Big Band + Big Voices = Sensational Sounds in November

The USQ Arts Theatre will come to life with the sensational sounds of two of the University’s favourite ensembles next month – the USQ Big Band and USQ Contemporary Singers will combine in what promises to be an extravaganza of music-making at their finale concert for the year.Directed by USQ Lecturers in Music, Martin Crook and Melissa Forbes respectively, the ensembles will perform a program ranging from Jazz, Big Band and Broadway to Latin, Funk and Swing.

There’s just something about a Big Band with a swinging singer; something that, years after the ‘hey-day’ of swing, still entertains modern audiences,” said Melissa Forbes.

Our choice of program reflects the continuing popularity of this combination of Big Bands and singers.

In keeping with the great tradition of swing singers, the likes of Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day, we will perform some great classics together with terrific new arrangements of popular songs such as Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual and the Supremes’ Stop! In the Name of Love’ with a Big Band twist.”
Other favourites on the program will include Fly Me to the Moon, For Once in My Life, At Last, Classical Gas, Rhythm of Life, In a Sentimental Mood and Unchained Melody.

The USQ Big Band has a 30-year performance and pedagogy tradition, including memorable concerts with vocalists including Rachael Beck and Ian Stenlake (2011), Rhonda Burchmore (2009) and Kate Ceberano (2007).

On the other end of the spectrum, the USQ Contemporary Singing Studio is an exciting new additional to Creative Arts at USQ, established in 2000 by Melissa Forbes. For many of our students, this concert will be their ‘swan-song’ as they make their final appearance as students at USQ, and for others, it will be just one of many performances during their studies.

I’m particularly looking forward to joining the singers to perform a couple of trios and the entire ensemble for the final song, Lullaby of Broadway.”

BIG BAND BIG VOICES will be presented at 7.30pm on Saturday, 5 November and 2pm on Sunday, 6 November in the USQ Arts Theatre.

Tickets are $26.50 adult, $21 concession, $16 student, $8 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.

Submitted by:
Michelle Fox,
USQ Artsworx,
Ph 4631 1111