THE WORLD famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is returning to Australia in honour of the Centenary of Anzac.
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Great wartime songs will be the focus of the Australian tour that is set to take to the stage at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Thursday.
Twenty-five musicians, singers and dancers will present the highlights from the original Glenn Miller arrangements, the music of The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and the romantic World War II melodies made famous by Vera Lynn.
Performer Wendy Smith-Brune, who has travelled the world as a backup singer for the likes of Michael Bolton, Sheena Easton and Barry White, said it was a chance to re-live the classics many people would have heard to during WWII.
"Our music director Rick Gerber has an extensive library, and he has pulled out great songs for this performance," she said.
"I've learned some new songs that I've never heard before, but once I sung them I fell in love with them.
"It's an era of music that tells stories, it's very romantic.
"When men and women were away during the war these songs helped people get through it.
"And the swing songs just make you feel good.
"They don't write songs like that any more."
With music that has captivated millions of people worldwide, Ms Smith-Burne said it was a performance the was enjoyable no matter your age.
"People love Glenn Miller and his music," she said.
"I remember faces when I go out on stage, I see people crying, I see people tapping their feet and I see kids clapping their hands.
"When music can make people of all ages happy, it really says a lot."
"There is such a nostalgia, but obviously this is more special because this year its in honour of the veterans who gave their time to serve."
Musical director Rick Gerber said audiences can expect a colourful and flamboyant evening with fun and nostalgia of the 1930's and 40s.
"Having travelled across the globe, The Glenn Miller Orchestra s delighted to be bringing iconic tunes such as In The Mood and Moonlight and Moonlight Serenade to Australia and salute the Centenary of the ANZAC," he said.
This year the orchestra celebrates 78 years after being formed by Glenn Miller in 1937.
THE INFO
WHAT: The Glenn Miller Orchestra Remembering the Centenary of Anzac
WHEN: Thursday, June 4 at 7.30pm
WHERE: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt Street
TICKETS: Adult $89.90, consession $84.90
BOOKINGS: www.wcpa.com.au