What the World Needs Now x MSO

Burt MSO Edit

What the World Needs Now x MSO

Client

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Date

22 Jun 2024

Venue

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Role

Executive Producer & Creative Director

World Premiere

Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Burt Bacharach, along with long-time collaborator Hal David, provided the soundtrack to our lives. The Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award winner has written some of the world’s most beloved songs.

In celebration of his career and music legacy, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Northey, will be joined by a stellar cast including David Campbell, Caroline O’Connor, Emma Pask and Thndo to perform some of his greatest hits. These include What the World Needs Now, Alfie, Walk on By, I Say a Little Prayer, Close to You, One Less Bell to Answer, Any Day Now, That’s What Friends Are For and more.

Artwork: Brewster Creative
Photo: Eric Ray Davidson

Photo: Nico Keenan
  • A classy, lovingly prepared affair, What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach was pure entertainment featuring many a memorable moment. Future presentations of the concert are not to be missed by Bacharach fans, a broad category that cannot help but include us all.
    - Man in Chair Read full review
  • Staged by Creative Director Mark Sutcliffe, What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach is a suitably lavish affair, featuring a diverse and dazzling set of four lead singers.
    - Man in Chair Read full review
  • At the bows the audience's thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles demonstrated their profound appreciation for the cast and orchestra.
    - Stage Whispers Read full review
  • What the World Needs Now is a superbly produced and performed celebration of Burt Bacharach’s extraordinary musical career
    - Australian Arts Review Read full review
  • Following on from the success of To Barbra, With Love in 2022, and Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John earlier this year, Creative Director Mark Sutcliffe assembled a stellar line-up of performers
    - Australian Arts Review Read full review