Long Lost Loves (and Grey Suede Gloves) 

Book online and join us for the Season

A picture paints a thousand words, but music makes you feel… 

A picture paints a thousand words, but a song tells a story...  Join mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley and pianist Michael Curtain for an evening of story-telling over the piano as they explore life and love through the songs of Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer William Bolcom. 

2024 Concert Season

Join mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley and pianist Michael Curtain for an evening of storytelling over the piano, inspired by the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom, devised by Paul Kildea and Ian Dickson, and written and directed by Constantine Costi.

William Bolcom, who just celebrated his 85th birthday, occupies a unique place in the repertoire. Not quite art song, not quite cabaret, his settings of Arnold Weinstein’s deliciously dry lyrics continue a grand tradition stretching from Schubert to Sondheim of making words dance, fly and sing.

Hear some of their best-loved songs, from Amor to At the last lousy moments of love, woven into a poignant meditation on life, love and living in the moment.

"[Bolcom’s songs are] colourful, brash, dreamy, light, sassy, catchy, overwrought, ethereal, folksy, soothing and sometimes several of these things at once. "

— Classical Net

"Long Lost Loves (and Grey Suede Gloves) is almost a metaphor for the season – an examination of interior and exterior worlds, represented here by offstage and onstage. It’s a program in which the brilliant songs of William Bolcom are juxtaposed to create a funny and profound story of a young woman’s life and loves. "

— Paul Kildea

ANNA DOWSLEY mezzo-soprano
MICHAEL CURTAIN piano
CONSTANTINE COSTI writer and director
MATTHEW MARSHALL lighting design

Selections from William BOLCOM Cabaret Songs
Lyrics by Arnold WEINSTEIN
Concept by Ian Dickson and Paul Kildea

With special thanks to Ensemble Patrons Peter Griffin AM and Terry Swann for their support of this tour, with additional support from Ms Felicity Rourke and Justice François Kunc. Presented in association with Adelaide Festival.

Event and Ticketing Details

Book Now Subscribe

Dates & Times

Adelaide	7 March 7:30pm
Brisbane, Powerhouse	22 February 7pm
Canberra, Playhouse	1 March 7pm
Melbourne	5 March 7pm
Newcastle	20 February 7:30pm
Perth	10 March 6:30pm
Sydney	4 March 7pm