Supernova

Overview

In Hobart for Dark Mofo 2023 earlier this month, Max Richter performed all night. That mightn't seem like surprising news at the winter festival, but his show was designed to be listened to while attendees slept. Keep that in mind for a second. Also, take note of the upcoming plan in Brisbane to break the world record for the most amount of kazoos played at once.

Supernova at HOTA, Home of the Arts is primarily about the piano, but this Gold Coast event is also playing music all evening as Friday, June 23 becomes Saturday, June 24. And, it's endeavouring to get into the history books in the process. Composer Charlie Chan will tinkle the ivories for more than 24 hours in an effort to set the world record for the longest improvised piano concert — with a slumber-focused 8.5-hour sleep experience where you'll get some shuteye to binaural beats part of the performance.

The sleepover costs $40, but the rest is free to attend as Chan — and a few friends — hit the keyboard.

Supernova kicks off at 4pm on the Friday with yoga and tunes, greets Saturday morning the same way, welcomes dogs over breakfast, will feature First Nations stories about the sky, and pays tribute to Charlie's 40-year career as a pianist and composer across the full stretch.

Also on the lineup: learning about composing for the screen with Elvis' Elliott Wheeler, tunes with local Indigenous didgeridoo players and a jazz-fusion orchestra for the big-bang finale.