Rainbow Theatre

Rainbow Theatre

Rainbow Theatre is an Australian progressive rock group from Melbourne, active from 1973. The band develops a symphonic style with jazz elements and is associated with progressive rock and symphonic prog.

Formation and early line-up

The group forms in 1973 around frontman and guitarist Julian Browning, who later also plays mellotron and keyboards. The original line-up includes Ferg McKinnon on bass and Graeme Carter on drums. Marty Rose joins on vocals, followed by Steve Nash on saxophone, clarinet and congas. Frank Graham adds trumpet, Don Santin plays trombone, and Keith Hoban joins as an additional vocalist.

Albums and arrangement style

Rainbow Theatre begins as a three-piece rock band but expands into a larger symphonic project with eight members. Its debut album, The Armada, appears in 1975 and includes the Victorian Opera Company Choir. The following year the band releases Fantasy of Horses, which adds further instrumental and orchestral textures, including Hoban on organ, Ian Relf on trombone, Tricia Shevenan on flute, Chris Stock on oboe, Karin McGechie, Stephen Daunt and Nya Murray on violins, Rowan Thomas on alto, and Sara Glenie on violoncello.

Later development

After its second release, the group takes a short break and does not reunite in the same form. Browning later turns to classical composition, studies composition and conducting at La Trobe University, and writes eight symphonies. Fantasy of Horses is re-edited in 2006 with a symphonic addition by Browning.