Celebrity tributes flood in for 'sublimely talented' Melbourne musician after his untimely death
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Australian musician James Simpson, who worked on such high profile productions as Chicago and The Lion King, has died.
And tributes have flooded in for the 'sublimely talented' musical director following news of his tragic passing.
The Melbourne Theatre Company shared the news of James' passing in its official Facebook page on Saturday.
James had been working with the company on a production of My Brilliant Career.
In a heartfelt tribute, the company described James as a 'creative force.'
'Melbourne Theatre Company acknowledges the passing of James Simpson, the Orchestrator/Vocal Arranger for My Brilliant Career, which is currently playing at Southbank Theatre,' the post read.
Tributes have flooded in for Australian musician James Simpson (pictured), who worked on such high profile productions as Chicago and The Lion King, as news of his death emerged on Saturday
'James was also the Musical Director and Orchestrator for Melbourne Theatre Company's 2017 production of Vivid White.
The post continued: 'We're deeply saddened by the loss of this creative force and send our sympathies to James' family, friends, and those who had the pleasure of working with him at Melbourne Theatre Company and across the industry.'
The news was met with a flurry of comments with many offering their heartfelt condolences.
'Omg that's so devastating - so talented,' one follower wrote while another added: 'This is dreadful news. I can't believe it. Heartfelt condolences to James's many loved ones.'
James' partner Mitch Roberts also shared the devastating news on Instagram with with: 'My beautiful man, I will love you always and forever.'
Mitch's post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers, including Australian Idol star Casey Donovan.
'Mitch, I am so so sorry,' Casey wrote.
'James 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. Absolutely heartbroken for you all .'
James' partner Mitch Roberts also shared the devastating news on Instagram with with: 'My beautiful man, I will love you always and forever'
Mitch's post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers, including Australian Idol star Casey Donovan who wrote: 'Mitch, I'm so sorry.'
'Not only were you so sublimely talented musically, you were also such a wonderful, kind, generous soul …not to mention those glorious mesmerising eyes of yours- the most beautiful I have ever known' entertainment veteran Rhonda Birchmore (pictured) wrote
Rhonda's heartfelt words were also met with another flurry of condolences from friends and fans including actress Rebecca Gibney (pictured) who offered: 'So sorry for your loss sweetheart. Sending love'
Former Bachelor star Georgia Love also offered her sympathies with: 'Oh, Mitch, I am so, so sorry.'
Aussie entertainment veteran Rhonda Burchmore who frequently worked with James, also took to Instagram to share her own sweet tribute.
'I am heartbroken hearing the passing of my dear friend and brilliant Music Director, pianist & arranger James Simpson,' Rhonda shared.
The singer praised her friend as a a 'kind and generous soul.'
'Not only were you so sublimely talented musically, you were also such a wonderful, kind, generous soul …not to mention those glorious mesmerising eyes of yours - the most beautiful I have ever known.'
The post continued: 'Rest easy my beautiful James. You will be dearly missed by all who knew you.'
Rhonda's heartfelt words were also met with another flurry of condolences from friends and fans, including actress Rebecca Gibney.
'So sorry for your loss sweetheart. Sending love,' Rebecca wrote.
ABC star Myf Warhurst also offered: 'I am so sorry, Rhonda.'
James had worked both here in Australia and internationally as a musical director, arranger and orchestrator.
His credits include the Australian tours of Chicago, 9 to 5, Moulin Rouge, Disney's Aladdin and Disney's The Lion King.
