Warragul Theatre Company is proud to present the hit Disney musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in 2019 at the newly renovated West Gippsland Arts Centre.

A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can only be freed by true love. The beautiful and intelligent Belle arrives at his home and - after a tumultuous introduction - agrees to take the place of her imprisoned father. Watch as the two begin to understand and befriend one another against the backdrop of an enchanted castle. Is there enough time for their love to grow?

Featuring the iconic characters and songs from the Disney animated film and stage adaption this colourful and talent filled production is not to be missed.

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia

Ten-String guitarist Matthew Fagan aka ‘Lord of the Strings!’ celebrates España, the Spirit of Spain and the launch of his vinyl album ‘El Vito’, infusing exhilarating flamenco into Spanish classical masterpieces from Albeniz to Rodrigo. Also featuring South American and Latin Guitar music and guest Latin Jazz Bossa Nova singer Kellie Grace.

Recently returned from touring to Edinburgh, Spain & Italy, internationally acclaimed 10-string Spanish Classical guitarist Matthew presents a stunning concert of Spanish Flamenco and classical guitar combining musical passion and virtuosity to celebrate the Spirit of Spain, El Vito.
 
Matthew’s first vinyl 12 inch LP “El Vito” will be launched at the concert.  The first new Spanish guitar vinyl release in Australia in 30 years. 
 
Matthew brings together the traditional flamenco elements of Spanish guitar with the concert masterpieces of composers Isaac Albeniz, Manuel De Falla, Joaquin Rodrigo in stunning new arrangements.
 
Guest singer Kellie Grace will share vibrant and joyous Latin, Bossa Nova Jazz, hit songs.

 

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School presents its annual Junior School Performing Arts Concert. Students from Years 1 to 6 will be showcasing their talents on stage as they present a range of items from all facets of the performing arts.

Years 1 and 2 students will be presenting a number of items and there will also be performances from the Band, Mixed Dance Club, Choir, String Ensemble, Lyrical Dance Group, Brass and Woodwind Ensemble, Boyz Crew and various Drama groups. 

Ever wondered what wine goes best with Fairy Bread? Why hasn’t the ‘Champagne Spider’ caught on? These questions and many more will be inadequately answered by the self-styled sommeliers of comedy, Damian Callinan and Paul Calleja.
After intoxicating sold out audiences across the country, The Wine Bluffs are here to do what they do best: bulls**t about wine. Laying spurious claim to a reputation as renowned wine consultants, the duo, fresh from judging the Fruit Wine Section at The Rockhampton Show, will take you through the cellar door experience with a comedic twist.
The union of Callinan [Melbourne Fringe Comedy winner & three time Barry Award Nominee] and Calleja [stand up and writer on Before The Game & countless other TV shows] has everyone’s palate salivating as they prepare to uncork their latest vintage and let the comedy breathe.

QUEEN is amongst the greatest rock bands of the twentieth century and Freddie Mercury is hailed by many as the most charismatic and flamboyant performer in contemporary rock.

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody, seen as the best Queen show in Australia if not The World, is bringing to Australia their new show, THE GREATEST HITS TOUR.

This show features Thomas Crane who is arguably the best Freddie Mercury in Australia in looks and sound and hailed by many critics as being as good vocally as Freddie, 87

Thomas with his hot band Bohemian Rhapsody bring back to life the visual excitement, sound and stage energy as witnessed at a Queen concert.

Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody will perform all the great hits like We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Four women. Many stories. A century of service.

Follow the personal journeys of four women, Lilian, Mary, Tam and Catherine, united in their determination to utilise their skills in the field of medicine on active service within the military. From the pioneers of World War One, first denied military service, throughout the battles of World War two- through contemporary conflicts, and as peacekeepers in times of humanitarian crisis; these and other stories come to life in vivid accounts of revelation, loss, struggle and kinship. Together they share moments of hope and humour that punctuate the otherwise harrowing task of conflict medicine.

Written and researched over two years by Carolyn Bock and Helen Hopkins, The Shift Theatre brings together a fine ensemble cast and creative team under the direction of Catherine Hill.

