Live Performance Australia (LPA) today announced that the 2009 Helpmann Awards® ceremony will take place at Australia’s most iconic venue for the performing arts, the Sydney Opera House. The event will be held in the Opera Theatre on Monday 27 July. This has been made possible through the generous co-operation of Opera Australia.
In addition John Bell AO OBE and Michael Gudinski AM were announced as the recipients of the prestigious JC Williamson Award that recognises an outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry.
Andrew Kay, President of LPA said “Since the inception of the JC Williamson awards back in 1998 Live Performance Australia has recognised 20 of the most distinguished members of Australia's live entertainment industry for their extraordinary contribution to our industry. Past winners include such iconic figures as Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE, Barry Humphries AO CBE, David Williamson AO, John Farnham AO and Graham Bell AO MBE, to name but a few. All in their own way, and in their own field, have made extraordinary contributions to shaping and changing the landscape of our dynamic live entertainment industry. This year we salute and celebrate the life time achievements of John Bell AO OBE and Michael Gudinski AM, two worthy additions to our list of JC Williamson Award winners".
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the cultural life of Sydney and New South Wales, for the first time Events NSW is now a Strategic Partner of the Helpmann Awards®.
Geoff Parmenter, CEO Events NSW said we are thrilled to have the 9th Annual Helpmann Awards® on the NSW Master Events Calendar. “The Helpmann’s move to the Sydney Opera House, supported by Events NSW, will further enhance this prestigious event and reinforces that Sydney is undoubtedly the performing arts capital of Australia. Forty two per cent of Australia’s music industry and 35 per cent of the performing arts industry are employed in NSW. Many of Australia’s finest performers are based in Sydney so it’s fitting the Helpmann Awards® are held at the iconic Sydney Opera House,” Mr Parmenter said.
LPA's Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, said "the Helpmann Awards® are the pinnacle industry event for Australia's live performance industry, recognising the very best in live performances that annually attract over 20.8 million people to shows across the nation with revenues of over $A1.2 billion, and growing".
The Awards Ceremony will be broadcast live on the Bio Channel Foxtel.
Tickets for the 2009 Helpmann Awards® will be on sale soon to the general public through the Sydney Opera House Box Office.
www.helpmannawards.com.au
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