Nexus Live is a performance series showcasing contemporary music by culturally and linguistically diverse and First Nations artists from across Australia, presented across the year at Nexus Arts.
At the heart of Nexus Live is a commitment to intercultural collaboration, within individual performances and across the program. Each season features musicians working across diverse art-making practices, creating, and premiering new works that contribute to a rich and ongoing dialogue of cultural connection. This also provides opportunities for experimentation, risk-taking, and growth in a supportive environment.
Every year, Nexus Live presents 4–8 performances, featuring up to 15 ensembles and 35 artists, bringing a thriving and dynamic intercultural music scene to Adelaide audiences.
By fostering adventurous collaborations, we are more than programming, we are providing opportunities for artists to develop their creative practice and learn through collaboration. Nexus Live nurtures both artists and audiences—building a vibrant space where cultural diversity and creativity intersect.
In 2025, Nexus Live will feature performances from leading Australian artists between June and September. Keep an eye on our Events page for upcoming announcements or explore our Archive to revisit past performances.
PAST EVENTS
2025 – Daftar Aval Duo + Silk Strings Ensemble
This collaboration masterfully weaves together Persian classical traditions, improvisation, original composition, and Huqin-inspired string techniques for a uniquely transcultural musical journey.
2021 – Noriko Tadano + Adam Ritchie
The premiere performance of a new commissioned collaborative work from master shamisen virtuoso, Noriko Tadano, and composer and sound artist, Adam Ritchie. Two stellar performances from contrasting musical backgrounds come together to explore new sonic possibilities in a performance that will intrigue and engage.
This Nexus Live commission explored the original sonic possibilities reached by exploring and blending their contrasting musical backgrounds. Zhao’s mastery of the guzheng framed by diverse percussive and electronic sounds, using automated looping and live treatment to enhance the acoustic properties of this compelling instrument. A true expression of intercultural artistic experimentation.
Nexus Arts acknowledges the Kaurna people as the owners of the land where we live, learn, and work. We respect their culture and elders and acknowledge their sovereignty was never ceded. We recognise that visual arts, music and storytelling have been central to Aboriginal cultures for over 70,000 years. We work to support this lineage.