When eleven year old Juniper May receives a petition signed by her entire class stating that she is ‘the most hated person in the school’ her life is thrown into complete meltdown. After exhausting all other avenues her parents resort to the only thing they have left, a giant singing robot.

Based on a true story, Robot Song illustrates the profound, transformative nature of creativity that when combined with unconditional love, becomes an unstoppable force.  For Juniper, creativity opens doors into places she never knew existed allowing her, for the first time, to be defined on her own terms.

Join the acclaimed 40 piece Melbourne Opera Orchestra conducted by Greg Hocking AM and top opera soloists for an evening of the most popular highlights of Italian opera.

Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, Tosca and La Boheme, Verdi’s La Traviata, Nabucco and Rigoletto and Mascagni’s Cavelleria Rusticana will all  feature in this highly entertaining evening presented by one of Australia’s most well known and acclaimed opera companies.

And of course, everyone's favourite, Nessun Dorma, will finish off the evening!

Making a return visit to Wesley we are indeed fortunate that one of Australia’s leading award-winning opera stars will grace the Wesley stage again.

Soprano Taryn Fiebig is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile artists.
She has sung Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Gilbert & Sullivan and countless major soprano roles in Opera for Opera Australia. From Mozart to Rossini, Verdi Wagner and Contemporary operas like Bliss for which she received the Helpmann Award. Taryn performs will all the State opera companies, including several operas with Pinchgut Opera in Sydney under the direction of Eryn Helyard.
This year she sings in the Australian premiere of Antonio Vivaldi’s opera Farnace with Pinchgut Opera and in Melbourne appears in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutti with Opera Australia.

Taryn’s accompanist at her Warragul recital will be Simon Bruckard, who is a graduate from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, where he completed his Master of Music in Opera Performance.
Simon was awarded the Melba Opera Trust Margaret Schofield scholarship for repetiteurs.

Not only is Simon a pianist but also a conductor and a repetiteur with Victorian Opera. Last year he conducted Humperdink’s Hansel & Gretel for Victorian Opera and for Lyric Opera Les Mamelles de Teresias by Poulenc.

Taryn Fiebig and Simon Bruckard will perform a selection of Opera arias and songs.

Me and My Shadow is a rich and vibrant story about the fanciful escapades of a girl making friends with her shadow as she navigates the difficulty and the delight a new friendship can bring.
 
Premiered in Adelaide in 2010, Me and My Shadow was instantly recognised as a truly breakthrough production in Australian children’s theatre.

It has won a Helpmann Award for Best Presentation for Children in 2011, a Victor Award for Best Showcase Production IPAY in 2013 and was a Sydney Theatre Award nominee in 2011 for Best Production for Children.

Dancepointe’s Mid-Year Performance will showcase dance routines learnt from the talented teaching staff & students at Dancepointe. The students at Dancepointe are so excited & thrilled to be performing to you all at the Mid-Year Performance. Everyone is welcome to attend, the show will go for approximately 1.5 hours, fun & friendly event for all to enjoy.

Come and celebrate local startups at Startup Gippsland's Pitch Showcase.

Hear from over 40 local startups about the problems they're solving, their vision for the future and their learnings from Startup Gippsland's 12-week program. There'll be prizes up for grabs for the best pitches including:
● Most innovative idea
● Best social impact
● Most improved entrepreneur
● People's choice (where you get to choose who impressed you the most)
After the pitches, stay to mingle with likeminded entrepreneurs, mentors, startup experts, business leaders and government representatives from across the region. It's a night not to be missed!

Event Format
6.00pm - Doors open
6.15pm - Welcome & introducing the judges
6.30pm - Pitches
7.20pm - Intermission
7.40pm - Pitches
8.30pm - Intermission
8.45pm - Prize announcements
9.00pm - Drinks & informal networking

About Startup Gippsland
Startup Gippsland is a project by the Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire councils, with the aim of igniting the startup ecosystem across these 4 local government areas.
Startup Gippsland is here to support anyone in these areas who has a business or business idea that they want to scale to reach national and global audiences.
The program includes meetups, one-off workshops, a showcase of local startups, and a 12-week program of masterclasses that build upon each other for a selected group of people.
Visit startupgippsland.com.au for more information.

