WHEN it comes to behind-closed-doors cultural activities, Canberra is a city with no rival in Australia. That’s because of the artistic and scholarly richness hidden in our embassies, which provide an on-running alternative season of music, art, theatre and intellectual discussion. Just three days ago, for instance, I was at a festive evening held in the Irish Embassy, with Irish and seasonal songs performed by soprano Rachael Duncan and harpist Madeleine Johnstone. Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí and his wife Carmel, who are both dedicated Irish speakers, made sure the program included s...