Not So Silent Night

source Cairns Post - with thanks to Diissee

Paladino,Callea Quadruple Crowd

Organisers of Mount Waverley Carols were thrilled with the increase in crowd numbers at this years Carols - the audience was almost 4 times the size of last years event!



Click on the article to read full sized.
source - Mt Waverley Leader

Layla To Shine

Brighton East youngster Layla Bodnar will be in experienced hands next week for her starring role in the Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Layla, 5, who has just been named the face of the event by Vision Australia, will be joined by singer Anthony Callea, who has been made official ambassador.

Just six weeks old when diagnosed with a serious eye condition, Layla remains an inspiration, say her parents Max and Konji.

As for Callea, it is the second time he will be the show's ambassador and the sixth time he has performed at the much-loved event.

"I couldn't imagine spending Christmas Eve any other way," he said.

"In the role of ambassador I've been lucky enough to meet some fantastic kids and their families who are achieving remarkable things despite being blind or having low vision.

"Their stories have inspired me and it will make this year's performance a lot more meaningful for me."

Ultimate Vocal Coach

With the release of his 3rd Album, an Australia wide tour with superstar Whitney Houston, and now the confirmation of his involvement in a new Televison series, 2010 looks set to be a busy year for Anthony Callea.

Anthony will take on the role of Vocal Coach for Ultimate School Musical – Fame, a 10-parter to premiere exclusively on FOX8 in 2010.

The show will be hosted by Ruby Rose and will also feature the stars of the 2010 national touring production of Fame: The Musical, as well as producer John Frost and Kelley Abbey, Australia’s most successful choreographer.

The show will follow the students of Elizabeth Keilor College
as they undergo intensive training in singing, dancing and acting under the guidance of Anthony, director Eddie Perfect, theatre producer John Frost, choreographer Kelley Abbey and a host of other experts.

The training, to take part outside school hours, will culminate in a performance of the stage show Fame on Foxtel's Fox8 next year.

The Ultimate School Musical format is fast becoming one of the hottest series around the globe. Originating in the UK, the show is now in production in 12 countries including Denmark, France, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain and New Zealand.

Layla wins a heart

The rain did little to dampen the spirits of five-year-old Layla Bodnar, the face of Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight this year, who stole the hearts of viewers watching the Official Launch of the 2009 Carols By Candlelight on Channel Nine's TODAY show.

Layla certainly made an impression on Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight Ambassador Anthony Callea, who visited Layla and her family recently to see how the event helps to provide services for children like Layla.

Anthony is a huge fan of the event - he is always a popular performer at the iconic event and took on the role of Ambassador two years ago. He explained to weather presenter Shura Tuft that the event was special to him and he gets "goosebumps" as a performer.

Carols Launch

Anthony fans, it's that time of year again - time to get in the festive mood and join Vision Australia for the official launch of their flagship fundraising event, Carols by Candlelight.

As the official countdown to Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight begins, the Today Show's weather presenter will broadcast live from City Square and play host to some of the entertainers performing this year, including Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight ambassador Anthony Callea, Ricki-Lee Coulter and musical guru John Foreman.

If you are not in Melbourne, fear not, you can tune into the fun on Channel 9's TODAY show from 6am.