The original New York and Las Vegas hit Menopause The Musical® returns to Australia in 2019!

Inspired by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”.

This side splitting musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles!

“Impossible not to laugh” – New York Times

“Ninety minutes of extraordinary fun” – Australian Stage

They’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark out and they’re wearing sunglasses... and they’re on a mission from God!
This action packed show immortalises the legendary Blues Brothers movies and music with classic songs like Gimme Some Loving, Everybody Needs Somebody, Shake your Tailfeather and more. Get ready to dress for the occasion, slip on your hat & shades, and get down and boogie as you listen, sing, and dance with The Australasian 21st Century Blues Brothers Show!

What kind of King would you be? A naïve boy raised by goatherds is discovered to be heir to the kingdom. Treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others? The achingly beautiful and tender language of Oscar Wilde joins the intimate and magical world of internationally acclaimed Adelaide theatre company, Slingsby.
Journey in wonder, to a land of challenging choices and rich rewards.

Silvie is one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers.  She is well known to audiences through her stage performance throughout Australia, Asia and London’s West End as well as her popular appearances on Carols by Candlelight.

Accompanied by David Cameron on piano, Silvie will entertain you with songs from her vast repertoire including classics from musicals, hits by female vocalists and songs of inspiration.

Stan and Mabel is a fantastic new book by Jason Chapman, published by Templar.
It tells the story of two neglected animals - Stan (a dog) and Mabel (a cat) - who live in a tall tower block in the city. Although though their owners ignore them, Stan and Mabel find great comfort in the music played by the lady who lives downstairs.
But one day the music stops.
When Stan and Mabel go to investigate, they discover that their beloved neighbour has gone to Italy, to a competition to find the greatest orchestra in the world.
In a flash, Mabel decides that they should follow in her footsteps and visit the famous La Scala opera house in Milan. They just need to find some friends to join their animal orchestra first! And so the adventure begins.

“Dinomania” is a highly interactive dinosaur adventure with a quirky cast, a cheeky Raptor named Razor and a T Rex named Toby that carves up the dance floor with his dino-mite dance moves.

All this and more are waiting for you on your thrilling and electrifying “Dinomania” family adventure!

At this ‘family show spectacular’ let your imagination run wild as you embark on an awe inspiring, exhilarating and gripping journey back through time to an age when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Come face to face with three of your favourite dinosaurs at “Dinomania” & join others as we find out who is the real champion of dinosaurs. The T-Rex or the Raptor?
 
There are plenty of surprises, songs and dancing in store from start to finish and don’t miss the exciting opportunities for the audience to get up close and personal with the dinosaurs.

So bring your family, buckle up and let “Dinomania” take you on a fun journey of pure roarsomness
All the way back to the time of the dinosaurs!

Take a step back in time to when country music told a true story of life, love and heartache. From the famous Walk The Line and Folsom Prison Blues to the iconic Ring of Fire.

For more than 40 years Johnny Cash and June Carter enthralled audiences around the world with their songs of life, love and heartache. A love story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written.

Now JEFF CARTER together with BROOKE McMULLEN bring to life a captivating and unforgettable musical concert.
These two talented performers share a very special onstage rapport, perfectly recreating the dynamic Johnny and June shared.

This live concert event “LEAVING JACKSON” The Johnny Cash & June Carter show will have you singing, laughing and crying for more.

Duration 2:10 including a 20 minute interval.

