Designed to bring light and colour to dreary winter streets and laneways, the Illuminate Adelaide festival will be held over two weeks and three weekends in Adelaide, Australia from the 16th of July to the 1st of August. It is possible to be blinded by all of the lights of the events of this festival – use our handy guide to check out the 5 events you must see at Illuminate Adelaide.
Square Circles VR
Set on an audio soundscape by the incomparable William Barton, in conjunction with violinist Stephen King and the Australian String Quartet, Square Circles aims to capture Barton’s experience of country, culture and dreaming through a unique digital experience. Running the length of the festival, experience this unique approach to audio and visual storytelling.
The Avalanches: Since I Left You Live w/ the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
The highlight of the festival from the Luminary Artists in Residence, for the first time, The Avalanches will perform their debut album Since I Left You live alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The classic album was crafted from over 3,500 samples ripped directly off vinyl records, so it will be fascinating to discover how these tracks have been transformed with the help of a live orchestra.
Light Visions, Dark Intervals
Utilising all of his impressive improvisation skills and years of musical talent, renown Australian pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky AO encourages you to think differently about photography. Alex Frayne’s striking photography will be projected over the stage, as the maestro improvises a live soundtrack in response. Let the images and live music wash over you as you become absorbed in the striking beauty of both.
The Avalanches DJ Set at the MAAD Block Party
Is it cheating to add two Avalanches events to this list? I’d argue no, given how different their DJ Sets are from their studio output, as is evidenced here, here and even here. Masters of taking an obscure gem and turning it into a dance floor banger, this event will be the perfect end to the festival, and an absolute celebration of the return of live music after the heavy impact of the pandemic.
Illuminate Adelaide Runs from the 16th of July to the 1st of August.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
