Music <\/p>\n
The Australian music and theatre industry is in mourning this weekend following the passing of James Simpson, a highly renowned musical director, arranger and orchestrator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Having worked on a number of high-profile Australian productions like <\/span>Chicago<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Moulin Rouge!<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Aladdin <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>The Lion King<\/span><\/i>, James was widely revered in the local entertainment industry for his kindness and creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n James\u2019 partner Mitch Roberts first shared the news to Instagram on Friday December 20th, where tributes for James flowed in.<\/span><\/p>\n Melbourne Theatre Company, where James was the Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger for their recent production of <\/span>My Brilliant Career<\/span><\/i>, shared the news of James\u2019 passing on their Facebook.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tributes came from figures across the entertainment honouring James and his legacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On Mitch\u2019s post, Australian Idol star Casey Donovan was one of many who wrote words of support: \u201cJames was a remarkable, talented, humble, passionate, kind soul. I will carry him with me and his love for music will live on in us all.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Chicago <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>Hadestown <\/span><\/i>ensemble member Devon Braithwaite added, \u201cAbsolutely devastated for you. Sending you SO much love.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n