Entertainers

We thank the many distinguished musicians and artists who are donating their time to Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight® to perform much-loved Christmas carols.

Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson

Together Karl and Lisa host The Today Show, The Nine Network's morning news and current affairs program.

Now in his fifteenth year as a journalist, Karl has covered some of Australia's leading news stories, including the Bali bombings and, more recently, the Black Saturday bushfires.

Lisa is one of Australia's most admired and respected journalists and corporate presenters having worked in print, television and radio. Her relaxed and informative presentation style has won her a legion of fans around the country.

"We are incredibly honoured to again be involved in Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight," says Lisa. "It is such a magic Christmas tradition and to know that families across the country are united in song on this one night is such a special feeling."

John Foreman

John Foreman is a pianist, musical director and composer. Recognised as one of this country’s finest and most respected in his field, John has been appearing on Australian television screens for close to two decades.

John has an impressive history of credentials, including hosting his own music variety show, The Big Night In With John Foreman, and being musical director of Good Morning Australia and Australian Idol. He is also the Ambassador for the ‘Music: Count Us In’ Australian Music Council initiative, which aims to encourage music education in our schools.

John took over the reins of musical director for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight in 2003 and this year has added another string to his bow by taking on the role of the show’s producer.

Anthony Callea

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight Ambassador has cemented his name as one of Australia’s favourite singers. At only 27 years of age, ARIA-award winning Anthony saw his debut, The Prayer, become Australia’s fastest and highest-selling single of all time. He followed this up with a number one album and a string of hits, making him one of the country’s most-successful artists.

Most recently, Anthony performed in the hit Broadway musical Wicked and is currently working on his third album through Sony Music. Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is thrilled to welcome Anthony back as Ambassador for the second time.

Guy Sebastian

In 2003 Guy became the first Australian Idol winner, capturing the hearts of Australians with his unique style and incredible vocal talent. His first solo single, Angels Brought Me Here, debuted at number one in four Asian countries and New Zealand, proving Guy is a world-class talent.

Recently, Guy recorded his fifth studio album, Like It Like That, which perfectly showcases his rare, charismatic talent.

We are very excited to welcome Guy back to perform at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.

John Williamson

After entertaining the country for almost four decades, John is synonymous with Australian music. Having penned the well-loved anthem True Blue, he has cemented his place in Australian music history.

Throughout his amazing career, John has collected a swag of Golden Guitars and numerous awards. He is up for another Golden Guitar in January for Vocal Collaboration of the Year with Adam Harvey on the Roger Miller hit King Of The Road.

We warmly welcome this true-blue balladeer to perform at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this Christmas Eve.

Ricki-Lee Coulter

In four short years Ricki-Lee has produced seven Top 20 hit singles, two gold-selling albums and signed several international record contracts, including deals with Pony Canyon Japan and legendary UK dance label Ministry of Sound.

Ricki-Lee has also extended her talents into radio and television, most notably taking on an Australian Idol mentor role for the second year running.

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight welcomes Ricki-Lee to the stage to sing a Christmas classic.

Marina Prior

Marina has played the lead role in numerous productions and has picked up many accolades along the way, including an Advance Australia Award for her contribution to the performing arts.

Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre has played the lead role in more than 20 productions, including The Phantom Of The Opera, The Pirates Of Penzance, West Side Story, Cats, Les Misérables and Guys And Dolls.

We warmly welcome this Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight favourite back to the stage of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Silvie Paladino

Always a hit on Christmas Eve, Silvie has established herself as one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers, performing throughout the nation as well as in Asia and on the West End stage.

Her roles include Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables, Grizabella in Cats, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Jeannie in Hair and Donna in Mamma Mia!

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is delighted to once again host Silvie.

Denis Walter

A firm favourite with audiences, Denis returns to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight® for his twenty-fourth appearance.

After almost four decades in entertainment, he remains one of this country’s most successful performers. Now the full-time host of 3AW Afternoons, Denis has built a strong audience base.

We thank this loyal performer for his long-time support of Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight®.

Paulini Curuenavuli

Paulini has been heralded as one of the finest vocalists and performers to come out of Australia.

