OBSERVER: John’s Pops Were Tops


It was Christmas time and the once a year time for John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra to perform a mix of their various Christmas and New Year themed recitals as part of their regular 10-day Holiday Concerts. Something they have specialised in for many years.
Whether it be at Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Recital Centre or elsewhere, the Australian Pops Orchestra brings together a 40-piece orchestra and well recognised Australian performers, for the concert season that culminates in their traditional New Year Concert, a regular recital for many years.
With two performances on the one day the Great Christmas Singalong at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, the evening performance commenced with a rousing and provoking Christmas Overture arranged by Matt Amy, a Melbourne based composer, trombonist and musical director here in Australia and overseas.
Under the baton of versatile John Foreman, and guest Silvie Paladino who is no stranger to musical performance worldwide and with the Pops Orchestra they took us on a journey through 12 Carols, many traditional, where we were ‘encouraged’ to sing along.
Silvie with her incredible vocal range captured the very essence of the tone of each Carol whether it be joy, thanksgiving, awakening or reflection, none so powerful as Amazing Grace and Silent Night. Throughout the renditions, support was given by the backing group of Jacinta Caurana, Michaela Jayde and a very emotive and physical performer in Anthony Monea.
As well as the sing-along by the audience, Silvie randomly picked a number of audience members to come up to the stage and help her to perform The Twelve Day of Christmas.
Little did they know they were to sing solo, one of the 12 days of Christmas verse. Totally unrehearsed, several audience participants shone while the others did not disappoint.
In reflecting on the performance, the words of encouragement by Silvie at the beginning, in referencing the recent events at Bondi, by emphasising the power of music and song in bringing people together, none so important as now through the Christmas season by highlighting the true meaning celebrated by many throughout the world.
A truly celebratory performance
Review by Graeme McCoubrie