Final guests announced for season two of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Big Night In with John Foreman
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. 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, says Foreman.
Episode 5 – Wednesday 7 October at 7pm: Wendy Stapleton, Dr Jonathon Welch AM, Jane Gazzo and Michael Gudinski AM
Episode 6 – Wednesday 14 October at 7pm: 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, head to artscentremelbourne.com.au.
The two Encore Episodes recently broadcast via Together With You and the upcoming second season of Big Night In were made possible through funding from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), as part of Victoria Together. The government is using Victoria Together to keep people connected to art, learning and entertainment while they can’t experience it live. The DPC is not a content producer and as such is providing funding to organisations that can produce interesting content and programming that talks to a diversity of audiences and experiences.
Arts Centre Melbourne announced it had postponed welcoming visitors back to its venues in accordance with the most recent Victorian Government guidelines on COVID-19. The ghost lights will stay on a little longer as Arts Centre Melbourne focuses on finding new ways to engage with audiences, including the digital online hub – Together With You. For more information including; bookings for free and ticketed events, Arts Centre Melbourne’s health and safety policies, as well as additional digital content and experiences, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
Arts Centre Melbourne’s Big Night In with John Foreman
Every Wednesday from 9 September – 14 October at 7pm
For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
