allowing guests to transition between experiences. Whether you’re after a wild night of dancing amongst the throng of revellers, some privacy with table service in one of the 14 VIP spaces or an exclusive area to entertain large groups, Pacha has something for everyone. 

Justin Hemmes, CEO of Merivale, says of the launch: “I am thrilled to be launching Pacha Sydney this summer at ivy. Bringing together theatre and music, we’ve handpicked the best in the industry to create this unique experience for Sydney that is sure to achieve the high Pacha benchmark loved by so many around the world – I can’t wait to open the doors!”

To ensure the experience exceeds any level set internationally, one of the world’s most acclaimed events and creative directors, Ignatius Jones, has been engaged as Co-Creative Director. His credits include Creative Director of Sydney and Vancouver Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, Vivid Sydney Festival and Artistic Director of Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. Joining Ignatius as Co-Creative Director is renowned theatrical director and producer Craig Ilott (credits include Smoke & Mirrors, La Clique Royale, and Hedwig & The Angry Inch). The formidable duo will lead the creative direction of Pacha Sydney with the support of a team of production and choreography professionals.

Ricardo Urgell, Founder of Pacha says, “As one of Australia’s best entertainment venues, ivy is the perfect location for Pacha. We share the same vision and production values for our large-scale shows with the Pacha team in Sydney and look forward to seeing Pacha brought to life.”

Pacha’s residency in Sydney will officially launch on Saturday 24 November in front of 3,000 invited guests and ticketholders. The launch line-up will be revealed in coming weeks but will include international headliners and a large mix of Australia’s best DJs who have played in Pacha venues worldwide.



For Pacha Sydney events from Saturday, 1 December onwards, doors open 7pm.
To book tickets or for more information visit www.pachasydney.com





About ivy
Since opening in December 2007, ivy has won the hearts of both locals and visitors with its unique combination of dining, entertainment, retail and relaxation. A glamorous urban oasis, ivy is Sydney’s very own wonderland playing host to over 10,000 guests a week across its 10 bars, including Sydney’s only rooftop pool bar, pub, award-winning restaurants and four dedicated functions spaces.

About Pacha
Pacha was founded by Ricardo Urgell in the Spanish beach town of Sitges in 1967, who still owns this global phenomenon today.  Since the opening of Pacha Ibiza in 1973, the island has attracted visitors from all over the globe and has become a must-see venue. Pacha was the first nightclub to make its mark in both Ibiza and on the world stage and remains one of the most respected entertainment brands.  Pacha has a presence in over 20 cities across the world including Ibiza, London, New York, Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Munich, Marrakech, Moscow and Madrid. 

NSW MEZZO SOPRANO WINS AUSTRALIA’S RICHEST SINGING COMPETITION


On Thursday 25 October 2012 at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House, ANNA DOWSLEY, a 25 year old Mezzo Soprano from Ashfield, NSW was announced as the 2012 Australian Singing Competition winner.  Anna was awarded the Marianne Mathy Scholarship presented to her by internationally acclaimed opera singer Jeffrey Black. 

Since 1982, the Marianne Mathy Scholarship has been the premier award in Australia’s richest singing competition, awarded to young opera and classical singers under the age of 26.  The Scholarship consists of a cash prize of $30,000 to assist with a program of study and/or singing activity.  The Scholarship also provides a studio recording with ABC Classic FM, a recording engagement with Fine Music, Photographic Award, Editorial Resources prize, oral history prize plus a limited edition Drago Cherina sculpture presented by Music & Opera Singers Trust Ltd.

Anna sang beautifully and demonstrated poise, professionalism and ability to rise to the occasion.  She was one of five finalists competing against Thomas Atkins, Charlotte Betts-Dean, Jeremy Kleeman and Tabatha McFadyen who must also be congratulated on their high standard of performance, impressing the adjudicators and audience alike.

The sponsor of the ASC, International Foundation for Arts and Culture (IFAC) presented the Handa Prize.  This exciting prize includes an audition in Tokyo in 2013 and was also awarded to Anna Dowsley.  If Anna is successful she will receive a professional engagement in Tokyo.  Total package is valued at $25,000. 

Prizes valued at over $200,000 were awarded at the Concert.  The five finalists were accompanied by the Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra conducted by Johannes Fritzsch.  Guest Artist was 2012 Opera Awards Winner Nicole Car.

The unenviable task of choosing the winner was undertaken by National Adjudicator Jeffrey Black and fellow judges Conal Coad, Dobbs Franks, Michael Halliwell, Huw Humphreys, Yoshinobu Kuribayashi and Anthony Legge.

Anna Dowsley
Anna has been studying voice performance for seven years at the Sydney Conservatorium. After completing a Bachelor of Music, she is now in her final year of the Advanced Diploma of Opera.
Anna has performed at a range of different venues around Sydney including Angel Place Recital Hall and Sydney Town Hall. She sings as guest soloist for a number of choirs and orchestras around Sydney and has been involved in two Sydney Chamber Opera productions and performed a range of operatic roles at the Sydney Conservatorium.