This year, Jack Thompson hosted a star-studded ceremony with performances including the Divas from Priscilla The Musical, Mike Nock, Grace Knight and Archie Roach.

Guest presenters included Bruce Beresford, Paul Dyer, Emma Matthews and Philip Langridge.

2008 ARIA Fine Arts Awards winners and nominees.

The City Recital Hall, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, was designed by architects Peddle Thorp and Walker in a shoebox shape, proven as the ideal shape for hearing western classical music. Based on the classical configuration of the 19th century European concert hall, the design includes gently raking stalls and two galleries that wrap around both sides and rear of the auditorium creating a sense of intimacy between audience and performer.

The elegant décor of French grey, gold leaf, light timber panelling and plum coloured upholstery provides a sense of occasion, enhanced by the white marble grand stair that sweeps up from the entry foyer to the three seating level foyers, each with their own bar.

Acoustic design consultants, Arup Acoustics, consulted closely with major user organisations - including Musica Viva Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Brandenburg Orchestra - to design the superior acoustic atmosphere.

The 2008 ARIA Fine Arts Awards were held on Monday, 29 September at Sydney’s City Recital Hall, Angel Place, at 6.15pm.

This year, for the first time, members of the general public attended this event. Tickets were $25 each, including GST, and could be purchased from the City Recital Hall's box office or online. The box office is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday - later when events are on. Phone (02) 8256 2222 for more information, or click here for the City Recital Hall's website.

Limelight Magazine

As well as complying with the general eligibility criteria, recordings must also meet the requirements specific to each award category. 

Browse our collection of photos from past ARIA Awards and Hall of Fame events.

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