CLEAR SKIES AHEAD AT RECITAL CENTRE

The American Songbook Series continues this July when the Melbourne Recital Centre plays host to ‘On A Clear Day’ featuring two renowned Australian performers.

Much-loved entertainer Jay Laga’aia and acclaimed jazz vocalist Gian Slater lead a stellar jazz band and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in the July 18 event.

Most recognised to Australian families as a host of Play School and Captain Typho in Star Wars, Jay Laga’aia is well renowned for his stage credentials after highly praised performances in The Lion King and Wicked.

Gian Slater, known for virtuosic improvisations and inventive compositions, will grace Southbank audiences with the pure voice that has seen her release seven original albums.

Widely regarded composer Graeme Lyall AM will present a stripped back arrangement that combines rich jazz with soaring orchestral harmonies featuring music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, and Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Jay Laga’aia said he is greatly anticipating featuring in what will be a joyful celebration of the great American Songbook.

“I am actually looking forward to working in the genre,” he said. “The musical foundation that Graeme has created allows the listener to be immediately transported back to when they first heard some of these memorable tunes.”

“The songs are wonderfully arranged and having such a rich musical support allows me to truly concentrate on bringing a performance to the stage that people haven’t seen before.”

For bookings and more information call 9699 3333 or visit www.melbournerecital.com.au