American classics from Ella Fitzgerald to George Gershwin will echo across Speers Point Park later this month as the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra presents an evening program to delight all ages.
An American Dream at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, on Sunday 30 April will feature 90 minutes of live music, including the Artie Shaw clarinet concerto with clarinet virtuoso Zachary Donoghue, local singer Heather Price performing Ella Fitzgerald classics, plus music by Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Richard Rodgers.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the concert marked the third collaboration between MAP mima and Orchestra Manager Mercia Buck OAM.
"We've been fortunate to host really successful and entertaining performances by the Lake Mac Philharmonic Orchestra before at MAP mima, and we're excited to see what's in store for the next instalment," Ms Hemsley said.
"MAP mima is such a fantastic venue, particularly at sunset, so it promises to be another very special event."
Ms Buck described the performance as "first-class entertainment with the best of American music traditions".
"Zachary Donoghue is a whizz-kid on the clarinet playing the Artie Shaw clarinet concerto, Heather Price is a first-class jazz singer and sings with the orchestra and The Dungeon Big Band," she said.
"Gershwin's ballet music for An American in Paris is one of his finest works featured in the movie of the same name."
Doors open at 4pm on 30 April, with music from 4.30pm.
Seating is provided, but guests can alternatively bring a picnic rug to enjoy the entertainment.
Ms Hemsley said that while the concert would be licensed with an on-site bar, guests could bring their own picnics and non-alcoholic drinks.
"Pre-ordered cheese and meat platters are available through Harry & Lola's," she said.
The performance is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Go to lakemac.com.au
