Global Cheers Abound With 'A World Of Christmas' At Adelaide Festival Centre's 2017 CHRISTMAS PROMS

Adelaide Festival Centre's beloved family favourite event, Christmas Proms, takes an international flavour this year with festivities sung not only in English, but also in Catalan, Hebrew, Spanish and Soussou! From 14 - 16 December, Her Majesty's Theatre will celebrate Christmas all around the world with special guests The Idea of North, Tutti Choir and the On Stage Children's Choir, with the orchestra under the baton of Australian conductor Benjamin Northey, and special guest emcee Jane Doyle from Seven News.

This year there are five performance dates to choose from plus the brand new Adelaide Festival Centre 'Christmas Wonderland' which will be open from 45 minutes prior to each session. Children are invited to dress up and enjoy this magical experience with the 'Elferazzi' before getting their carol-singing voices ready for the show!

An optional monetary donation (via Her Majesty's Theatre foyer displays at each performance) will benefit the HUSH Foundation, which since 2000 has sought to reduce the stress and anxiety felt by young patients, families and staff at Australian hospitals.

With sold-out shows at the 2017 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, impeccable arrangements and a sublime blend of vocals, The Idea of North is Australia's Aria Award winning premier a cappella ensemble. Founding members Luke Thompson along with two Adelaide born singers Naomi Crellin and local Nick Begbie are once again joined by vocal percussionist extraordinaire Kaichiro Kitamura and newest member Emma Rule to add some extra Christmas spice!

Formed originally in 1993 by four friends from the Canberra School of Music jazz department (ANU), the group moved from strength to strength in the early 2000s, winning awards the world over and capturing the imagination of audiences everywhere with their enigmatic performances. The Idea of North took out the 2010 'Best Jazz Album' ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award with their collaborative release 'Feels Like Spring', recorded with James Morrison and his quintet. They also independently won the 2013 'Best Jazz Album' ARIA Award for their 10th album 'Smile'. The Idea of North's musical dynamism is something that needs to be heard to be believed.

Acclaimed conductor, Benjamin Northey will be leading the local orchestra. Currently the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Northey has previously held the posts of Resident Guest Conductor of the Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra (2002-2006) and Principal Guest Conductor of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (2007-2010). With a progressive and diverse approach to repertoire he has collaborated with a broad range of artists including Maxim Vengerov, Julian Rachlin, Karen Gomyo, Piers Lane, Alban Gerhardt, Johannes Moser, Lu Siquing, Amy Dickson, Slava Grigoryan & Marc-André Hamelin as well as popular artists Tim Minchin, KD Lang, Patti Austin, Kate Miller-Heidke, Barry Humphries, Kurt Elling, James Morrison & Tori Amos.

Northey also appears regularly as a guest conductor with all major Australian symphony orchestras, Opera Australia, New Zealand Opera and the State Opera South Australia. His international appearances include concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, the Malaysian Philharmonic and the New Zealand, Auckland and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras.

The Tutti Choir regularly performs in Adelaide, around South Australia and interstate. Some members have also performed in Vancouver and Minneapolis, and mentored other inclusive choirs. Founded by Tutti Artistic Director Pat Rix in 1997, Tutti Choir is currently led by resident conductor Laura Ellis and assisted by Brenton Shaw. Open to disabled and non-disabled singers of any age, Tutti Choir is renowned for its uplifting performances. In recent years Tutti Choir has performed some very challenging repertoire at a high level, including original choral music created with Pat Rix, traditional and contemporary classical music, gospel, jazz, rock and pop. Tutti Choir is renowned for its ability to leave audiences stimulated, uplifted and feeling spiritually re-invigorated.

Gather the entire family to get into the Christmas spirit and sing Feliz Navidad, Bon Nadal and many more favourite Christmas Carols!

For further information visit adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au.

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