Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s American ‘Gala’
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s thrilling Gala kicks off the 2020 season with a celebration of music from the USA. Grammy nominated Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Dr Nicholas Milton AM and brilliant soloists from Pacific Opera.
Typifying American marching band music, ‘the March King’ John Philip Sousa’s rousing tunes will give the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra brass section a workout; relish the glittering wit of Leonard Bernstein in selections from his effervescent Candide, before music from West Side Story plunges you into the action, romance, tragedy and hot-blooded Latin rhythms in of one of the greatest musicals ever written.
Pacific Opera alumna Sophie Salvesani, who starred as Maria in the recent Opera Australia production of West Side Story, returns to The Concourse to reprise her role, performing A Boy Like That.
The Bernstein bonanza continues with Slava! A Political Overture for Orchestra written for the inaugural concerts of Mstislav Rostropovich’s first season with the US National Symphony Orchestra.
The concert will also feature the Willoughby Symphony Choir directed by Chorusmaster Peter Ellis performing the gospel song Down to River to Pray.
Soloists from Pacific Opera will sing selections from Oklahoma, Carousel, Porgy and Bess, On the Town and The Sound of Music.
Tickets or call 1300 795 012
