The Otago Daily Times 150th anniversary concert, the "Big Night In", at Forsyth Barr Stadium on November 12 will feature some of the best singers, dancers and entertainers in Otago and Southland.
And interest has been sky-high as the audition panel prepares to travel around the regions from next weekend.
"We've been absolutely inundated with people wanting to audition," concert artistic producer Doug Kamo said yesterday.
As the opening community concert in the new stadium, the "Big Night In" is being supported by naming sponsor Allied Press, the Dunedin City Council, which will contribute $70,000 towards the event, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd and associate sponsor Deloitte.
"The Dunedin City Council planned to stage a community concert to celebrate the completion of our city's new multi-purpose stadium," acting Dunedin Mayor Syd Brown said yesterday.
"The opportunity to share with the Otago Daily Times - for a financial contribution of $70,000 - provides very good value for money for our ratepayers. Dunedin's strength lies in the ability of our business and community organisations to work together; combining forces to achieve a common goal," Mr Brown said.
"The council believes that this free community concert will be one that can be enjoyed by thousands of Dunedin and Otago residents, as well as being of a international standard that will showcase the versatility of our new stadium and Dunedin's ability to take advantage of it."
Auditions for the "Big Night In" will be held in Oamaru next Saturday, July 23, Invercargill on July 24 and 25, Queenstown on July 25 and 26, and Dunedin from July 29 to August 1.
The audition judging panel announced yesterday was Mr Kamo, musical director Stuart Walker, ODT circulation manager James Smith and Classic Hits regional breakfast announcers.
To apply, email auditions@thebignightin.co.nz
But, hurry. Applications close at 5pm on Monday.
