Harrison Craig Will Join NYE Hamer Hall Celebrations

Melbourne's own Harrison Craig, winner of The Voice Australia, is joining the list of high-profile entertainers celebrating New Year's Eve with the Australian Pops Orchestra at Hamer Hall.

Harrison Craig will be joining Australia's leading ladies of song, Marina Prior and Silvie Paladino, together with the magnificent Denis Walter and the much sought-after Australian Pops Orchestra, conducted by new owner John Foreman, to dazzle audiences with a wonderful selection of popular classics and Broadway hits on New Year's Eve at Arts Centre Melbourne's Hamer Hall.

Two shows only, the New Year's Eve 2019 Gala Concert will be presented both as a 2pm matinee and an 8pm concert which finishes in time for audiences to enjoy the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks.

Harrison Craig First made his mark on Australia in 2013, winning the second series of The Voice Australia and over the past five years Harrison has set records on the ARIA charts with three new albums.

His first album, More Than a Dream achieved platinum status; Harrison played to sold out shows on a national tour spanning five months. His second album L.O.V.E. achieved gold status and remained in the top 10 album charts for six weeks, with his third studio album Kings of Vegas taking out number the #1 position on the ARIA charts and spanning a massive 54 shows across Australia.

His unique tone and crooning style sets him apart in his genre and he has had the unique experience of working with the likes of Seal, David Foster, Baz Luhrmann, songwriter Diane Warren, Barry Gibb from The Bee Gees and Olivia Newton-John.

For over 30 years, the Australian Pops Orchestra, affectionately known as the Aussie Pops, has presented a unique blend of popular classical and contemporary music to Australian audiences. They are one of a few privately managed symphony orchestras in the world and have performed alongside many of the world's favourite singers including Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Peter Allen, Andrea Bocelli, Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Cliff Richard, Ray Charles and many more.

Following the passing of the Orchestra's Chairman and biggest supporter, Dr Chris Brendon, the Orchestra has changed ownership and is now presented by musical director, pianist, composer John Foreman OAM. With the support of the original management team, John and the Australian Pops Orchestra are moving into new territory whilst still honouring old traditions.

"The Aussie Pops has been an amazing part of our family for so many years. It is more than just an orchestra entertaining an audience - it is friends (musicians and patrons) catching up each year through the love of music," said Ingrid Ross, daughter of Dr Chris Brendon.

"Dad would be so thrilled John and his team are continuing this beautiful tradition," she added.

A very recognised face on Australian TV after many years as musical director for Australian Idol and GMA with Bert Newton, John Foreman has composed music that has been performed by artists ranging from Vanessa Amorosi to José Carreras. He was the Musical Director for Oprah Winfrey's finale concert at the Sydney Opera House, is the musical director for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight and host of the annual School Spectacular. He wrote The Flame, which was performed by Tina Arena and Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

"I'm honoured to be carrying on the tradition of the Aussie Pops New Year's Eve concert," said Foreman. "Many audience members come back year after year, and for good reason. It's a beautiful way to ring in the new year, with wonderful music and friends in a world-class venue. I can't wait!"

Tickets www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or www.ticketek.com.au

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