Festival Theatre

G e o r g e M i c h a e l : L i s t e n t o y o u r H e a r t

Thu 15 & Fri 16 Feb 2018

ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAi n a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h A d e l a i d e F e s t i v a l C e n t r e

John Foreman Musical Director

Craig McMahon Creative Director

Yvette Lee Staging Director

Peter Rubie Lighting Designer

CAST Hugh Sheridan, Rob Mills, Casey Donovan, Andrew De Silva and Bobby Fox

T H A N K Y O U T O O U R P A R T N E R S

G OV E R N M E N T PA R T N E R S

P L AT I N U M PA R T N E R

M A J O R PA R T N E R S

P H I L A N T H R O P I C PA R T N E R S & PA F S

W O R L D A R T I S T PA R T N E R S

CO R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S

M E D I A PA R T N E R S

I N D U S T RY CO L L A B O R ATO R S

CO R P O R AT E C L U B

Friends of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Lang Foundation

Thyne Reid Foundation

Dr Sing Ping Ting

FWH Foundation

Haigh’s Chocolates

Hickinbotham Group

Isentia

Normetals

Poster Impact

SEA Gas

Size Music

The ASO receives Commonwealth funding through the Australia Council; its arts funding and advisory body

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra 91 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000 | Telephone (08) 8233 6233 Fax (08) 8233 6222 | Email aso@aso.com.au | aso.com.au

Welcome

On behalf of all of us at the ASO, I’m delighted to welcome you to Listen to your Heart, our tribute to pop superstar, George Michael.

Exactly one year ago, the ASO remembered another great artist, David Bowie, who was also lost to the world in 2016. The same year also claimed the inimitable Prince.

All three died too soon, leaving legions of fans bereft. All three were much more than just brilliantly, uniquely-gifted, award-winning singer/songwriters – they were, each in their own diff erent way, musical pioneers.

They crossed a myriad of musical genres, blurring boundaries and redefi ning the meaning of pop music along the way.

George Michael, arguably, went one step further – his songs tackled issues that were social, political, psychological and, above all, deeply personal: sexuality, human rights, political authority. Indeed, few songwriters of his era challenged their fans to ‘listen without prejudice’.

He was also a great philanthropist, and since his death, stories have emerged about his quiet generosity and random acts of kindness to strangers.

George Michael has left a remarkable legacy – but it’s the music for which we really remember him.

I can’t wait to experience this great catalogue of songs, showcased by the ASO and the absolutely stellar cast the we have assembled.

Tonight is the ASO’s fi rst concert in our Showcase series. If you’re of a ‘certain age’, you might be interested in our June disco spectacular (complete with dance fl oor), The Studio: 54 Reasons to Party, featuring legends Kate Ceberano and Doug Parkinson? But please check our website: the ASO’s season is as diverse as ever.

Vincent CiccarelloManaging Director

Program

Inte rva l

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

Careless Whisper

Diff erent Corner

I’m Your Man

Star People

Something to Save

Kissing a Fool

Father Figure

Jesus to a Child

I Knew you were Waiting

Faith

One more Try

Fastlove

Amazing

Flawless

Spining the Wheel

Waiting For That Day

Outside

Too Funky

Praying For Time

I Can’t Make You Love Me

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Arrangements by Nicholas Buc, commissioned by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

A role in perennial TV favourite Packed To The Rafters made Hugh Sheridan overnight a household name across Australia. Along with roles in House Husbands and the INXS telemovie Never Tear Us Apart, Hugh has won 3 Silver Logies as the Most Popular Actor on television.

Of course, that “overnight” success only came after Hugh studied music at the Victorian College Of the Arts and danced with the Australian Ballet School before entering the prestigious Bachelor of Dramatic Art course at NIDA. Before his success, Hugh appeared in several productions including The Lost Echo for the Sydney Theatre Company. He has also worked with The Australian Ballet, The English National and The Paris Opera Ballet.

Growing up in a jazz household, Hugh’s first love was always music. He starred alongside Geoffrey Rush and Magda Szubanski in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Hugh received a Green Room Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in the production.

