NGV, Melbourne's premiere destination for art and culture, has dropped a ripper lineup for this winter's NGV Friday Nights.
The beloved winter tradition NGV Friday Nights has announced its return, back for a thrilling 17-week run. Explore the gallery’s blockbuster exhibition Pharaoh after dark, showcasing ancient art and artifacts from the rulers of Egypt.
Featuring an eclectic mix of entertainment, performances, live music, residencies and pop-ups, NGV Friday Nights gives museum-goers the chance to take in art and history in an immersive way. With Middle Eastern-inspired food and a wide assortment of drinks, the event will pay tribute to the ancient Arab world.
NGV Melbourne Friday Nights 2024
- June 14 to October 4
- 6 to 10pm
- Tickets are available now
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Guests will be welcomed in by cabaret queen Miss Cairo, bringing songs, storytelling and unparalleled energy to the stage of the Great Hall. From 8pm onward, performers will show off their skills, with talents crafted to compliment the Pharaoh theme. Live music, including jazz, cabaret, classical, funk and blues will echo throughout the NGV’s vast halls.
Opening the series is the award-winning composer and oud player Joseph Tawadros AM, showcasing his signature style which blends Arabic modes with Western musical styles. Next, the Australian Art Orchestra brings their quirky combination of rap, jazz, folk and more.
Radio presenter Stani Goma will offer traditional and modern sounds from across the African continent, inspired by his trailblazing program Flight 1067 to Africa, which debuted 30 years ago with the goal of helping migrants in Australia stay connected to their roots.
Later on, Brunnswick’s Tempo Rubato has put together a lineup of some of the city’s best talent, including Katie Yap, Donald Nicolson, Sophia Kirsanova, Svetlana Bogosavljevic, Affinity Quartet and more. Then, the not-for-profit record label Music in Exile will represent Australia’s rich and diverse music communities.
Take in the entertainment with a glass of champagne by Moet & Chandon or sip on something closer to home, like a Yarra Valley drop from the Yering Station Wine Bar. For finger food, expect modern mezze plates, gozleme and an assortment of sweets.
The performances, food and drinks are all designed to create the perfect ambience to explore the monumental exhibition Pharaoh, featuring more than 500 works of sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more from the past 3000 years of Egyptian culture. Mesmerising and thought-provoking, the exhibition gives artsy types and history buffs alike a glimpse at the mystery of the divine, all-powerful kings.
“The NGV Friday Nights series continues to be a highlight of the winter season,” says NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. “Alongside the chance to explore the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2024 exhibition Pharaoh after-hours, this year’s program features an even greater range of diverse musical performances from the community, carefully curated by our guest residencies.”
NGV Friday Nights Residencies
- June 14, 21, 28 – Joseph Tawadros
- July 5 – Australian Art Orchestra curates Roman MC
- July 12 – Australian Art Orchestra curates MEATSHELL
- July 19 – Australian Art Orchestra curates Koi Kingdom
- July 26 – Australian Art Orchestra curates Ball/Hanlan/Schulz feat. Vahideh Eisaei
- Aug 2 – Stani Goma curates Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE)
- Aug 9 – Stani Goma curates Fem Belling
- Aug 16 – Stani Goma curates Kunjani
- Aug 23 – Tempo Rubato curates Katie Yap & Donald Nicolson
- Aug 30 – Tempo Rubato curates David Griffiths & Svetlana Bogosavljevic
- Sept 6– Tempo Rubato curates Sophia Kirsanova & Melbourne Strings
- Sept 13 – Tempo Rubato curates Affinity Quartet
- Sept 20 – Music in Exile curates Ajak Kwai
- Sept 27, Oct 4 – Music in Exile
For more information on NGV Friday Nights at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, head here.
