Caroline O’Connor and k.d. lang among stars to sing at Hamer Hall re-opening

Caroline O'Connor
Caroline O'Connor will appear at the launch of the new Hamer Hall 2012

Two years ago, the Victorian Government allocated $128.5 million to Arts Centre Melbourne for the redevelopment of Hamer Hall and its surrounds as part of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment.

Yesterday, an official opening date was announced for this re-invigorated, open and accessible precinct with a host of international and local stars set to perform at the launch.

Darling of Australian, West End and Broadway stages Caroline O’Connor will join Canadian songstress k.d. lang, Offspring and South Pacific star Eddie Perfect and indie folk star Lior in the official Hamer Hall opening celebrations which begin on Thursday July 26.

The performers featured in the opening concerts were chosen because of their links to Melbourne, whether it be by performance, where they grew up or, in k.d lang’s case, a favourite city in which to perform.

The four-day festivities begin with a star-studded Hamer Hall Opening Concert at 7:30pm on July 26 which will be repeated the following evening.

New York-based soprano Rachelle Durkin, elder statesmen Archie Roach and Jack Charles, IDJA Dance Theatre and an opera octet comprising Jacqueline Dark, Antoinette Halloran, Deborah Humble, Rosamund Illing, Liane Keegan, Sian Pendry, Sally-Anne Russell and Nicole Youl will also help celebrate the re-opening of this brand new facility as will a 75-piece orchestra of exceptional musicians from the Australian National Music Academy (ANAM).

Tickets for all Victorians

In an incredibly exciting and innovative idea, a Victoria-wide public ballot will be established so that every Victorian has an opportunity to be in the audience at one or other of the concerts. Half of the available tickets for both concerts will go on sale at 9:00am Tuesday 5 June and the remaining seats will be set aside for Arts Centre Melbourne’s first Victoria-wide public ballot.

Any Victorian over the age of 18 years will be able to register for two free tickets in the ballot online, by phone or in person at the box office from 9:00am Saturday 9 June.

The ballot closes at 5pm Friday 22 June, randomly drawn, and the lucky winners notified by Friday 6 July.

The Victorian Government and Arts Centre Melbourne present Hamer Hall Opening Concert

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

7:30pm, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 July 2012

Tickets $99 – $130

For bookings or more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183


 

Erin James

Erin James is AussieTheatre.com's former Editor in Chief and a performer on both stage and screen. Credits include My Fair Lady, South Pacific and The King and I (Opera Australia), Love Never Dies and Cats (Really Useful Group), Blood Brothers (Enda Markey Presents), A Place To Call Home (Foxtel/Channel 7) and the feature film The Little Death (written and directed by Josh Lawson).

Erin James

One thought on “Caroline O’Connor and k.d. lang among stars to sing at Hamer Hall re-opening

  • Sydney Opera House beautiful from the OUTSIDE, inside OPERA THEATRE, SMALL AUDITORIUM, SMALL ORCHESTRA PIT AND SMALL STAGE, Melbourne Arts Centre, simple from the OUTSIDE, BUT ABSOLUTE CLASS INSIDE, 2014 seats in the opera theatre, absolute high and wide stage for the grandest ballets, shows and operas, concert hall more the 2000 seats, ALL CLASS, not bad for Melbourne as BLEAK CITY, where nothing happens, if you believe the Sydney newspapers. 

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