Meet Occi Byrne, the illegitimate child of a single mother in the Catholic west of Ireland. Shunned by church, state and family, Occi must fight his way to adulthood in a dog eat dog world. Violent, tragic and hauntingly tender, Swansong is the story of a lost soul from one of the masters of Irish drama.
Occi must fight his way to adulthood in a dog eat dog world. It’s an exhilarating journey that plunges him in to murder and mayhem, love and death, only to return him to the place he began. Tragic, tender and uproariously funny Swansong is the story of a lost soul in search of a home.
As a piece of theatre, Swansong speaks to anyone who has ever felt like and outsider, who have ever been denied a voice. Occi, for all his flawed humanity is a symbol of hope. An unlikely hero who faces insurmountable odds and never gives up. His is a timely message. An important story.
Through brilliant, classic theatre; Andre De Vanny (͚Best Actor͛, 2015 Green Room Awards) uses a raw energy in a solo performance, unravelling heartbreak and horror.  Directed by   Greg Carroll, Swansong is an acclaimed production, and roller-coaster ride transporting its audiences into the life of one enraged ͚Occi͛.

One of Australia’s finest tenors, Roy Best will perform many of the classic hits from the likes of Pavarotti, Bocelli, Lanza, Domingo, not to mention Enrico Caruso and Jose Carreras.

 

Every tenor has a leading lady and Roy is joined by one of this country’s most versatile sopranos, Alison Jones who will sing all the wonderful solos and duets.

 

Classic songs include Be My Love, Nessun Dorma, O SoloMio, La Donna E Mobile, Granada, and stunning duets include Time To Say Goodbye, Amigos Para Sempre, Strangers in Paradise, Loveliest Night of the Year and many more.

Ballet's most charming comedy, live on stage! Swanilda and Franz are in love, until a beautiful stranger, the daughter of the magician Dr Coppelius, appears in town. But she is not what she seems, and Swanilda must rescue Franz from the magician's sinister workshop - with the help of some fancy footwork! This sparkling tale of magic and mischief, with its irresistible melodies and 'living dolls', is amusing fun for the whole family. Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman stories, Coppelia features exquisite costumes by master designer Kristian Fredrikson.

Features the exciting young ensemble, The Chrysalis Trio.

These 3 young musicians are graduates from the Australian National Academy of Music. An institution based in South Melbourne that prepares only the very best young musicians for life in the very competitive world of fine music.

When musicians graduate from ANAM join major orchestras around Australia and indeed internationally. Many decide to stay in Australia pursuing careers as soloists and or chamber music performers.

The Chrysalis Trio is one such ensemble to emerge onto the Chamber Music Scene and Simply Music is thrilled to present The Chrysalis Trio comprising Katie Yap, viola, Kiran Phatak, flute and Melina van Leeuwen, harp.

All 3 musicians regularly play with the major Symphony Orchestra in Australia. The Trio formed in 2013 while they were still students at ANAM and drew their name from inspiration gained while taking breaks in the Royal Botanic Gardens from their intensive rehearsals.

Their program for the Simply Music concert will include compositions mostly by French composers. Ravel, Rameau and Debussy and a newly commissioned piece by South Australian composer, Natalie Williams.

The Chrysalis Trio are part of the ANAM Artists Program which showcases these elite performers inrecitals across the country. That video clip was from the Australian NationAcademy of Music and the Chrysalis Trio performing part of Ravel’s Sonatine enTrio.

Think you know the story of The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Goldilocks and Jack and the Beanstalk? Think again.

Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts bursts off the page in a spectacular live show, taking the world’s best-loved fairy tales and rearranging them with some surprising and hilarious twists. Frighteningly funny and seriously silly, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts is the perfect family entertainment - for children 5 to 105. It delights and disgusts in equal measures.

Don’t miss this multi-Helpmann Award nominated production penned by the world’s number one storyteller and from the team that brought you George’s Marvellous Medicine.

Pink Floyd fans rejoice, CCEntertainment will deliver 'The Great Gig In The Sky' celebration of Pink Floyd at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul on Saturday 24th August 2019.

This hugely popular show has been an annual staple on the Sydney calendar since 2003 and now ventures into Warragul for the first time.

This brilliant homage concert features numerous gems from The Wall, Wish You Were Here and Dark Side Of The Moon showcased by some exceptional guest vocalists including Mick Pealing (Stars / Spaniards), Hugh Wilson (Lenny Kravitz Band / Vertigo), Nikki Nicholls (John Farnham Band), Michael Stangel (The Voice) and introducing Nicky Kurta.

