2 minute read
Aussie:Pops
Advertisement
Aussie Pops: music to our ears
The Victorian live music scene was completely decimated overnight by COVID-19 and is one of the worst affected industry sectors. 700 Victorian live music venues went silent with 100,000 gigs cancelled during 2020 and $1.42 billions of economic gain to Victoria lost.
As of 17 February 2021, figures released by music rights organisation APRA AMCOS reveal that live music is operating at less than 4% of preCOVID-19 levels resulting from the waves of lockdowns, state border closures and audience limitations.
In recognising the plight of the live music ecosystem, a group of generous Melbourne business leaders responded by creating ‘The Music for Victoria Fund’ and have, so far, donated $500,000.
This seed funding will allow $2,000 grants to be given to venues, pay performers, create hundreds of gigs and bring back the joy of live music to thousands of Victorians. The Music for Victoria Fund responds to two simple questions:
How do we provide great experiences with which Victorians can re-engage?
How can we provide work for the many artists and support crew who have been so heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions?
In March 2021, The Music for Victoria Concert was staged and ‘Getting the band back together’ was held at Hamer Hall. A Gala event indeed—the starstudded line-up of performers included, John Foreman's Aussie Pops Orchestra, together with James Morrison, Silvie Paladino, Nina Ferro and Chris Sebastian and more—a celebration of both music and generosity. “We are so grateful to Phil, Joran and all of the team at Pressroom Philanthropy for their support of the Music for Victoria concert event." says John Foreman.
"The physical program that Joran created was visually stunning, very high quality and, importantly, a significant tool in explaining to our supporters how the project worked, and what it aimed to achieve. It was wonderful for us to be able to provide the fund's supporters with a keepsake of superb quality and excellent design.”
See how you can help join the cause: www.
artscentremelbourne. com.au/join-support/ music-for-victoria
For over 30 years, the Australian Pops Orchestra (APO) has presented a unique blend of popular classical and contemporary music to Australian audiences.