In 2016 he launched his vocal group California Crooners Club to a sold out season at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. They won the 2016 awards for “Pick of the Fringe” and the “Critics Circle Prize” for best artist.

Hugh Sheridan

John ForemanOAM

A pianist, musical director and composer, John Foreman has been appearing on Australian television screens for more than two decades.

After graduating from Sydney Conservatorium in 1991, John started tickling Bert Newton’s ivories on Good Morning Australia when he was 19. John joined Australian Idol as musical director in 2003, where he helped to unearth performers such as Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll and Jessica Mauboy.

John has produced for Idol artists, including Guy Sebastian, Ricki-Lee and Anthony Callea. He has also produced for Marcia Hines, Greta Bradman, and Silvie Paladino. His own album, No Jivin’ was nominated for both an APRA and ARIA-awards.

He is MD and producer for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight® and the TV Week Logie Awards and was musical director for Network Ten’s Young Talent Time, Oprah Winfrey Show Australian finalé, The Boy From Oz, The Production Company’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, Anything Goes and the Australian musical, Strange Bedfellows.

He’s worked with artists such as Chris Isaak, Reba McEntire, Joe Williams, James Galway, Shirley Bassey and Olivia Newton John and his compositions have been performed by artists such as Tina Arena, Vanessa Amorosi, Paulini and José Carreras.

Rob Mills

Rob Mills is a born entertainer. A popular singer, presenter, actor and media personality who has carved out a successful career spanning over a decade, with many high profile credits to his name.

Developing his love of the stage and performing whilst studying Music & Drama at Brentwood Secondary and then Box Hill Senior Secondary College, Rob first came to the nation’s attention in 2003 as a finalist on the first series of Australian Idol.

For the last ten years Rob has established his credentials in musical theatre in such shows as the Broadway blockbuster Wicked, Grease, Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Puttin’ On the Ritz, Into the Woods and Hair.

Rob most recent TV appearance was on Australia’s longest-running drama Neighbours in a guest role as school teacher Finn Kelly, the part created for him comes after opening to rave reviews, as the lead role of Sam in Ghost the Musical (nominated for a Helpman Award for Best Actor in a Musical).

You can also catch Rob as a member of Swing On This (A rapscallion group of theatre royalty swinging up old hits and new) touring nationally.

Rob is still pinching himself that he was asked to celebrate the life and music of George Michael with his friends and the ASO!

Casey Donovan

Since winning Australian Idol in 2004 at only 16 years old, Casey Donovan has had the heart of the Australian public and performed at Australia’s most coveted festivals and venues; and made her mark in stage, screen, presenting and writing. Casey is a multi-award winner and nominee, including an ARIA No #1 Award for Listen with Your Heart, Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. Sydney Theatre Awards nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical.

Casey’s theatrical credits include; The Flower Children, As You Like It, Opera Yarrabah, The Sapphires, Rent and We Will Rock You; And is no stranger to Australia’s television screens after winning her second reality show in 2017 Network Ten’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and appearing on The Morning Show, Sunrise, Today Show, Cram, Family Feud, ABC Playschool Storytime, Studio 10, Spicks and Specks, Australia Day NSW, Logie Awards and Carols By Candlelight to name a few.

Casey’s EP Off The Grid and Somewhere In Between was released in 2017 with the single Lonely in the iTunes Top 30; this was followed with a series of live an intimate shows around the country.

Bobby Fox

Bobby Fox is an Irish born Australian actor who originated the role of Frankie Valli in the Australian production of Jersey Boys which he performed over 850 times.

He is a former 4 times World Irish Dance Champion and toured with dance productions Riverdance, Dancing on Dangerous Ground (Radio City, NYC) , and starred in the revival of Australian musical Hot Shoe Shuffle as Spring.

On stage Fox has also had lead roles in; Assassins, High Society, Blood Brothers, Mamma Mia!, Dusty – The Original Pop Diva, We Will Rock You, Spamalot and The Production Company’s Guys And Dolls. He recently appeared in Ladies in Black which toured nationally and for which he received a Green Room Award nomination for 2017.

