Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to Present HOPELESSLY DEVOTED Tribute to Olivia Newton-John Next Year

In March 2024, a constellation of Australia’s brightest musical talents will join the brilliance of the MSO in Hopelessly Devoted - a moving and uplifting tribute to Australian luminary, Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE, who passed away in August 2022 aged 73.

Throughout her life and career, Newton-John’s impact spanned across music, film and advocacy. With 100 million records sold world-wide, her musical legacy is global, transcending borders and generations.

Hosted by Tottie Goldsmith, Newton-John’s niece and Goodwill Ambassador of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre, this stirring celebration concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jessica Gethin, will feature performances from David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Browne.

The MSO along with these talented artists, will perform some of the greatest hits from Olivia Newton-John’s films and record-breaking albums including Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re the One That I Want, Physical, Make a Move on Me, Xanadu, Magic, I Honestly Love You and more.

Tottie Goldsmith said: “I’m really excited to be collaborating with the MSO on this celebration of our Liv. She loved performing with orchestras and would be so filled with joy that this event is taking place.

Her remarkable musical legacy and equally remarkable advocacy, will be at the heart of this special concert. Let’s love, laugh and sing our hearts out in her honour.”

Singer, actor and television presenter David Campbell first met Newton-John while working on the Johnny O’Keefe musical Shout.  The pair collaborated on Newton-John’s first album of duets in 2002 singing I Will Be Right Here and reunited at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2011, when Campbell was Artistic Director.

“It’s such an honour to be performing in this wonderful tribute to my beautiful friend Olivia. We are going to sing, dance, cry and celebrate her brilliant life with the MSO.”

Also joining the program is multi-talented star of stage and screen, Christie Whelan Browne, who played the role of Olivia Newton-John in the 2015 mini-series Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door. Whelan Browne also played the lead in the 2011 stage production of Xanadu, based on the original 1980 film.
 
“Like every little girl, I grew up wanting to be ONJ. The privilege of meeting her and spending time with her is something I treasure. She was as kind and warm as you wanted her to be. Her contribution and the hope she gave to all cancer patients was so inspiring. To pay tribute to her songs is an honour and I hope everyone comes along to join in the magic that was ONJ’s music”. 

Award-winning star of musical theatre Georgina Hopson will make her MSO debut in Hopelessly Devoted. Among her many credits Hopson played the lead role of Christine Daaé in the 2022 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of The Phantom of the Opera and the acclaimed World Premiere season of Bananaland as part of the 2023 Brisbane Festival.

Representing the next generation of Australian musical talents is Melbourne-based singer-songwriter – and the youngest member of the cast – Jess Hitchcock. Across her relatively short career, Hitchcock has performed with industry heavyweights Kate Miller-Heidke, Paul Kelly, Tina Arena and the late Archie Roach, and stole the show during the recent ABC Classic 100 in Concert show with the MSO and most recently performing at the AFL Grand Final.

A donation from these concerts will be made to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre and will recognise International Women’s Day 2024.

Cherie Cheshire, Divisional Director of Cancer and Neurosciences at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre had the pleasure of working in partnership with Newton-John over many years and forming a long-lasting friendship.

“Olivia was a very special person who was able to create meaningful connections with people from all walks of life, and especially people living with cancer. She absolutely knew how important it is to have wellness supports when going through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. All of us at the ONJ Centre invite the community to support our wellness programs and help people living with cancer to thrive”

Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John

Thursday 7, Friday 8 & Saturday 9 March, 7.30pm & Saturday 9 March 1pm

Presented by Ryman Healthcare

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Jessica Gethin
Host Tottie Goldsmith

Creative Director Mark Sutcliffe                               

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