James Morrison to lead National Pharmacies Brass Band for 90 Year Pageant Celebration
Saturday 12 November will mark the 90th year of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant with the cherished event returning to the streets of Adelaide.
To honour the anniversary, the parade will start with a new float celebrating 90 years, surrounded by a 90-person National Pharmacies Brass Band selected, directed and led by legendary jazz musician James Morrison.
Budding musicians from around the country aged 14 and over will have the chance to submit their audition videos to secure a spot playing alongside Morrison in the 2022 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. In addition to brass instruments, auditions will be accepted from musicians with any instrument that can be played whilst marching.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said she was thrilled for the opportunity to get South Australians involved in an historic occasion.
“The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant signals the start of the festive season in our state, and this year’s event is even more special as it returns to its traditional format that we’ve all grown up to know and love,” said Minister Bettison.
“To make the 90th year even more special, people from across the state will have a chance to join in on the magic that brings hundreds of thousands into our city centre.”
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director Brian Gilbertson said he was looking forward to working with James to discover talent from across Australia that could participate in celebrating the joy of family, community and welcoming Father Christmas to Adelaide in such a bold way.
“I think all South Australians will agree how wonderful it is that the maestro, James Morrison will be joining us to help celebrate the 90th year of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant,” said Mr Gilbertson.
“The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is all about creating magic for the South Australian community and to have James opening the parade for the Pageant’s 90th year will be a moment to remember and to share. It is a great opportunity for people from right across Australia to celebrate the start of the festive season.”
Internationally renowned as one of the finest jazz players of his generation, Morrison will curate and direct the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant opening float musical arrangement, select and musically direct the 90 musicians to play at what will be an unforgettable historic event.
“The pageant has a remarkable history of bringing so much joy to South Australians and preparations are in full swing to bring the celebrations back to the streets of Adelaide,” said Mr Morrison.
“It’s an incredible honour and privilege to play such a significant part in one of South Australia’s most loved events and traditions.”
Trumpeting up interest from brass players, Morrison will band together 90 musicians ahead of the November event preparing new arrangements to much loved Christmas carols for the band to learn.
“Whatever your instrument, whether you play every day or haven't played since school, you can be part of this musical opportunity."
Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies said that he was thrilled to support the National Pharmacies Brass Band, giving the community more opportunity to be involved with the event.
“The Pageant is a cherished Adelaide tradition and National Pharmacies is thrilled to once again sponsor, support and participate in such an iconic event,” said Mr Borrello.
“We are thrilled to see the event back on the streets of Adelaide and celebrating its 90th year. The addition of the National Pharmacies Brass Band will add to the magic. The Band is a fantastic opportunity for the community to become involved. We can’t wait to see the talent the nation has to offer and with the legendary James Morrison on board, it will be an experience not to be missed!”
