Carols by Candlelight 2023 Performers

Melissa has been professionally singing in musical theatre, concert and cabaret since 1991. She has appeared in many major professional productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, The Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, City of Angels and many more.

She has performed her cabaret shows in New York, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and continues to amaze the world with her stunning vocal abilities and captivating stage presence.

Richard has been entertaining Melbourne audiences for over 25 years and is a truly special talent. As an avid musical theatre performer, his credits include Mame, Sweet Charity, Follies, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Chicago, Rebecca, The Producers, The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins.

He is a versatile entertainer who has hosted and performed for various corporates, councils and clubs.  

Introducing the All Star Carols band, led by the renowned Musical Director John Turcio, on piano.

This exceptional house band features Australia's most accomplished session musicians, who have collaborated with the most iconic touring and recording artists we all cherish.

Drumming sensation, Dean Cooper, Grooving on the bass, none other than Robert Severini and The maestro on guitar, Jack Pantazis. 

The Monash Concert Band is a vibrant community ensemble that has entertained audiences in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs since 1985.

The band performs at council events, festivals and services. In addition, Monash Concert Band perform their own showcase concerts featuring both popular and traditional repertoire, performers and guest ensembles.

One of their favourite events is Monash Carols, where they are proud to bring the Christmas Spirit to their community! 

Oakleigh Brass work (and play) together to create great music in and around the City of Monash.

A versatile, busy group performing at 15 to 20 events per year, their players range from beginners to highly experienced musicians, all united by their enjoyment in rehearsing and performing together.

The goal at Oakleigh Brass is to welcome players of all abilities to promote and perform a variety of music in Monash. They are very grateful for the support received from the City of Monash. This allows them to perform across Monash and beyond, bringing live music to their community.

Violeta and Michael come together as a duo in life and on the stage as they add their classic touch to every event. With their exotic style and elegance, they specialise in a range of genres from Pop, Ballads, Jazz, Classical/Opera, and R&B.

Diamanté Duo combines 2 breathtaking voices with pianist backgrounds to create a diverse performance that will blow you away.

Diamonte have travelled the world writing and performing their music in some of the world's most prestigious venues and are excited to be performing at Monash Carols 2023. 

Louise Burdon, born and bred in Monash, has graced stages for over 2 decades, with a voice that resonates with the soul and a smile that reflects pure joy for her craft.

From music theatre and live, to a cappella, and the finals of Australia’s Got Talent, her warm and powerful voice has captivated both national and international audiences alike. 

For Christmas this year, she is coming full circle, to share her talents with the community in which she has lived most of her life, and where she currently raises her family.

It's a performance filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the neighbourhood she herself was raised in, and a stage on which she has always dreamed of singing - The Monash Carols by Candlelight. 

Sean Millis possesses an extraordinary vocal talent that's simply awe-inspiring. Recently, he unveiled his debut single and has been discreetly immersed in a prominent Australian film project featuring an international ensemble.

Sean also graced the 2023 season of "The Voice Australia”.

Through the captivating narrative of his inspiring journey and remarkable performances on the show, he not only captured hearts but also cultivated a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base on his social media with amassing over 450K followers on Tik Tok alone. 

Oliver Mordaunt, has a Bachelor of Performing Arts, and his journey in the world of Musical Theatre spans over 8 glorious years.

His passion for the performing arts ignited in his early years, propelling him into a dedicated pursuit of his artistic dreams. Alongside his theatrical endeavours, Oliver has honed his skills in crafting original songs, mastering both the keyboard and guitar through self-guided learning. 

Performing at the Monash Christmas Carols this year, Brooks and Baker bring a unique opportunity of blending the magic of the holiday season with the timeless charm of the 1920s and Old Hollywood.

Their performance offers a truly unique and captivating experience for the audience. 

Established in 1982, Players Theatre Company is a not-for-profit community theatre company run entirely by volunteers, based at Fleigner Hall in Oakleigh East. 

Performing at the Christine Strachan Theatre at South Oakleigh College, the Players have been producing high quality youth musicals for kids aged 8-18 since 2016 and their next production in March/April 2024 will be Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr!

Players also participate in the annual Junior Theatre Festival held in Newcastle, performing for and working with Australian and Broadway theatre professionals. Players Theatre is more than excited to be showing their talent’s off at Monash Carols this year!