Announcement posted by Thurnham Teece 01 Jul 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
40 MUSICIANS AND SINGERS TO PERFORM ABBA'S GREATEST HITS IN NEW CONCERT EVENT
MEDIA RELEASE 40 MUSICIANS AND SINGERS TO PERFORM ABBA'S GREATEST HITS IN NEW CONCERT EVENT FERNANDO: The Music of ABBA Orchestrated premieres in 2025 Southern Cross Symphony is pleased to announce the premiere of FERNANDO: The Music of ABBA Orchestrated, a new concert-format production celebrating the music of ABBA with orchestral arrangements, band and vocals. Featuring a 40 piece company of musicians and singers, the event marks a rare opportunity to hear ABBA's songs performed on this scale.
The production is led by two of Australia's most respected music theatre creatives director Tyran Parke (Chess, Barnum, Follies) and musical director Daniel Puckey (Hamilton, Hadestown, Muriel's Wedding).Music will be performed live by the 30-piece Southern Cross Symphony and a contemporary band.
The cast includes four lead vocalists with extensive professional credits:
• Bianca Baykara (West Side Story, In The Heights)
• Crystal Hegedis (Mamma Mia!, Björn Again)
• John O'Hara (The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar)
• Deone Zanotto (Mamma Mia!, Chicago, A Chorus Line - Broadway and West End)
Audiences will hear favourites such as Dancing Queen, Waterloo, The Winner Takes It All, Voulez-Vous, Fernando and more, superbly arranged to reflect both orchestral depth and the distinct sound of ABBA's original recordings.
Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne
Friday October 31, 7.30pm
Tickets: artscentremelbourne.com.au
On sale: July 3, 10am
Concert Hall Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Saturday November 8, 7pm
Tickets: qpac.com.au On sale: July 3, 10am
Bianca Baykara
Bianca Baykara is an accomplished and versatile performer based in Melbourne. Most recently, Bianca completed the Australian tour of The Rocky Horror Show, where she understudied the iconic roles of 'Janet Weiss' and 'Magenta'. Her notable stage credits include 'Cynthia' in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 'Marta' in Sondheim's Company, and 'Rosalia' in Gale Edwards' acclaimed production of West Side Story.
A proud graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Bianca made her professional debut in the world premiere of An Officer and A Gentleman - The Musical. She starred as 'Vanessa' in the Australian premiere of In The Heights, toured nationally in Opera Australia's award-winning production of The King & I, and performed roles in Pacific Overtures and Singin' In The Rain. Bianca was also a three-time semi-finalist in the prestigious Rob Guest Endowment.
Crystal Hegedis
Crystal Hegedis is a powerhouse vocalist and magnetic stage performer with a strong background in musical theatre, live music, and screen. Most recently, she toured nationally in Mamma Mia! The Musical, covering the leading roles of Donna, Tanya, and Rosie. A graduate of NIDA, Crystal has lit up the stage in productions such as Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Triassic Parq, and Chess (The Production Company). Her experience extends internationally, having toured the UK and Australia as 'Mouse' in The Gruffalo series and performed globally with the celebrated ABBA tribute act, Björn Again, as Agnetha.
Crystal's soaring vocals, comic timing, and charismatic presence make her a standout performer in any setting—from intimate children's theatre to large-scale musical productions. She was a featured singer on The Voice Generations (Channel Seven), and brings both vocal power and vibrant stagecraft to every performance.
John O'Hara
John O'Hara is one of Australia's most versatile and sought-after performers, renowned for his diverse and acclaimed stage roles. Currently portraying Annas in the Australian anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar, John earned critical acclaim as Dr Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and recently appeared as Phil Spector/Terry Britten in the Australian premiere of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical. His distinguished credits include leading roles in School of Rock (Ned Schneebly), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Bernadette), Cats (Rum Tum Tugger), Wicked (The Father), Titanic (Henry Etches opposite Anthony Warlow), and Singin' In The Rain (Roscoe Dexter). A celebrated cabaret artist, his self-created show, #VAL - A Campfire Kiki With Mother, consistently earns five-star reviews and was selected by Alan Cumming for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. John also regularly presents for ABC Radio and is a featured vocalist for the internationally acclaimed tribute act, Rock Rhapsody.
Deone Zanotto
Deone Zanotto is a distinguished performer who has captivated audiences on some of the world's most prestigious stages, including London's West End and Broadway, where she appeared in the acclaimed revival of A Chorus Line at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
Her standout roles include Tanya in the Australian tour of Mamma Mia!, Alison Bechdel in MTC's Fun Home, Velma Kelly in the Australasian tour of Chicago, Cassie in A Chorus Line (Australian tour), Anita in West Side Story for The Production Company, and Madonna in We Will Rock You! (West End). Deone's screen credits are equally notable, featuring roles in films and popular TV series such as Chopper (Nine Network), Bad Mothers (Nine Network), Preacher (Stan), Jack Irish (ABC), Love Me Season 2 (Binge), and the feature film Promised.
Director - Tyran Parke
Tyran Parke is a leading Australian director whose work spans musical theatre, opera, concerts, cabaret and theatre. He has directed major productions including Follies, Barnum, Chess, Sunday in the Park with George, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Coronation of Poppea, as well as large-scale concerts featuring artists such as Lea Salonga, Caroline O'Connor, and Tony Award-winner Faith Prince. Known for his ability to shape music-driven storytelling, Tyran has worked across Australia, the UK, and the US with companies including Opera Australia, The Production Company, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He is currently Head of Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), where he is widely respected as an educator and mentor to the next generation of performers. As a former performer and recording artist, Tyran brings deep industry knowledge and artistic integrity to every project. His work is known for its emotional clarity, musical sophistication, and theatrical ambition.
Musical Director - Daniel Puckey
Daniel Puckey is one of Australia's most accomplished musical directors and arrangers, with over 15 years of experience across major theatrical productions. He is currently Associate Musical Director for Hadestown and has held senior musical roles on acclaimed productions such as Hamilton, Muriel's Wedding, Elvis: A Musical Revolution, and Cruel Intentions. A skilled pianist, conductor, and educator, Daniel has worked across Australia, the UK, the US, and Asia, collaborating with companies including Opera Australia, Michael Cassel Group, and Global Creatures. His orchestration and programming expertise spans genres, and he is widely recognised for his leadership in developing click track and QLab/Ableton systems for live performance. Daniel has also contributed extensively to arts education, mentoring young performers through institutions like VCA, NIDA, and the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. His work has earned industry recognition, including a Green Room Award nomination for Best Musical Direction
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