Before season two of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Big Night In with John Foreman comes to an end, two more episodes have been announced with some exciting artists on the bill.
Episode five on Wednesday 7 October will feature singing sensation Wendy Stapleton who will join the Aussie Pops Orchestra to sing Burt Bacharach’s Anyone Who had a Heart.
Also featured is Australian choral conductor and opera singer Dr Jonathon Welch AM; music journalist and host of ABC’s The Sound Jane Gazzo; as well as music industry heavyweight, founder of Mushroom Records and patron of the Australian Music Vault Michael Gudinski AM.
Then in an epic season two finale on Wednesday 14 October, a wondrous harmony of Melbourne voices will come together. This hybrid chorus is made up of singers from Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight Choir, Camberwell Chorale, The Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrub Choir and the Choir of Hard Knocks.
Together, they will join John Foreman OAM and the Aussie Pops Orchestra to sing The Flame made famous by Tina Arena AM at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games opening ceremony and written by the one and only John Foreman OAM himself.
In addition to this spectacular performance, the season two finale will welcome film and TV star Samuel Johnson OAM; multi award-winning singer Nina Ferro (Dancing with the Stars); as well as choir leaders Dr Emma O’Brien PhD OAM (RMH Scrub Choir), Douglas Heywood OAM (Carols by Candlelight, Camberwell Chorale) and Danielle Matthews (Choir of Hard Knocks). Gretel Killeen will of course make her weekly appearance to round out the series.
“I’m very grateful to all of the musicians, featured artists and production team who have made Arts Centre Melbourne’s Big Night In such a joyful experience,” says Foreman.
“While never a complete substitute for making music in the same room as each other, these online platforms have been absolutely vital for us all to remain connected during the pandemic – connected to other performers, connected to our audience and connected to our purpose.”
Episode 5: Wednesday 7 October at 7.00pm – Wendy Stapleton, Dr Jonathon Welch AM, Jane Gazzo and Michael Gudinski AM
Episode 6: Wednesday 14 October at 7.00pm – Nina Ferro, Samuel Johnson OAM, Dr Emma O’Brien PhD OAM, Douglas Heywood OAM and Danielle Matthews
To relive the magic of season two all over again, or to perhaps go back and find some of your favourites from season one, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: John Foreman OAM – courtesy of Arts Centre Melbourne