For Australia's music supremo, John Foreman, conducting a symphony orchestra at the Sydney Opera House is an experience to savour.
"Conducting a magnificent orchestra in the iconic Sydney Opera House is a dream come true. I can't wait. I'm also very excited about working in Melbourne's newly refurbished Hamer Hall. It looks sensational and I'm told the acoustics are extraordinary," said John.
John Foreman
John will take to the stage of the Concert Hall in Sydney and the Hamer Hall in Melbourne to conduct the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert series entitled Timeless Classics [Not] New Year's Eve 2012. Joining John will be some of the country's best loved performers including Anthony Callea, Silvie Paladino, Roy Best, Greta Bradman and Denis Walter as the Master of Ceremonies.
"The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra's Timeless Classics is the perfect concert for the festive season because it's a show that appeals to all ages. It's a wonderful experience to hear a great orchestra together with some amazing singers, and the range of music being presented ensures that everyone will be entertained," said John.
"The repertoire is quite diverse. We have a little Strauss, and some Grieg: Greta Bradman and Roy Best will perform some beautiful operatic arias, Silvie will perform some music theatre favourites, Denis Walter will entertain us with his booming baritone voice and Anthony Callea will sing his hit song, 'The Prayer'."
Since his early days of working with Bert Newton on Good Morning Australia, John has worked as the Musical Director on Australian Idol, hosted his own show called The Big Night In with John Foreman and most recently guided the next generation of talent as the Musical Director on Young Talent Time. However for John, a highlight of his career was writing the feature song for the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.
John with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra
"Hearing my song performed at the Sydney Olympics was a real highlight - but I was even more excited when the same song became background music at my local supermarket. I was in the fruit and veg department when "The Flame" was interrupted by a price-check for toilet paper. Oh well."
In between music gigs, John is an avid traveller.
"I love to travel, and it's not easy to pick just one favourite place. But if I had to pick just one, New York City is certainly a favourite. The musical theatre, the lights of Times Square, the hot dogs on every corner and the buzz and energy of the city all combine to make it a brilliant experience."
"I'd love to go to Africa. I've watched so many David Attenborough documentaries, I'd love to go on safari - especially one of those 5-star safaris!"
The Timeless Classics New Years Eve 2012 concerts will be presented at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday December 27 at 8pm, Friday December 28 at 2pm and 8pm and Saturday December 29 at 1pm and at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne at 2pm and 8pm on December 31.
