Gasworks Arts Park has launched its brand-new Summer outdoor concert series, Concerts In The Park.
Running from November 2024 to January 2025 under the green canopy of The Glade, this series features a line-up of extraordinary talent, including Antoinette Halloran, Kiran Rajasingam & Genevieve Kingsford, Ali McGregor, and Angie Hart.
These concerts blend spectacular musical performances with the natural beauty of one of Melbourne’s hidden gems, promising a unique and engaging experience for all attendees.
Kicking off the Concerts In The Park series on Saturday 9 November 2024 is Runaway Diva – a spellbinding concert by Antoinette Halloran, one of Australia’s most beloved sopranos.
Celebrated for her performances across major Australasian opera houses, Antoinette embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery and artistic reinvention. In this unique show, she diverges from traditional opera to explore music theatre and jazz, presenting songs by luminaries such as Puccini, Strauss, Sondheim, and Cole Porter, among others.
Known for her title roles in Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly, La Boheme, and A Streetcar Named Desire, she has also sung with Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet for Sydney Festival, El Niño with Sydney Philharmonia and collaborated with Nick Cave and the Melbourne Symphony. Most recently, Antoinette starred as Mrs Lovett in the acclaimed Victorian Opera production of Sweeney Todd.
In Runaway Diva, Antoinette weaves uproarious humour with soul-stirring melodies, inviting audiences into a narrative where vulnerability transforms into strength. This performance not only showcases her vocal prowess, spanning four octaves, but also her versatility and charisma as she shares personal reflections on love, loss, and the pursuit of passion.
On Saturday 23 November 2024, music theatre and opera beautifully collide through the remarkable talents of Genevieve Kingsford and Kiran Rajasingam. Known for their captivating performances in major productions, the duo will take you on a melodious journey through the best of both worlds.
Genevieve, known for her captivating performances in Disney’s Mary Poppins and Sweeney Todd, and Kiran, a celebrated figure from Opera Australia and the Victorian Opera, will perform beloved classics, alongside lesser-known masterpieces in the picturesque setting of The Glade.
Catch the extraordinary Ali McGregor on Saturday 7 December 2024, for a captivating hour of song. Known for her remarkable versatility, Ali has graced the stages of operatic cabaret and comedy with equal acclaim.
With a vocal range that spans four octaves, she will perform unique renditions of songs by artists ranging from INXS to Radiohead and Salt-N-Pepa, accompanied by her talented musical director, Sam Keevers. Ali’s performance is an exciting fusion of genres, reflecting her rich career that includes leading roles at Opera Australia and her work as the Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Indie Pop legend Angie Hart closes out the Concerts In The Park season on Saturday 25 January 2025. The celebrated singer-songwriter will perform a set blending well-loved tracks with yet-to-be-released work from her upcoming album. Fresh off a national tour with the beloved Frente! – this performance marks her return to the solo stage.
Accompanied by the talented Kate Lucas of Coda Chroma, known for her classically-trained guitar skills and captivating voice, the concert promises a fresh and engaging experience. Experience Angie Hart’s unique sound and storytelling in the picturesque setting of Gasworks Arts Park.
“We are thrilled to offer this brand-new series, celebrating Australian musicians and the beautiful natural environment of the Gasworks Glade,” said Marisa Cesario, Programming Coordinator of Gasworks Arts Park. “Bring your friends or family along and enjoy the sunset while the music washes over you.”
“With these family friendly timeslots, you can even be home before 9! We hope these all-ages events will create new and memorable music experiences for Melbourne audiences, bringing together nature, food and music.”
Picture this: the sun setting, melodies floating through the breeze, and the park itself becoming part of the performance. Grab a picnic, sip on a drink from our bar in the James McCaughey Foyer, and settle into the lush surroundings of The Glade — join us for Concerts In The Park at Gasworks Arts Park.
For more information about the Gasworks Arts Park’s Concerts In The Park season and to purchase tickets, visit: www.gasworks.org.au for details.
Images: Antoinette Halloran, Kiran Rajasingam & Genevieve Kingsford, Ali McGregor and Angie Hart – all photo by Nick Manuell