The annual Adelaide Festival is Australia’s largest multi-arts festival, with a strong tradition of innovation and excellence.  With a focus on the contemporary, the Festival features the best in theatre, dance, music, literature, the visual arts and new media, from around Australia and the world. Featuring premier outdoor entertainment and a purpose-built late night club, the Festival also incorporates the much-loved Adelaide Writers' Week 2 - 7 March 2013. The 2013 Adelaide Festival will run from the 1 - 17 March 2013.

Below are the BLOUIN ARTINFO AUSTRALIA top five  must-see Adelaide Festival events.

#1 “Turner from the Tate” at the Art Gallery of South Australia

Organised by Tate in association with Art Exhibitions Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia, “Turner from the Tate: The Making of a Master” is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the iconic paintings of J.M.W. Turner. Drawn from the finest and most comprehensive collection of his work, the Turner Bequest, held at Tate Britain in London, the exhibition features over 100 works of art including oil paintings and watercolours, some of which have never been previously exhibited.

#2 “2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY” with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Chamber Singers

Imagine two awe‐inspiring forces meeting for an epic evening of film and music – a screening of one of the greatest films ever made accompanied live by the might of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and a 60‐voice choir. Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci‐fi masterpiece is celebrated for its technological realism, innovative special effects and brilliant use of music from Richard Strauss, Johann Strauss and György Ligeti. Under the expert command of conductor, Robert Ziegler, more than 150 singers and musicians shed new light on this cult classic.

#3 “MURDER Erth” puppet show inspired by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' “Murder Ballads”

Inspired by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' “Murder Ballads”, theatre magicians Erth meditate on the violence staining our world and delve into our culture’s obsession with murder. Bringing to life the band’s shadowy characters through puppetry, digital imagery, old carny tricks and a razor-sharp, mind-blowing performance, this is a wickedly clever and savagely funny show. Lust for life as a sinister, yet compelling, figure conjures a dark world of love, sex and death.

#4 “What the Body Does Not Remember” dance performance by Wim Vandekeybus and Ultima Vez

For the first time in Australia Wim Vandekeybus, one of the most influential choreographers in contemporary dance, shares an unsettling confrontation of dance and music: “What the Body Does Not Remember”. A remount of a work that changed contemporary dance forever, this piece is a feat of daring. It explores the intensity of moments when you don’t have a choice, when other things decide for you - falling in love; the second before the accident that has to happen.

#5 “Champagne for Gypsies” by Goran Bregović and the Weddings & Funerals Orchestra

Welcome to the party that is celebrated composer and Balkan rock star Goran Bregović and his 18-piece orchestra capturing the beautiful calamity of Gypsy weddings. A raucous blend of Gypsy brass band, traditional Bulgarian polyphonies and percussion, electric guitar and strings, this is a fiery Balkan hotpot of love, lust and the maddest of talent. Be prepared, you will get up and dance! In fact if you wish to watch the performance from your seat, we suggest buying in the dress or grand circles.

For the full Adelaide Festival program visit the Festival website here

See the highlights of the dance and music events in the videos below.