On screen Bobby’s credits include Upper Middle Bogan, It’s a Date, Tricky Business and Househusbands. He also appeared in the feature film The Cup.

Bobby’s debut solo album, The Fantastic Mr. Fox was released through Warner Music and features a duet with Miranda Kerr.

Andrew De Silva

The original front man and primary songwriter for 1990s R&B group CDB known for their vocal harmonies, which saw them tour the world and achieve certified platinum sales.

Fast forward from the 1990s to 2012 and Andrew De Silva stepped back into the spotlight as a solo performer within his own right, wowing judges and audiences alike on Australia’s Got Talent, eventually taking home the top gong on the show.

He demonstrated he was the ‘real deal’, and showed fans and critics that talent always shines through. Throughout his career he has also opened for international heavyweights such as Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, and Shaggy, to name a few.

In 2016 Andrew was announced as the new lead singer for iconic Australian band Boom Crash Opera. Taking over the departing vocal duties of Dale Ryder, adding another feather to his cap and embracing a new genre and making it his own. Add to that his acclaimed show Purple Revolution: In Loving memory of Prince, that has been touring to packed houses and rave reviews.

VIOLINS

Natsuko Yoshimoto** (Concertmaster)

Cameron Hill** (Associate Concertmaster)

Kemeri Spurr* (Acting Principal 1st Violin)

Michael Milton** (Principal 2nd Violin)

Lachlan Bramble ~ (Associate Principal 2nd Violin)

Ann Axelby

Minas Berberyan

Julia Brittain

Hilary Bruer

Elizabeth Collins

Jane Collins

Judith Coombe

Alison Heike

Danielle Jaquillard

Zsuzsa Leon

Alexis Milton

Jennifer Newman

Julie Newman

Alexander Permezel

VIOLAS

Sally Boud** (Guest Section Principal)

Michael Robertson ~ (Acting Associate)

Martin Butler

Lesley Cockram

Rosi McGowran

Michael Robertson

Cecily Satchell

CELLOS

Ewen Bramble** (Acting Principal)

Sarah Denbigh

Christopher Handley

David Sharp

Cameron Waters

DOUBLE BASSES

David Schilling**

Harley Gray~ (Acting Associate)

Belinda Kendall-Smith

David Phillips

FLUTE

Julia Grenfell*

OBOE

Celia Craig**

CLARINET

Mitchell Berick*

BASSOONS

Leah Stephenson* (Acting Principal)

SAXOPHONES

Damien Hurn** (Guest Section Principal)

Peter Taylor

Gabriel Chammah

HORNS

Sarah Barrett** (Acting Principal)

Alex Miller

TRUMPETS

Martin Phillipson** (Acting Principal)

Gregory Frick

Robin Finlay

TROMBONES

Colin Prichard**

Ian Denbigh

BASS TROMBONE

Howard Parkinson*

PERCUSSION

Steven Peterka**

Amanda Grigg

HARP

Suzanne Handel*

** denotes Section Principal

~ denotes Associate Principal

* denotes Principal Player

PIANO

Dave McEvoy

KEYS

David Pritchard-Blunt

GUITAR

Sam Leske

BASS

Craig Newman

DRUMS

Andy Davies

BACKING VOCALS

Gospo

ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON STAGE

Band

ADELAIDE SYMPHONY OCHESTRA IN ASSOCIATION WITH ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE PRESENT A RELEASE CREATIVE PRODUCTION

T h e S t u d i o : 5 4 R e a s o n s t o P a r t y

Fri 29 & Sat 30 June

Adelaide Symphony Orchestrawith the

Festival TheatreStarring Kate Ceberano, Doug Parkinson, Amy Lehpamer, Nathaniel Willemse

Join us as your ASO creates an inferno, paying tribute to the disco music of the era and to those that just wanted to dance, dance, dance.

Dancefl oor seats available.