Early Music

Ian Scobie has honed his strategy for attracting class acts to Womadelaide since its launch in 1992. And he still gets his biggest thrills watching audiences get blown away. 

The multidisciplinary artist and musician has been on an epic journey to connect with her ancestral culture, learning folksongs from the all-but-forgotten brides of pre-colonial Hong Kong.

Tower captain Doug Nichols finds himself in a "surprising" situation — from having to cancel events when one person is sick to being "flat out" teaching people the finer art of bellringing.

Lloyd Baker took up the hobby of restoring self-playing pianos after buying one from his music teacher. Next, he acquired one from the local plumber.

After almost 100 years, Charles S Packer's choral masterpiece has filled the air once more — thanks to a chance meeting between a curious music director and a historian who loves old book shops.

What these musicians lack in experience is outweighed by their mission to make the hometown of Shannon Noll a live music hub once again.

Combining her lifelong passion with a vintage retail outlet has left Jenny Turner in a spot of bother — a very real struggle to actually part with her beloved collectables.

Throughout history we have been singing our way through disasters — from the Black Death to coronavirus, lyrics have been adapted to suit the era.

A little country school in South Australia's south-east provided an instrument for every student and the results have been "joyful".

The hidden Christmas carol called Parit Virgo filium, discovered in a 15th-century manuscript at Cambridge University Library, will be recreated and performed by the Newcastle Cathedral.

As Australia's music community mourns the passing of one of its most revered composers and conductors, it is hoped a new school in NSW will pass on his love of music to generations to come.

Peter Combe is best known for his wacky children's songs but he regularly performs to sell-out adult crowds. Combe spoke to ABC's Throwback, a new series that revisits the creatives and entertainers who shaped Australian childhoods.

Once the musical centrepiece of the local town hall, Beechworth residents welcome an organ home after an absence of more than 110 years.

Popular children's group The Wiggles will be without its yellow performer Emma for its upcoming shows around the country, as she undergoes surgery to manage symptoms of chronic endometriosis.

A North Coast woman catches up with former work colleague and friend, ex-Beatle and famous musician, Paul McCartney in Brisbane.

Imagine being asked to catch up with a friend and former work mate who just happens to be The Beatles' Paul McCartney?

Australia loves Paul Kelly again, Gang of Youths rocked out, Harry Styles got mildly political and Sia was so well camouflaged she could not be seen at the ARIA Awards.

An editor with a unique background harmonises with the values of Bourke and its newspaper's 130-year history.

Back in the 1960s, when pop and rock were taking over the music scene, British teenagers had to turn to pirate radio stations to hear bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. And the British government was furious.

Academic and musician Dr Matthew van Emmerik records the solo works of influential brass band composer and symphony orchestra pioneer Percy Code.