Jay Laga'aia, Gian Slater & More to Perform Broadway Classics at Melbourne Recital Centre, 18 July

Much-loved Australian entertainer Jay Laga'aia and acclaimed jazz vocalist Gian Slater lead a stellar jazz band and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in On A Clear Day on Thursday 18 July, as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's American Songbook series.

Featuring music from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, Sondheim's A Little Night Music, Bernstein's West Side Story and more, On A Clear Day is set in a stripped-back concert format and combines jazz and classical genres to create a rich blend of soaring melodies and orchestral music, arranged by leading composer/arranger, Graeme Lyall AM.

"Graeme's arrangements combine beautiful, rich and contrasting sounds which explore the qualities of each instrument whilst remaining faithful to the original line... There is something unique and inviting about every arrangement produced under the watchful eye (and pen) and soundful ear of Graeme" - Peter Marks, Producer

Jay Laga'aia is one of Australia's most recognised faces, having starred in an extraordinary number of films, TV programs and stage productions. Best known to Australian families as a host of Play School and as Captain Typho in Stars Wars Episodes II and III, Jay is also praised for his performance as Mufasa in the acclaimed stage production The Lion King, and The Wizard in the Auckland season of Wicked.

Gian Slater is known for her pure voice, virtuosic improvisations and inventive compositions. She has released seven albums of original music and also leads her own acclaimed vocal ensemble Invenio, who have performed four of her major works as well as collaborations with New York based pianist/composer Barney McAll and Australian singer/songwriter Lior.

The On A Clear Day ensemble also comprises Tony Gould (piano), Tamara Murphy (bass), Gianni Marinucci (trumpet, flugal horn), Sergei Golovka (marimba), David Griffiths (clarinet), Joe Batrouney (percussion), Derek Jones (flute, piccolo) and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

Music performed in On A Clear Day is available on the CD Seasons of Love via Move records.

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