Songs from the stage and screen

By Meg Kennedy

Would you like to sing along to some of the most recognisable soundtracks in screen and stage history?
The Moorabool Light Orchestra will kick off its 2019 concert season with ‘A Celebration of Screen & Stage’, a special cabaret concert to be held next month in Bacchus Marsh.
Four outstanding soloists will join more than 40 musicians in an exciting program full of highlights from popular musical theatre and operatic productions, as well as cinematic classics.
The program will include selections from classic films, including ‘Sound of Music’ and ‘My Fair Lady’, to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.
Musical Director and Conductor Barry Wilkins OAM said the iconic scores of composers such as John Williams, Bernstein and more “resonate with audiences because of their profiles, the publicity [around the soundtracks], and these soundtracks and music have been an important part of award ceremonies across the globe for years.”
Guest soloists include international acts Robert Barbaro and Honey Rouhani, who are both based in Europe and will briefly visit Australia for the concert, as well as popular Australian baritone Roger Lemke and Ballarat soprano Maxine Montgomery.
“It is great experience for the orchestra to be able to accompany such performers, but of course it is also a rare opportunity for local audiences to have the opportunity of hearing these voices,” said Mr Wilkins.
Other highlights of the program will feature Orchestra Leader Robert Wrzaszcz performing violin selections from the film ‘Schindler’s List’ with pianist Katie Apps, as well with piano accordionist and violinist Adam Dean to present selections from ‘Amelie’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’.
The concert will be hosted by former radio presenter and Ballarat theatre identity Garry West.
‘A Celebration of Screen & Stage’ will be held on the evening of Saturday, 6 April 2019 at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall. Doors open from 7pm, with music from 7.40pm.
Admission is just $30 with BYO food, drinks and glasses, and free unlimited tea and coffee is available all night.
Table bookings are now open, and can be made by contacting 5367 3567 or emailing Barry at [email protected].
Further details can be found on the MLO website at www.Moorabool-Light-Orchestra.com.