Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doesn’t just pay tribute to classical music greats. Shaking up its repertoire with movie odes — to Hans Zimmer, Star Wars, Home Alone, Toy Story and more — isn’t the only way that it stretches its remit, either. This December, MSO will add celebrating George Michael to its roster, thanks to a big one-night gig that’ll give the pop star’s music the orchestra treatment, complete with help from a heap of guest singers.
Dubbed George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the event is heading to Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, December 9. And if you’re wondering why it’s taking place that month, you must’ve avoided getting ‘Last Christmas’ stuck in your head when the season hits in the past. Also, the late, great singer was just the subject of hit Netflix documentary WHAM!, making the timing right for more reasons than one.
Benjamin Northey will be on conducting duties, with Natalie Bassingthwaighte, David Campbell, Courtney Act, Emma Donovan and Brendan Maclean joining the lineup behind the microphone to lend their vocals to Michael’s chart-topping tunes. Also on the bill, similarly following in the two-time Grammy-winner’s footsteps: Adam Thompson, Jade MacRae, Gary Pinto and Carmen Smith.
“I’m so thrilled to be performing at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the George Michael x MSO celebration! I was, and always will be, a huge fan of his,” said Bassingthwaighte.
“I can’t wait to be at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a George Michael x MSO extravaganza! Remembering George like this will be Too Funky. I know you’ve all been waiting for this,” added Act.
George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will get Sidney Myer Music Bowl echoing with a 30-song playlist, including ‘Faith’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘Praying for Time’ and ‘Freedom’.
The one and only ‘Careless Whisper’ played by a symphony orchestra? That’s on the lineup, too, and witnessing it will be a bucket-list moment.
GEORGE MICHAEL: FREEDOM! A CELEBRATION WITH THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LINEUP:
Natalie Bassingthwaighte David Campbell Courtney Act Emma Donovan Brendan Maclean Adam Thompson Jade MacRae Gary Pinto Carmen Smith
George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will take place on Saturday, December 9 at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, with tickets on sale from 10am on Wednesday, September 6 — head to the event website for further details.
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