Chris Skelding
Do you remember last year when I suggested that you might enjoy a night out at the Pilbeam with the Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra? I hope you took my advice because it was a humdinger of a show.
If you missed it, there is another opportunity coming around on Saturday, 24 June at 7.30 pm, again at out magnificent auditorium, the Pilbeam.
It is not often we have the chance to see a full symphony orchestra of 62 musicians on our local stage playing the very best songs and tunes from some popular, timeless musicals such as, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Chicago, Lord of the Dance and my favourite: West Side Story. That is just a sample, there will be much more to listen to and enjoy in this night of
musical discovery.
I am so looking forward to seeing and hearing four fine local singers performing with the RSO on the night.
Just consider how blessed we are in Rocky and the Cap Coast to have such talented singers as Amanda Hock, who played Dusty in Dusty Springfield and the Green Witch in Wicked; Linda Coombes, who gave an unforgettable performance of Rule Britannia with the RSO in 2018; Jacob Goves, who excelled in the role of Raoul in Phantom of the Opera; and international performer, Lachlan Scheuber, who gave a celebrated interpretation of Inspector Javert in Les Misérables.
Conducting the orchestra for this concert will be internationally renowned conductor, actor, trombonist and educator, Warwick Tyrell. Warwick’s provenance is impressive.
He left school and was so highly regarded that at age 18 he was appointed Principal Trombone with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, an amazing achievement.
He went on to become Principal Trombone for the London Philharmonic.
While in London he gave master classes at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music. As concert soloist with the London Philharmonic, he performed in South Africa, South Korea, Japan and all over Australia.
He became Artistic Director for Music for Canberra and is currently Musical Director of Sydney Male Choir who recently appeared on Australia’s Got Talent.
I feel confident that I have said enough to entice you along to this unique night of entertainment.
However, if you are not yet persuaded, I have one more sensitive piece of information: some of you may be aware that I have a “mole” inside the RSO who occasionally leaks some precious nuggets of intelligence.
This time the mole has passed on to me that the distinguished, veteran entertainer, Ivan Richardson will be a special surprise guest at the show.
Ivan is an accomplished organist, vocalist, comedian and all-round troubadour.
Let me give you a taste of Ivan’s unique contribution to the show. He will bring Artie, the Roland Grand Orchestral Concert Organ, and for the first time RSO will perform with such a unique instrument.
Ivan and Artie will bring a fourth dimension to the evening’s entertainment opening the second half of the program with the RSO performing a special medley arrangement from Phantom of the Opera.
You will not want to miss this extravaganza; I know I will not. I hope to see you there to enjoy this night of nights.
The show is entitled Symphony and Song and tickets are available from seeitlive.com.au