Suzanne Johnston and More Set for MORNING MELODIES at Arts Centre Melbourne, July-Dec 2012

After a successful first half of the year in Arts Centre Melbourne's State Theatre, the Morning Melodies concert series returns to its home in the newly refurbished Hamer Hall. Opera diva Suzanne Johnston finishes off the State Theatre season, before the likes of Orchestra Victoria, Victorian Opera and Kane Alexander perform in the acoustics of the new Hamer Hall.

From July to December, audiences can delight in concerts from:

Suzanne Johnston – From Bizet to Broadway

11am & 1.30pm, Friday 13 July

Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre

Opera diva Suzanne Johnston will embark on a fabulous musical journey, accompanied by a select group of young singers from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the University of Melbourne. Arias, songs, duets and trios by composers including Puccini, Bizet, Gershwin, Lloyd Webber and Sondheim will showcase the versatility of Johnston and these young stars of the future.

Curtain Up! with Orchestra Victoria

11am & 1.30pm, Monday 6 August

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Performing some of the most stirring, well-loved and sparkling overtures from opera, ballet and musical theatre, this concert with Orchestra Victoria celebrates the re-opening of Hamer Hall. Orchestra Victoria is the Melbourne performance partner of companies including The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Victorian Opera.

Singin' in the Rain and More with Victorian Opera

11am & 1.30pm, Monday 10 September

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Harking back to the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood, Victorian Opera will perform much-loved songs from the greatest stage and film musicals. With songs from the likes of Lerner and Loewe, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Leonard Bernstein, the Gershwins and Irving Berlin, remember a time when good always triumphed, the baddies were vanquished and the hero and heroine lived happily ever after. This concert has been devised by music director Richard Gill, and will feature favourite Victorian Opera artists, mezzo soprano Roxane Hislop and tenor Daniel Todd.

Kane Alexander with the Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra

11am & 1.30pm, Monday 8 October

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

The suave songs of the Rat Pack era take centre stage in this concert with Kane Alexander, one of Australia's most charismatic musical theatre performers, accompanied by the Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra. Paying tribute to a time that was smooth, glamorous and very cool, they will perform exciting new interpretations of classics including I've Got You Under My Skin, My Funny Valentine, A Foggy Day in London Town and The Best is Yet to Come. Along with hits by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Sammy Davis Jr, contemporary tastes will be slaked with swing arrangements by Michael Buble and Robbie Williams.

Melbourne Welsh Male Choir

11am & 1.30pm, Monday 12 November

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir's booming baritones, beautiful harmonies and tender moments will fill Hamer Hall in this spine tingling concert featuring over 40 choristers and a special guest soloist. As well as popular Welsh arrangements, the choir will perform new songs from their repertoire including uplifting spiritual medleys, songs from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, and traditional Maori songs.

Christmas Melodies

11am & 1.30pm, Monday 17 December

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

The final Morning Melodies shows of the year celebrate the festive season with popular and traditional Christmas songs and a few laughs along the way. Perfect for the whole family, this Christmas show is guaranteed to provide the holiday spirit. Previous hosts have included Marina Prior, Rob Mills, Rhonda Burchmore, David Hobson and Darryl Cotton. This year's host will be announced closer to the date.

Since starting at Arts Centre Melbourne nearly 28 years ago, Morning Melodies has gone from strength to strength and has been replicated in arts centres right across Australia. Highly popular with its audience, Morning Melodies brings people together 10 times a year for musical variety at its best, with great shows from Australia's top performers and premier performing arts companies.

Arts Centre Melbourne presents Morning Melodies at Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, from Friday 13 July Monday 6 August through Monday 17 December. Tickets $19, $16 groups 10+. Further discounts apply for bookings to three or more shows.

For bookings and information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183.

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