George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Overview

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doesn't just pay tribute to classical music greats. Shaking up its repertoire with movie odes — to Hans Zimmer, Star Wars, Home Alone, Toy Story and more — isn't the only way that it stretches its remit, either. In December, MSO will add celebrating George Michael to its roster, thanks to a big one-night gig that'll give the pop star's music the orchestra treatment, complete with help from a heap of guest singers.

Dubbed George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the event is heading to Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, December 9. And if you're wondering why it's taking place that month, you must've avoided getting 'Last Christmas' stuck in your head when the season hits in the past. Also, the late, great singer was just the subject of hit Netflix documentary WHAM!, making the timing right for more reasons than one.

Benjamin Northey will be on conducting duties, with Natalie Bassingthwaighte, David Campbell, Courtney Act, Emma Donovan and Brendan Maclean joining the lineup behind the microphone to lend their vocals to Michael's chart-topping tunes. Also on the bill, similarly following in the two-time Grammy-winner's footsteps: Adam Thompson, Jade MacRae, Gary Pinto and Carmen Smith.

George Michael: Freedom! A Celebration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will get Sidney Myer Music Bowl echoing with a 30-song playlist, including 'Faith', 'Father Figure', 'Praying for Time' and 'Freedom'.

The one and only 'Careless Whisper' played by a symphony orchestra? That's on the lineup, too, and witnessing it will be a bucket-list moment.

GEORGE MICHAEL: FREEDOM! A CELEBRATION WITH THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LINEUP:

Natalie Bassingthwaighte
David Campbell
Courtney Act
Emma Donovan
Brendan Maclean
Adam Thompson
Jade MacRae
Gary Pinto
Carmen Smith

Top image: Ratracewi via Wikimedia Commons.