Inimitable creative director Joseph Calderazzo (Jenny Morris band) will coordinate a superb eight-piece band including Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Ian Tilley (Boom Crash Opera), Davey Porter (Jon Stevens band), Joel Sena and Nik Pringadi (Rock of Ages).

With a reputation for breathtaking moments and stunning interpretations this show has sold out in Sydney venues since 2003 and is simply unmissable, so don't wish you were there, book now!

Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Rufus Thomas Jnr, Howlin’ Wolf and many more, all had one thing in common. They all launched their careers at the famous Sun Record Company in Memphis.
 
You’re promised an unforgettable evening as Sun Rising perform this critically acclaimed show.

Relive the amazing music and classic tales of Sun’s early years. Break out the brylcreem, whack on the dancing shoes and book now!

All the best things come in fours! There are four seasons in a year, four classical elements, four points on a compass and four Beatles. This star studded female quartet of career-long friends are excited to shake up the worlds of opera, music theatre, inspiring ballads and comic delights, like four equal sides to the perfect square. 

Antoinette Halloran (Spicks and Specks, Jose Carreras World Tour, Opera Australia),  Alison Jones (D’Oyly Carte, West End), Dimity Shepherd (Multi Green Room Award Winner, Victorian Opera),  Caroline Vercoe (Opera Australia, Lyric Opera)

When the 1960’s British Invasion hit worldwide, Herman’s Hermits were one of the biggest groups out of the UK. Their Australian No. 1 hits, ‘Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter’ and ‘No milk today’ made the group one of the most popular groups of the day here in Australia. The No. 1’s were followed up by 8 more Top 10 hits including I’m Henry VIII, There’s a kind of hush, A must to avoid, Silhouettes and many more songs that cracked the top 20.
The concept of the ‘6 O’Clock Hop’ first came to Australia in 2018 and was a smash hit success with over 15000 people attending the tour dates. Promoter Layton Lillas of Showcase Entertainment Group explains ‘Our idea was to put the show on at the more convenient time in the winter months of August and September at 6pm, where audience members are encouraged to get an early dinner and enjoy a 2 hour show packed full of hits and fun, in the knowledge they’ll be safely home at a reasonable time.’

“Walt-Sing Australia” is a brand new Show from Australia’s leading morning show producers Promac Productions.

This production is a celebration of 100 years of great Australian singers and their songs, along with the fascinating story behind these Australian Icons.

Starring in Walt-Sing Australia are two of Australia’s finest performers and stars of musical theatre, Philip Gould and Michelle Fitzmaurice.

The show offers many great Australian songs, beginning in 1900 with the likes of Peter Dawson and Nellie Melba and working its way through the decades with special tributes to The Seekers, Helen Reddy, Johnny O’Keefe, Frank Ifield, Peter Allen, Olivia Newton-John and many more.

Classic hits performed will include “I Remember You” I Honestly Love You”, Tenterfield Saddler”, Georgie Girl, I am Woman” and Shout!”

This promises to be a unique celebration of iconic Australian singers and their music.

Linda Ronstadt has collaborated with artists in diverse genres, including Bette Midler, Frank Zappa, Warren Zevon, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, and has sold more than 100 million records, making her one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.

 

BLOOM brings her music to life with an incredible band, featuring former members of the Jon English Band and Members from National Touring Artists - Dami Im, Russell Morris and Damian Leith.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Thomas Hutchinson oboe

Prokofiev Symphony No.1 Classical
R. Strauss Oboe Concerto
Mozart Symphony No.40

Although Prokofiev is known as a modern composer, his short Symphony No.1 recalls an earlier era, and is more reminiscent of Haydn. Similarly, Strauss’s charming Oboe Concerto, written just after World War II, hearkens back to the classical works he studied as a youth.
Concluding this evening of classical masterpieces is one of Mozart’s most popular and well-known symphonies. With its famous melancholy opening theme, his Symphony No.40 hints at a deep disquiet beneath its trademark refinement.

