Which festival brings acting legend and Romeo + Juliet star Miriam Margolyes to Brisbane, showcases an applauded harpsichord virtuoso, and offers the Australian premiere of an iconic opera — and allows you pretend you've stepped back several centuries in the process? Don't worry if you don't immediately know the answer. The Brisbane Baroque Festival is a relatively new addition to the city's cultural calendar, but it won't stay that way for much longer. Indeed, the event's triumphant return after its successful 2015 debut proves that everyone really does want to party like it's 1699. For those who haven't brushed up on their art history lately, the baroque period spanned 1600 to 1750, and was characterised by exaggerated motion, as well as feelings of drama, tension, exuberance and grandeur. Primarily based at QPAC, but also popping up Griffith University, City Hall and a couple of the city's finest cathedrals from April 8 t0 16, the 2016 program features a gala celebration of Bach, an admired Aussie early music ensemble and a free battle of the organs as well. Basically, if you like your blasts from the past dark, theatrical and classical — or want to try something different — this fest should be your first point of call.
