The countdown to Christmas has begun and this December the Festival Theatre will once again come alive with song as ‘Christmas Proms’ returns to Adelaide with a stunning new series held in collaboration with The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO, conducted by Guy Noble).
Directed by Christopher Horsey (founding member of 'Tap Dogs', director/choreographer of Network 7’s 'Carols In The Domain') this year’s ‘Christmas Proms’ features a host of special guest performers including Lucy Durack ('Wicked', 'The Wizard Of Oz'), Jan Di Pietro ('Singing In The Rain', 'The Boy From Oz') and Sean Mulligan ('Jersey Boys', 'Tap Dogs').As the last stockings are hung, Musical Director Guy Noble caught up with scenestr to chat about what families can expect from this year’s Christmas extravaganza.
For those who have never heard of 'Christmas Proms' how would you describe this concert series?
It is a wonderful Christmassy event – featuring singalong carols, a full orchestra, soloists like Lucy Durack, some great dancing and probably the most fun – singalong carols.
This year’s concert features the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra conducted by yourself; as a musical director what ideas or emotions did you hope to bring to the show and why?
We’ve chosen music that has that warm Christmas feel (even though much of it is about snow!) and by the end I hope people of all ages from kids to grandmothers leave with a smile.
How did you work with the orchestra to achieve this?
Basically I raise my hands with my magic baton and we rehearse and put it all together. The ASO are consummate professionals, so it doesn’t take long to sound as sparkly as the decorations on your Christmas tree.
'Christmas Proms' is directed by renowned performer and director Christopher Horsey. How would you describe his style and what was it like working with him?
We’ve known each other for years and have the same sense of humour. He’s relaxed and fun and as a performer himself (with 'Tap Dogs' and 'Hot Shoe Shuffle' and countless other shows) he knows how to get the best out of people.
With such a dynamic and talented cast of performers and musicians can we expect a new spin on some Christmas favourites?
Oh yes! There’ll be a bit of a swing feel to this year’s 'Proms'. But lots of traditional carols too, and the orchestra will play Tchaikovsky and favourites like the 'Sandpaper Ballet' by Leroy Anderson.
Do you have a favourite Christmas carol and will it feature in the show?
I think 'Silent Night' is my favourite carol – such a beautiful piece of music.
You have previously worked with The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (on their 'Classics Unwrapped' series); what do you enjoy about working with the Orchestra?
We’ve developed a relationship over the years – I think the orchestra trusts me that they will have a good time and there won’t be any drama. It’s their last concert of the year when everyone is a bit tired, so I want them to have fun too.
You have worked with several national and international orchestras during your impressive career, how does the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra compare?
They are great! Very quick, lots of fine soloists within the orchestra, they make a great sound and in performance always rise to the occasion.
Do you have plans to work with The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in the future?
As long as they keep asking me – yes. 2019 will see the return of four 'Classics Unwrapped' at the Town Hall, a special extra one in Tanunda, plus a concert with James Morrison and the return of the 'Last Night Of The Proms' – so that is a wonderful amount of music making we will get to do with each other.
What does Christmas mean to you?
I’m not religious in any way, but Christmas is a time when people appreciate their family and friends and take stock of the year that has been. I think people are kinder with each other over Christmas and that is what I like, and I suppose what Christ himself was telling everyone all those years ago.