The 25-year-old Fijian-born songstress’s unmatched vocal ability, along with her warmth and down-to-earth personality, has won the heart of the nation. She remains a true ambassador for female solidarity, youth and strength.

Paulini is now back in the studio writing and preparing her highly anticipated third solo album.

Carl Riseley

Carl Riseley Carl the ‘Swing King’ is well respected throughout the music industry for his original big-band style. He has been a jazz man ever since he was big enough to hold his first instrument.

Starting out as a trumpeter with The Royal Australian Navy band, Carl went on to explore singing and found himself auditioning for Australian Idol, where he quickly became a public favourite.

Carl’s first album, The Rise, debuted at number five on the ARIA charts and his follow-up, The Stillest Hour, sat at number one on the ARIA Jazz chart for several weeks.

Anne Wood

A leading lady in musical theatre, Anne’s career has taken her around Australia, to Europe and back again starring in blockbusters such as Cats, The Rocky Horror Show, Follies, Crazy For You, Aspects Of Love and The Sound Of Music.

Anne was cast as the lead role of Donna in the original Australian production of Mamma Mia! and is currently reprising the role in the show’s tenth anniversary tour, now playing in Sydney.

Michael Cormick

Michael is one of the most respected and sought-after leading men in Australia and London’s West End, having constantly worked in both places for the past two decades. In Australia, Michael’s theatre credits include The Rocky Horror Show, Cats, Sunset Boulevard and Beauty and The Beast.

Melinda Schneider

Country music artist and one of Australia’s most sublime singers, Melinda’s career spans more than eight years and five albums. Her songs have been recorded by John Farnham, Billy Thorpe, Olivia Newton-John and Jimmy Little.

She has won numerous accolades, including six Golden Guitar awards. In 2008 Melinda launched her own label, Be Music, and released Be Yourself, which earned her a second ARIA nomination. Last January her duet with Paul Kelly – Still Here – won her another Golden Guitar.

Lorin Nicholson

Over the past five years, this gifted guitarist has presented more than 2,000 concerts across Australia and the United States to an estimated half a million people.

Lorin has received a string of awards and was an Instrumentalist Of The Year finalist at the 2005 Country Music Awards. The fact he has been legally blind since birth makes his achievements even more remarkable.

We are happy to welcome Lorin back to the stage of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

The Ten Tenors

This Australian musical ensemble enjoys a strong live touring profile in Europe, Canada and the United States as well as a burgeoning recording career.

Having met at university, they began performing together in operas, recitals and concerts. Their great camaraderie is evident live and on their recordings, including Nostalgica, their latest album of 20th-century classics.

Vision Australia’s carols by candlelight® is delighted to include The Ten Tenors on the Christmas Eve line-up.

David Hobson

David, a tenor and composer, is one of Australia’s best-known operatic performers.

He has sung many roles for Opera Australia and has a string of hit performances, including his award-winning role of Rodolfo. David has worked with many of the state’s opera companies and internationally with the San Francisco Opera and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

We are delighted David is returning to Vision Australia’s carols by candlelight® to perform a Christmas classic.

Ross Wilson

In a career spanning more than 40 years, Ross remains one of this country’s most respected artists.

He first made his mark on the Australian music scene by fronting the legendary Daddy Cool and then Mondo Rock. Ross also wrote classics such as Eagle Rock and Cool World and produced Skyhooks, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons as well as The Screaming Jets.

Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight warmly welcomes Ross to rock the Bowl with The Legends of Rock.

Joe Camilleri

Joe has been making fine music for an astonishing 45 years. Founder and front man of Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, The Black Sorrows and The Revelators, Joe is an Australian music icon and his music has become part of our lives.

This singer, songwriter, saxophonist and producer is one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music.

Joe joins us at Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight as a member of The Legends of Rock.

Glenn Shorrock

It’s not difficult to see why Glenn is part of The Legends of Rock. Lead singer of Little River Band, he performed his way into Australian music history, opening the doors to international recognition.

With a string of hits to his name and career highlights such as producing and working with Sir George Martin, Glenn is truly one of Australia’s legends of rock.

Wilbur Wilde

Wilbur was the saxophonist for legendary bands Ol’ 55 and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. Over the years he has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Costello, Tom Jones, Skyhooks, Split Enz, Roy Orbison, Cold Chisel, Dire Straits, The Angels, Dragon and James Reyne.

