The Melbourne Rainbow Band (MRB), along with St John’s East Malvern presents its 2013 spring concert For Positive Lives, a fundraising concert with proceeds going to the Positive Living Centre in Prahran.
Performing a program which features vibrant marches and well-known classics, such as Sir Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod,” the stunning interior of St. John’s will also be filled with delicate settings of “Amazing Grace” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu.”
Also performing will be highly regarded performer David Rogers-Smith, who in addition to appearing in Victorian Opera’s Sunday in the Park with George also took to the stage in 2012 in the starring role of Albin/ZaZa in La Cage Aux Folles.
Rogers-Smith will be joined by the Green Room Award winning Melissa Langton, whose unique performances in cabaret and music theatre have seen her perform in Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Crusade, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, and also as a member of the popular girl group The Fabulous Singlettes.
This concert will be the first performance for the MRB under the baton of its new Musical Director, Gregory Peterson. Peterson, who was appointed to the role in August, said “I am thrilled to be appointed as the new Music Director of the Melbourne Rainbow Band, and I consider it a privilege to help steer Australia’s premier Gay and Lesbian concert band to new heights”.
Peterson, an ARIA award-winning arranger, composer and flautist studied conducting at the Defence Force School of Music, and also with international clinicians including Jerry Nowak. “Whilst I’ve only had a few rehearsals with the band, it is extremely rewarding to stand in front of an enthusiastic team of people whose range of musical ability, age and sexual orientation is as diverse and varied as the concert band literature they perform.” Peterson said.
All proceeds from the concert will go to the Positive Living Centre in Prahran to help provide services to those living with HIV/AIDS, such as peer support, legal advice and health related activities.
St John’s Parish Priest, Rev. John Baldock said “Since the 1980s, many church and non-church families have been deeply affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. I’m looking forward to the concert on the eve of World AIDS Day, as a time to remember those who have passed and those with the illness today. Saint John’s is a place where we celebrate the dignity and value of every person. I’m looking forward to welcoming many friends here on the night.”
This one night only concert will be held at 7:30pm on Saturday 30th November 2013 in the magnificent St John’s Church in Finch Street, Malvern East. Melbourne Rainbow Band President, Rachael Bean said, “The members of the MRB are looking forward to performing in St John’s and are excited to be able to support the PLC”.
Of the MRB’s appointment of Peterson to the role of Musical Director, Ms Bean also said “The MRB has been privileged over the years to have been led by extremely competent and dynamic musicians and performers. Greg brings with him a wealth of experience which will benefit the band immensely and we have already started to see the fruits of his labor in our weekly rehearsals.”
Event Name: For Positive Lives
Presented By: The Melbourne Rainbow Band & St John’s East Malvern
Date/Time: Saturday 30th November 2013 @ 7.30 PM
Venue: Saint John’s Church 5 Finch Street, Malvern East
Cost: $25 Adult, $20 Concession
Bookings: www.mrb.org.au
More Info: www.mrb.org.au
