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Robyn Nevin AM and the Adelaide Symphony under the baton of Maestro Arvo Volmer, will present a stirring tribute to President-elect Barack Obama in New York City on Tuesday 20 January, 2009, following the inauguration of the 44th President earlier that day.

The performance will be a feature of the Australia Plays Broadway concert being presented at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall as part of G’Day USA: Australia Week 2009.

Widely regarded as the first lady of the Australian stage, Robyn Nevin will deliver the spoken word component of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, to be performed by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Arvo Volmer.

Copland’s emotionally charged composition features extracts from President Abraham Lincoln’s letters and speeches, most notably the Gettysburg Address.

One of the most quoted speeches in United States history, the Gettysburg Address was delivered by Lincoln in 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. With the Civil War in progress, the two minute speech invoked the principles of human equality espoused by the Declaration of Independence.

Part of the G’Day USA: Australia Week 2009 program, the annual Australia Plays Broadway concert is a celebration of Australian performing artists who have achieved success at home and across the globe. Hosted by Simon Burke, the program on January 20 includes performances by Olivia Newtown-John, David Campbell, Jimmy Barnes, Lior, didgeridoo artist William Barton, Ursula Yovich, musical theatre stars Amanda Harrison and Alexander Lewis, twin cellists Pei-Jee and Pei-Sian Ng, pianist Simon Tedeschi, Chong Lim, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunipingu and The Qantas Choirs.

The Australian Consul-General in New York, The Hon John Olsen AO said, “On this historic day, we will join our many friends in New York and the United States in celebrating a new Presidency, to which we dedicate this exceptional line up of Australia’s most gifted performers. We extend our wishes for peace, health, and prosperity for the people of these two great countries in 2009.”

The Australia Plays Broadway concert is being put together by Australian theatrical producer Ross Mollison, with director Wayne Harrison and music director Max Lambert.

G'Day USA: Australia Week 2009 is a festival from January 13–24, 2009, showcasing all things Australian, including food and wine, travel, film, arts, culture, fashion, business and investment. The event is produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Qantas Airways, Tourism Australia and Austrade. For more information, please visit www.australia-week.com