Sydney Philharmonia Choirs has announced its 2018 season, which comprises seven productions, with Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway hit Candide as the highlight of the programme, among a wealth of choral masterpieces.

Next year is the centenary of the birth of the hugely influential American composer, conductor, pianist and author and there will be Bernstein celebrations throughout the year. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs has chosen to stage his Broadway hit Candide. The semi-staged production, which will have two performances in September, is presented in collaboration with Pacific Opera and Sydney Youth Orchestra.

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Photograph © Keith Saunders

Based on Voltaire’s classic satire, Bernstein’s operetta takes audiences on a tuneful romp with arias including Cunegonde’s sparkling Glitter and be Gay.

Sydney Philharmonia’s Music Director Brett Weymark will conduct and Mitchell Butel will direct. An acclaimed actor, Butel has had great success turning his hand to directing in recent years with credits including Porgy and Bess for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Violet at the Hayes Theatre and Spring Awakening for ATYP. The title role will be played by Alexander Lewis, who also performs with Opera Australia in Sydney...