The Canberra Times

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert
Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

This is advertiser content for The Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

While your thongs and footy shorts might draw some strange looks at Llewellyn Hall, they're a perfect fit for the Shell Prom - the Canberra Symphony Orchestra's (CSO) popular outdoor concert on the lawns of Government House.

A musical tradition in the capital for close to forty years, the Shell Prom brings the CSO out of the concert hall and into the open air.

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert
Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

It's a chance to experience the power of a live orchestra in a relaxed, family-friendly environment - and a rare opportunity to take a gander at the grounds of the Governor-General's famous residence.

Swapping symphonies for show tunes, this year's concert on November 30 features musical theatre and film hits from My Fair Lady to Frozen.

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert
Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

Guest vocalists Simon Gleeson and Genevieve Kingsford will take the stage with the orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor Geoffrey Castles.

While it's Castles' first gig with the CSO, he collaborated recently with Kingsford on a production of Sweeney Todd, and toured with Gleeson for nearly two years in the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables (Michael Cassel / Cameron Mackintosh).

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert
Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

Music theatre buffs of all kinds will enjoy a program ranging from 1940s classic Broadway to contemporary productions and films. Castles' favourite number changes with his mood - right now, it's The Trolley Song from Meet Me in St Louis, which he describes as "golden era MGM at its finest, with the most delicious orchestration."

Punters can bring their own picnic or grab a bite from the Lions Club sausage sizzle on the night. Gates open at 4.45pm for a 6pm concert, wrapping up around 8pm - perfect for kids of all ages.

Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert
Music theatre in your thongs: Canberra Symphony returns to Government House lawns for picnic concert

Book online at cso.org.au/prom or by calling CSO Direct on 02 6262 6772 - family and group discounts available.

This is advertiser content for The Canberra Symphony Orchestra.