Tina Arena has teamed up with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra to create one of the most anticipated Brisbane shows for 2012. With plenty to talk about, Tina took some time out to chat with with QNews about YTT, nasty judges and making music with the best of the best. She also has a special message for local drag identity Lidia Box.

Arena's career was already in full swing as a cast member with the original Young Talent Time when she performed on the River Stage Expo 88. Now, after once again involving herself with YTT, Arena returns to Brisbane’s riverside at the recently refurbished Lyric Theatre with the QSO, and is excited about the idea of collaborating with them as they prepare for the big night.

“We all have music in common. We have beautiful songs and beautiful arrangements. All musicians have a thread of the music to connect with each other. This thread becomes stronger and once we get to play together, the human element brings it all together” Arena explains.

The concert also marks an opportunity for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra to reach new audiences with a different style of music. CEO Patrick Pickett told QNews gHaving the opportunity to combine the endless talent of our musicians and the musicality of Tina will certainly be a true highlight for the QSO.

This concert will also play a vital role in reaching new audiences for the Orchestra. It is valuable for us to showcase the versatility of our musicians. We are looking forward to collaborating Queenslandfs prime musicians with one of Australiafs most iconic performersh Pickett continued.

When chatting about her down time, Arena spoke fondly of her precious time at home where she loves to cook. Tina “follows her nose” rather than sticking to the recipes. In some clear parallels with her music she explains, like her cooking, her music is a moving feast. ”It can’t be over calculated. It is organic the way it evolves. The melody and sensual worth grows”.

For Arena, being supported by the QSO was the natural evolution of a career that has spanned nearly four decades. From stadium shows through to intimate gatherings, Arena candidly says “I’ve been around the block and spent many years honing my craft after 35 years of performing. The metamorphosis onto this stage experience, this style, makes the journey very satisfying”. 

Fresh from concluding the first season of the renewed YTT, Arena took aim at some of the nasty judges that have become rich from being cruel to those that are chasing their dream. In comparing YTT and Channel Nine’s huge hit The Voice’s positive and supportive style, she suggested nastiness was incredibly irresponsible. They (shows with mean judges) “have made a lot of careers and millions. It is a tremendous amount of power that they don't really deserve. Their game is being best served by ripping someone to bits” she said unequivocally.

Conversely Arena considered her YTT judging role to be a very important and influential one to young hopefuls. gI instantaneously had incredible empathy for the contestants. They are kids - they have a dream. I loved YTT. Watching them grow. It was very inspiring. The kids did take direction and had a desire to want to learn. It was really sweet and I was humbled to be part of it.

The focus and desire for life long learning has been symbalised by the way France, where she lives, has embraced Arena, which includes being awarded the prestigious l'ordre national du mérite for her contribution to local culture and charities.

“It was just natural working in France. I was welcomed by the artistic community and the French public.  Being decorated for culture was totally unexpected. It was wonderful being recognised” Arena told us.

However it was Arenafs personal growth from immersing herself into a completely different culture and learning to perform  in various languages that seems to be the real prize. gIt is completely and always up to the individual. You are responsible for your success, no one else will find it for youh suggesting that even the most feisty judge would not have broken Arenafs drive, resilience and passion that complements her proven talent.

Tina also had a personal message to Brisbanefs own enduring dame Lidia Box. When learning that in 1999 Lidia was putting the final touches on her gown and rehearsing for her inaugural belting out of Heaven Help My Heart on The Wickham's grand stage, being more pedantic at nailing the iconic tune than Michelangelo would have been with his art, Arena warmly replied gI think that is fantastic. There is absolutely no finer compliment I can be given than thath. 

Tina Arena and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform on the 5th and 6th July at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Tickets are available now via www.qpac.com.au or call Qtix on 3840 7444