A unique series of stimulating public presentations by university-associated experts in a variety of fields – including philosophy, science, history, economics, music, literature, the arts and the social sciences – to be presented throughout Australia.  

Drawing on the treasure-trove of knowledge and expertise to be found in  Australia’s world-class universities,  ThoughtLines offers a  unique  new  opportunity for an engaging and  entertaining learning experience via  presentations –- tailored   for the general public  -- by outstanding scholars in a variety of fields, including science, history, politics, art, literature,  economics, and  philosophy.

Enjoy a day in the company of some of the nation’s most renowned experts -- hearing them talk  -- and asking them questions – about  such topics as  how the universe was formed;  artificial intelligence and the future of work ; the rise of  China and what it means for Australia; ethical behavior in the 21st Century ; the very special dinosaurs of Australia; making sense of economics; what is consciousness;   the challenges of the Anthropocene; and much more.

A ThoughtLines day of learning starts at 12.30pm and ends at 4.30pm and features  three one-hour-long presentations, including Q&A.  Time is allowed between sessions for refreshments, along with the opportunity to meet and mingle with the experts and your fellow learners. 

The Sapphires is a heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of Tony Briggs’ mother. Set in 1968 during landmark changes to Aboriginal rights, it tells the story of a singing group of four young Yorta Yorta women, discovered by a talent scout at St Kilda’s Tiki Club. He convinces them to tour Vietnam to sing classic soul songs for the troops and it becomes a life-altering trip to the depths of war and back again. Whilst The Sapphires explores issues such as race, prejudice and pleas for acceptance, it is an energetic and engaging play that affirms life and the realisation of dreams.

From the creators of Rumour Has It and Wrecking Ball comes the must-see live music event of the year.

Starring UK-born Australian stage and screen star Naomi Price (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rumour Has It, Ladies in Black, The Voice Australia) and inspired by true accounts, Lady Beatle is a rollicking magical mystery tour soundtracked by The Beatles’ biggest chart toppers, including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine and Penny Lane.

Rediscover The Beatles’ immortal catalogue reimagined and reinterpreted through sparkling original arrangements performed live by this world-class vocalist and a virtuosic band of Australia’s top musicians.

My Brilliant Divorce, by Geraldine Aron, is the radiantly witty and warm personal account of Angela.  Dumped by her husband for a younger model, we follow her achingly funny story as she fumbles through the days and the dating scene, rediscovering herself and hoping to find the love of her life!
A smash hit for Dawn French on the West End, Mandi Lodge will star in HIT’s 2019 Australian production of this irresistibly funny “stand up tragedy!”. Mandi, a much loved and acclaimed actress/singer, has performed nationally and internationally in LA, and in the UK and has recently toured the one woman play Shirley Valentine.

Singing from the age of 15, Mark Vincent has gone on to become one of Australia’s most beloved tenors, having released nine consecutive #1 ARIA Classical Crossover Albums, and earning accolades both nationally and internationally.
Vincent’s last album, A Tribute to Mario Lanza, contains the ground breaking ‘virtual duet’ of “Because You’re Mine” with the Hollywood legend. The album debuted at #3 on the ARIA Album Charts, and #1 on the ARIA Classical Crossover Charts, becoming the highest selling ARIA Classical Crossover album of 2017.
Fans can expect a showstopper evening with Mark performing a rich repertoire of songs and arias made popular by the great Italian-American tenor and actor Mario Lanza.

This concert will be an absolute gem of a concert by the Ukrainian-Australian Violin and Piano Duo, Markiyan and Oksana Melnychenko.

The Duo are a mother and son team with Markiyan the extraordinary violinist while his mother is a prize-winning pianist who toured Australia in 1992 and returned to settle permanently. She now teaches at Huntingtower School in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and runs a busy private studio.

Markiyan is an extraordinary violinist, and is in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue. His impressive CV would be the envy of many young aspiring musicians.

