Vanessa Scammell

MEET

Vanessa Scammell is a conductor and musician who enjoys a diverse portfolio of work as a conductor of ballet, musical theatre, concert repertoire and opera.

Vanessa’s postgraduate study included a Masters in Conducting; she has been the recipient of the Brian Stacey Award and the Robert and Elizabeth Albert Conducting Fellowship for The Australian Ballet.

Find out more about Vanessa and her amazing list of performances.

upcoming performances

The Cat Empire
with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Friday, 4 October 2024, 7:30 pm
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 7:30 pm

Festival Theatre
 

The legendary Australian band The Cat Empire bring their beloved tunes and new sounds for a high energy orchestral experience.

In these special concerts at Festival Theatre, The Cat Empire joins forces with the ASO in this electrifying collaboration. Performing some exciting new material as well as The Cat Empire classics re-invented for orchestra, these performances will draw on the vibrant worlds of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Kreol, Brazilian and flamenco music combined with the band’s unique sense of musical style.

Featuring world-class flamenco artists, this is your chance to hear this band like you have never heard them before.

Reel Classics The Golden Age of Cinema
with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

  

CONCERT HALL, QPAC

Our tribute to the golden era of Hollywood returns for another trip down musical memory lane. The soundtracks of the 1930s -1980s defined cinema, as the silver screen brought symphonic music to audiences like never before. New technology enabled soundtracks to be preserved alongside films forever. Orchestral composers leapt at this opportunity, writing iconic music that has defined movie-memories. Including music from Hancock’s thrilling Psycho, the timeless themes of James Bond, the playful intrigue of The Pink Panther, and much more, this concert is a nostalgic ride through the wonders and triumphs of Hollywood. Join conductor and host Vanessa Scammell, for a cinematic≈adventure in surround sound, live on stage.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Live in Concert

Sunday, 13 October, 2024, 2 pm and 7 pm
Monday, 14, October, 2024, 7 pm

The Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Experience the original Spider-Verse movie like never before with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert!  

Watch the full movie on a massive HD screen, accompanied by a fusion of a 32-piece live orchestra, conducted by Vanessa Scammell, percussion, and scratch DJ Total Eclipse. Feel the power of the iconic hip-hop infused film score that made the original Spider-Verse story a global sensation.  

Don’t miss this exceptional event that brings beloved characters, epic music, and breathtaking visuals from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to life in a fusion of film and live music. 

ABBA CHOIR
Fortitude Valley Music Hall

Sunday, 27 October, 2024, 4:15 pm

The Fortitude Music Hall

Get ready to unleash your inner Dancing Queen at AbbaChoir – the ultimate celebration where you’re not just a spectator – YOU are part of the show!

Coming out of his ABBA closet, superstar Craig McLachlan will guide you through an interactive LIVE experience filled with song and pure ABBA joy. Craig’s infectious energy will have you laughing, clapping, and singing your heart out.

This isn’t about perfect pitch – it’s about fun, friendship, and a shared love for ABBA’s timeless hits. Dress up in your best 70’s glam, or whatever makes you feel fabulous, and prepare to join fellow ABBA fanatics in singing a surprise ABBA hit in beautiful three-part harmony. It’s a mystery which song you’ll perform, but rest assured, it will be one of ABBA’s unforgettable classics.

In addition, the choir direction for ABBACHOIR will be in the expert hands of Vanessa Scammell, an acclaimed conductor with an impressive repertoire. Vanessa has conducted everything from symphony orchestras to musical theatre, bringing her signature style to every performance. Her recent engagements include conducting for the @Sydney Symphony and @The Australian Ballet, making her the perfect maestra for this ABBA extravaganza.

Whether you’re a seasoned Super Trouper or new to the ABBAcraze, don’t miss out on this unique, electrifying experience.

Tim Burton’s
The Nightmare Before Christmas
in Concert

Saturday, 2 November 2024, 3:00 pm
Saturday, 2 November 2024, 7:00 pm

Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC

Symphonic Cinema Presents Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live-to-Film featuring the contemporary holiday classic on the big screen in full symphonic glory with GRAMMY®-winning composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live to the film by The Sydney Lyric Orchestra. The concert will be led by conductor, Vanessa Scammell and performed at Darling Harbour Theatre on Saturday Nov 2.

Based on an original poem and characters created by Tim Burton, the film was first released as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 1993. Directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach), the film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King.

Elf: The Musical

Thursday, 19 December 2024, 7 pm
Friday 20 December 2024, 7 pm
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7 pm
Sunday, 22 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7p m
Tuesday, 24 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7 pm
Thursday, 26 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7 pm
Friday, 27 December 2024, 7 pm
Saturday, 28 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7 pm
Sunday, 29 December 2024, 1:30 pm + 7 pm

Sydney Opera House

Everyone’s favourite not-so-little helper is coming to town

Meet Buddy, a young orphan who ends up at the North Pole after crawling into Santa’s gift sack. Raised as an elf, he remains unaware that he is actually a human. Given his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities, he must face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy heads to bustling New York City to track down his birth father. He must grapple with having a father on Santa’s naughty list and win over a sceptical younger half-brother who no longer believes in Santa.

Based on the beloved Christmas classic film starring Will Ferrell, Elf: The Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer). The story comes to life with a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

This brand-new concert production will bring the holiday magic to the Concert Hall in its Australian premiere. Expect a Christmas extravaganza with a dazzling cast of 16 performers and an on-stage band of 15. 

Escape to the North Pole and New York City with your loved ones this December for a show that’s bursting with joy and holiday magic. Don’t miss out on the fun—Elf: the Musical is the ultimate holiday event for friends and family this Christmas at Sydney Opera House.