Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Present A Rare Concert Version Of Leonard Bernstein's CANDIDE

Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for the highlight of their 2018 season, a rare concert performance of Leonard Bernstein's genius musical comedy masterwork, Candide, performed by an all-star Australian cast including Caroline O'Connor, Alexander Lewis, Phillip Scott, Annie Aitken and Kanen Breen.

Acclaimed by music-lovers around the globe who relish its stellar song list, from the lively Overture to the iconic Glitter and Be Gay, ever-popular The Best of All Possible Worlds and emotional finale Make Our Garden Grow, Candide is a musical journey like no other, appealing to the broadest of music audiences with its affectionate parodies of opera, Gilbert and Sullivan, tango and Broadway glitz.

Presented as part of a global celebration of 100 years of one of the 20th Century's most acclaimed and influential composers, the Sydney Philharmonia production brings together a star-studded Australian cast including our own first lady of musical theatre Caroline O'Connor; internationally acclaimed young opera star Alexander Lewis; veteran Australian performer Phillip Scott; rising star Annie Aitken; and stalwart entertainer Kanen Breen.

Directed by the unstoppable Mitchell Butel, fresh from his work on Sydney Symphony's smash-hit concert performance season of Funny Girl, the show promises a rich, riotous and ultimately rewarding evening or afternoon of entertainment, based upon one of the world's most respected all-time literary classics.

Presented for the first time in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, the Sydney Philharmonia concerts also feature the young artists from Sydney's acclaimed Pacific Opera, performing the additional soloist roles, alongside more than 450 singers from Sydney Philharmonia's Symphony Chorus and 80 musicians from Sydney Youth Orchestra, all brought together under the baton of the irrepressible Brett Weymark.

Possibly the largest concert version of Bernstein's Candide ever presented, the Sydney Philharmonia performances proudly showcase some of Sydney's premier young artists and musicians, making it a fitting tribute to one of the 20th Centuries most prodigious and lauded composers, who also dedicated much of his career to education.

Book now for an unmissable and unforgettable evening or afternoon of entertainment, 8pm Saturday September 29 or 1pm Sunday September 30 at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, http://www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/bernstein-candide/

Curious to know more about the making of Candide, and the stories behind one of the world's most enduring musical comedy masterworks? Join acclaimed musical theatre director Kellie Dickerson, at a special Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Discover workshop, 6pm to 8.30pm, Tuesday 25th September.

This informal 2.5 hour session includes an opportunity to focus in on Bernstein's work in the context of 1950s America - a period that saw working simultaneously on Candide, and his hit Broadway classic, West Side Story.

Discover what inspired Bernstein, playwright Lillian Hellman, lyricist John Latouche, poet Richard Wilbur and others who contributed to the Candide score, to explore Voltaire's satire.

And finally, have some fun attempting to singing excerpts from some of Candide's best known songs, in the company of other singers and novices. No experience necessary.

Participation costs just $44. Register now at http://www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/discover-2018/