Markiyan is currently a Lecturer in Violin at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Already he’s performed with many major symphony orchestras worldwide including our own Australian orchestras. He is principal 1st violinist with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and has also worked with Orchestra Victoria, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic. His solo recital performances span across 17 countries from the USA, Europe and Asia.

Markiyan has participated in many prestigious International competitions taking several 1st prizes and performed at Barack Obama’s Inauguration Lunch in the US Capital.

In their "Simply Music" concert in Warragul, Markiyan and Oksana’s program will include:

Beethoven’s Romance in F major Opus 50;
Camille Saint-Saens Havanaise in E major Opus 83; and
Sonatas for Violin and Piano by Cesar Franck.

West End musical star, Peter Cousens, and legendary flutist Jane Rutter (Chevalière des Arts et Lettres) take you on a romantic journey, with best-loved songs from Peter’s starring roles in West Side Story, Camelot, Showboat, Aspects of Love, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables and featuring luscious romantic pieces from Jane’s 23 solo albums.

 

Jane and Peter have attained National Treasure status in Australia - a sensational duo that sold out their debutS ydney Opera House Concert Hall performance.

 

Don’t miss this endearingly intimate, witty take on all things romantic. Evening Stars: an evening of elegance, guaranteed to make your heart sing.

For over 30 years Mem Fox’s Possum Magic has captivated and enchanted young people. Joined by an extraordinary creative team Monkey Baa is thrilled to be presenting a brand-new stage adaptation of this magical Australian classic.

The final concert in the "Simply Music" series is the International-Australian Classical guitarist, Karin Schaupp, who we welcome back to Wesley.

Karin was taught by her mother Isolde Schaup. At the age of 5 she began performing in public, and when she was in her teens she began winning awards at International competitions. She completed her Masters degree at The University of Queensland with 1st class honours, along with further achievements and awards over the following years.

Karin collaborates in performances regularly with other Australian chamber music groups, such as the Flinders Quartet who we had the privilege of hearing here last year, also with The Australian Guitar Quartet and with recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey.

She has performed with many major orchestras at home and across the globe, and has numerous CD’s to her credit. She has completed recordings for both Warner Classics and ABC Classics.

Karin has appeared on live TV in China in a solo performance to over 50 million viewers and has also performed on TV in Germany, America and Canada.

Karin is currently Head of Guitar at the Queensland Conservatorium and Griffith University.

Her programme includes works by Mertz, Giuliani and Regondi.

From London to New York, Strassman’s comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it’s your turn to experience Strassman’s uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood.
Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet.
Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful and one we can relate to. Meanwhile Chuck is going through an identity crisis, Strassman is one of Australia’s favorite comedian’s, a master of his art. 
Once again, he delivers the ultimate night out.

*This performance is rated MA. Children 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No one under 12 admitted.

Australian icon John Williamson will celebrate the release of his 52nd album, ‘Butcherbird’, with a national tour of the same name. The tour will include his latest original compositions complemented by songs from his massive back catalogue of constantly requested favourites from an amazing forty-eight-year career.

Elegant and expansive, Mozart's Piano Concerto No 22 delights with its subtle beauty and an ever present gift for melody. To perform it with MCO, one of Australia’s best loved and most charismatic pianists, Stefan Cassomenos. Includes Haydn's 98th Symphony and music of Cimarosa & Beethoven.

Cimarosa -  The Secret Marriage: Overture
Mozart -       Piano Concerto No.22 in E flat 
                    major K482
Beethoven - Romance No 2 for violin and
                     orchestra Op 50
Haydn -        Symphony No 98 in B flat 
                     major The King

Karen Knowles has established herself as one of Australia’s favourite singers. Well known for her Carols and Christmas repertoire, Karen will perform with her musical director David Cameron accompanying her on piano and guitar.

Starting her performance career on Young Talent Time, Karen moved into recording and became the highest selling Australian female recording artists for two consecutive years.

Join Karen for a wonderful selection of her hits, standards and your favourite Christmas songs as her music moves you into the true spirit of Christmas.