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The 16th Annual Helpmann Awards, presented by Live Performance Australia, will be held on Monday 25 July at 7.30pm at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The Helpmann Awards are the premier celebration of Australia's vibrant live performance industry and recognise distinguished achievement and excellence in Australia's live performance sectors. Nominations for this year's 41 awards were announced on 20 June across the country. Excitement is building for the announcement of the 2016 winners on Monday 25 July. The 16th Annual Helpmann Awards Ceremony will feature sensational performances including: Singin' in the Rain -'Overture' and 'Good Mornin' starring, Gretel Scarlett and; and 'Singin' in the Rain' full cast finale Sarah Blasko - 'Luxurious' Sydney International Piano Competition - 1st prize winner Matilda the Musical - 'Quiet' starring all eight Matildas from the Sydney and Melbourne seasons and - 'Time to Say Goodbye' West Australian Ballet - 'On The Nature of Daylight' pas de deux starring Sandy Delasalle.
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Live Performance Australia (LPA) Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson said 'Australia is home to an incredible array of exciting and creative talent across all genres. It's wonderful that we are able to showcase a snapshot of what our industry offers at the same time as we honour all the nominees and award recipients on the night'. As previously announced, Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, will be presented with the 2016 Award. This Award is bestowed on an individual who has made a truly outstanding contribution to the enrichment of Australia's live performance culture and shaped the future of the industry for the better. In addition, CBE AM will be presented with the 2016 Sue Nattrass Award. This prestigious Award honours exceptional service to the Australian live performance industry, shining a spotlight on people in service roles that support our industry. The 2016 Helpmann Awards will also incorporate the final Award for Emerging Australian Conductors.
This year the award will be presented to Toby Thatcher, currently Assistant Conductor for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, who will receive a $10,000 prize.
The 16th Annual Helpmann Awards, presented by Live Performance Australia, will be held on Monday 25 July at 7.30pm at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Sarah Blasko (born Sarah Elizabeth Blaskow, 23 September 1976) is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician and producer. From April 2002 Blasko developed her solo career after fronting Sydney-based band, Acquiesce, between the mid-1990s and 2001.