Lighting up December
From Newcastle's Jewish community to national treasure, John Foreman brings his vision of music as connection to Melbourne Recital Centre this summer.
For John Foreman, music has always been about bringing people together. It’s something that was instilled in him from a very young age.
This December, the acclaimed musical director is launching a new tradition that embodies this philosophy: the Australian Pops Orchestra Holiday Concerts series at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Running over ten days in December, the series features four spectacular concerts starring some of Australia’s most beloved performers, from powerhouse vocalist Silvie Paladino to musical theatre icons Marina Prior, Lucy Durack and Simon Gleeson.
“Music is a powerful way to bring people together,” Foreman told The AJN. “Whether sitting back in the audience and enjoying the finest artists and musicians on stage, or joining in the music-making process yourself – music taps into a fundamental part of humanity. The point of music-making is to have a shared experience.”
That commitment to shared experience has defined Foreman’s remarkable career. From his early days as Bert Newton’s piano man on Good Morning Australia at just 19 (where Newton memorably interviewed him about keeping kosher, delighting Jewish viewers), to his role as musical director of Australian Idol, Foreman has become synonymous with musical excellence in Australian entertainment.
Growing up in Newcastle’s tight-knit Jewish community, Foreman began playing piano at six. While he describes his connection to Judaism today as primarily cultural, Jewish influences continue to shape his work. He’s collaborated with numerous Jewish artists throughout his career and has witnessed firsthand the rich tradition of Jewish contributions to musical theatre and the performing arts.
His career highlights read like a who’s who of Australian entertainment: composing ‘The Flame’ performed by Tina Arena at the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, musically directing Oprah Winfrey’s finale concert at the Sydney Opera House, and serving as musical director for Channel Nine’s Carols by Candlelight and the TV Week Logie Awards for over a decade.
Since taking the reins of the Australian Pops Orchestra in 2019, Foreman has championed his belief that “music is for the people.”
“Music means something special to everyone, and there’s such a broad variety of musical experiences over summer,” Foreman noted. “I love standing in front of the orchestra and hearing that magnificent, irreplaceable sound – and then seeing how the experience elevates the audience and leaves them feeling joyful.”
For Foreman, the Holiday Concerts represent more than just entertainment. They’re a celebration of the friendships and connections that have sustained him throughout his career.
“These friendships all go back decades, so these concerts are going to be joyful, uplifting and a whole lot of fun,” he said. “It’s really wonderful to see people coming together to celebrate Australia’s musical talent. We have world-class performers here – many of whom have performed across the globe – and it is a joy to be able to hear these amazing performers live in concert.”
The Holiday Concerts feature a 40-piece orchestra and soaring arrangements, and it’s something Foreman is exceptionally proud of.
“Summer is a great time to enjoy live music, and I can’t wait to share the stage with these brilliant Australian performers.”
The Australian Pops Orchestra Holiday Concerts runs from December 20-31 at Melbourne Recital Centre. Tickets available at apoconcerts.com