Projects Summary
Master Class 2020
The Skunkworks Master Class 2020 series proved to be a great success with over 250 class registrations. The classes were aimed primarily at our VCE music students who have been in lock down most of the year but were also open to others who have an interest in music. The Master Class series focused on Brass, Percussion, Singing and Theatre with internationally renowned clinicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia and many others. This Master Class series was funded by Skunkworks, our sponsors Windcraft and Fine Music, and many generous donations from the public.
We Are One - Bushfire Appeal Concert
Skunkworks were proud to be part of the We Are One bushfire appeal concert on 2nd February 2020 at Windy Hill. We had a fantastic band comprising the top musicians from the community scene to support our fabulous line up of singers including Silvie Paladino, Amanda Harrison, Danielle Matthews, Georgia Wilkinson, Shauntai Batzke and more. All proceeds were donated to the Victorian bushfire appeal.
The Coming Back Out Ball
World renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and The Skunkworks Orchestra entertained the audience at the annual Coming Back Out Again Ball for the LGBTI+ community. Hosted by All The Queens Men this fabulous ball is a spectacular celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse and Intersex elders. Yo Yo Ma and The Skunkworks Orchestra performed a number of audience favourites that had everyone dancing to the beat.
The Skunkworks Orchestra
The newly established Skunkworks Orchestra under the musical direction of Skunkworks Director Phillipa Edwards performed their inaugural gig with the incomparable Yo Yo Ma at the Coming Back Out Again Ball (it doesn't get much better than that). The orchestra comprises professional, semi-professional and outstanding community musicians to form an ensemble that can perform a wide range of genres from pop to swing to classical.
JUDY AUSTRALIA 1964
Written by Bill Farr this production recreates the dramatic events of Judy Garland's tour of Australia in 1964. From wowing audiences and gaining rave reviews for her Sydney performance to the ignominy of her Melbourne performances we witness the decline of a great star. Produced by Skunkworks Productions this project has been specially developed for the unique talents of Liane Keegan. Also starring Alistair Frearson. This show ran for 3 nights at the Athenaeum Theatre, in July 2019.
Danielle Matthews
Skunkworks Productions has produced a number of recordings featuring the wonderful Danielle Matthews including "The Prayer" with Claire Lyon and a CD titled "The Songs of Shirely Bassey" plus a demo reel for her Shirley Bassey show.
Go to our store page to purchase these recordings.
Bright Brass and Percussion Summer Intensive
Aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to joins us for a week of fun and music in the beautiful Victorian Alps. Held each January at the Bright Chalet this week long music camp includes accommodation, meals and expert musical tuition in a fun group environment. Develop your ensemble playing and showcase your achievements at the Bright Summer Camp Concert. Extra curricular activities include bike riding, rafting, swimming (all inclusive).
The Melbourne Brass Ensemble
In 2019 Skunkworks established the Melbourne Brass Ensemble to display the talents of our most outstanding local musicians. The ensemble is available for gigs and special occasions. The ensemble also provided the music tracks for our recent recording with Daniel Matthews.
The ensemble is directed by our own Phillipa Edwards.
The Silent Anzac
Created by our own Phillipa Edwards and taken on tour to Europe and the UK in November 2018 by the Footscray-Yarraville City Band, this show commemorates the courage and sacrifice of our original Anzacs. The tour and show was a great success and Skunkworks is looking to produce the show again in 2020.
Bright Oktoberfest
The Bright Oktoberfest is a very successful community event aimed at families and provides opportunities for local community groups, artists and businesses to actively engage with the community while providing an enjoyable family event. In conjunction with the Bright Chalet, organisers of the Bright Oktoberfest, Skunkworks produces the live entertainment and music for this event which has been very successful over the last five years. We are now looking at bringing this event to Melbourne.