Wilbur became a household name during his 15 years playing in the Hey, Hey It’s Saturday house band. Tonight Wilbur takes to the stage with his fellow musos in The Legends of Rock.

Frankie J Holden

This likable larrikin and former front man for Ol’ 55 has appeared on many television programs, including In Melbourne Tonight, Prisoner, A Country Practice, Police Rescue, The Strip and Underbelly.

He currently co-presents the Nine Network camping and caravanning program, Discover Downunder, with his wife Michele.

Frankie J joins us tonight as part of the spectacular Legends of Rock.

Tim Campbell

Tim is an all-round entertainer. He sings, acts and presents with an easy, knockabout warmth and infectious style, making him one of Australian television’s nice guys.

An actor with more than a decade’s experience, Tim has appeared on screen in Home and Away and Big Sky and on stage in Rent and as Johnny O’Keefe in Shout!

Last year, Tim gave a very memorable performance at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight and we are delighted to welcome him back to the stage.

Matthew Newton

A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Matthew made his directorial debut with Right Here, Right Now, which won Best Feature at the 2006 Rebelfest International Film Festival. He has also played lead roles in Looking for Alibrandi, My Mother Frank, Blurred, The Bet and Bitter and Twisted.

Matthew recently gave a phenomenal performance as Kiwi drug lord Terry Clark on the Nine Network’s Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities.

Jersey Boys

Taking Melbourne by storm, Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight is thrilled to welcome the Jersey Boys to perform.

Jersey Boys is the story of how four boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations. Known as The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi wrote their own songs, invented a unique sound and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30.

Hi-5

Hi-5 is a vibrant mix of stories, investigation, imagination and adventure that invites children to explore the world through movement, lots of music and laughter.

The Hi-5 cast members – Casey, Fely, Lauren, Stevie and Tim – are highly talented young singers and dancers, whose warmth and energy enables them to engage their audience.

Hi-5 encourages children to develop their own potential and take a joyous and active part in life. Don’t miss Hi-5 live in their brand-new stage show, Hi-5 Surprise!, which is touring Australia in 2010.

Humphrey B Bear

Humphrey is an Australian icon having entertained and captivated generations of Australians for some 44 years. Humphrey loves Christmas time and he loves sharing the magic of the season with his friends.

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight® is delighted to welcome back Australia’s favourite bear to play and entertain us all on this very special and joyful evening.

Australian Girls Choir

One of the nation's most dynamic performing arts groups, the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) has 3,500 members who are trained in singing, dance and drama. They have built an enviable reputation for inspirational performances around the world and are renowned for their exceptional vocal quality, as well as the ability to incorporate choreographed movement in performances.

The AGC has performed with Hugh Jackman, John Farnham, Delta Goodrem, Olivia Newton-John, Troy Cassar-Daley and Marina Prior.

National Boys Choir of Australia

Founded in 1964, the National Boys Choir of Australia is one of Australia’s finest treble choirs, regularly performing with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia and The Victorian Opera.

The choir has entertained crowds at many large events, including the Sydney Olympics, Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the Grand Prix.

This year marks the choir’s twenty-second year performing at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.

Terry Gill

With his wife Carole Ann, Terry keeps very busy running their Tivoli Theatre Restaurant in Melbourne’s Malvern. They produce and appear in a regular rock ‘n’ roll music and comedy show, give midday variety shows for seniors and present popular children’s theatre productions.

Terry was also seen this year in the ABC’s Bed of Roses and also squeezed in a trip to London to enjoy some shows. After 23 years as Santa’s Special Helper, he still regards Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight as the gig of the year.

Douglas Heywood

The last Saturday in November marks the beginning of rehearsals for the CBC Choir, led by Douglas, and over the remaining weeks each member gives of their time and collective voices to share the Christmas spirit through song.

As this annual celebration draws to a close, the thousands of people gathered at the Bowl rise to their feet and, with their candles lighting the night sky, join with the choir as they perform Handel’s famous Hallelujah Chorus.

The words and music of this masterpiece highlight the joy Christmas and the need for peace on earth.

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