The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Billy Joel's greatest hits in Piano Man this November at Hamer Hall.
For more than 50 years, American singer, songwriter and pianist Billy Joel has made an indelible mark on the American songbook. With 33 top 40 hits, five Grammy Awards and over 160 million albums sold worldwide, he stands as one of the most successful artists of all time. His catalogue spans decades of memorable piano-driven rock, pop and ballads that have resonated with audiences across generations.
Piano Man: Celebrating the music of Billy Joel will showcase the legendary performer’s most beloved tracks through fresh orchestral arrangements. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Leonard Weiss, will bring new life to classics spanning Joel’s extensive career. The production promises to deliver both intimate ballads and rousing anthems that have defined the piano man’s remarkable legacy. It comes at a poignant time, with the singer announcing he’s been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a fluid buildup in his brain that has forced him to cancel all upcoming tour dates.
Piano Man: Celebrating the music of Billy Joel
- Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
- When: Friday 14 November at 7.30pm, Saturday 15 November at 1pm and 7:30pm
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Directed by Mark Sutcliffe, the concert will feature a stellar cast of Australian performers including Phil Burton, Alinta Chidzey, Jess Hitchcock and Josh Piterman. Nicholas Buc has created new orchestral arrangements specifically for this production, covering Joel’s greatest hits from Just the Way You Are to New York State of Mind, alongside the iconic title track Piano Man.
The show represents a unique opportunity to experience Joel’s music through the lens of a full symphony orchestra. His songwriting has long been celebrated for its storytelling prowess, emotional depth and melodic sophistication. From the introspective piano ballads to the energetic rock anthems, Joel’s music has provided the soundtrack to countless lives and occasions.
Piano Man will offer audiences the chance to hear familiar favourites reimagined with orchestral grandeur. The concert format allows for both the intimacy of Joel’s more personal songs and the power of his bigger hits to shine through symphonic interpretation. This celebration of one of America’s most enduring songwriters promises to be a memorable evening for both longtime fans and newcomers to his music.
Tickets for Piano Man: Celebrating the music of Billy Joel go through several presale phases before general release. MSO subscribers can access tickets from Tuesday 27 May at 10am, followed by Friends of the MSO at 12pm the same day. A special waitlist presale begins Friday 30 May at 10am, with general public sales starting Monday 2 June at 10am.
For more information, head here.
