Above: (l-r): In front of the SSO are Arte Kanela members Richard Tedesco, Chantelle Cano, Johnny Tedesco with The Cat Empire members Felix Riebel and Neda Rahmani. Featured image: The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in contemporary music gig mode. Photo credit: Jay Patel.
The production values associated with a Sydney Opera House contemporary music event never cease to provide a stunning impact. This collaboration between The Cat Empire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was brilliantly lit, brought together what may have been conceived as disparate elements in slick combination, allowing the space to give off stadium vibes.
The capacity crowd reacted ecstatically to the several elements assembled on and above the stage to bring this enduring and cherished group’s past and present repertoire to vibrant life. All ages were watching here. Entire families enjoyed the performance together, showing thorough knowledge of the big hits. They purred enthusiastically for the new album tracks presented in elaborately extended preview by lead singer Felix Riebel, band and this night’s totally joyous, eclectic entertainment troupe.
And what a troupe this was! Assembled to deliver arrangements by the band’s multi-talented trumpeter Roscoe James Irwin were eight front-stage band members. These included three vocalist/guitarists and a trio of brass musicians. Drum kit and percussion, piano and assorted vocalists were enhanced by two flamenco dancers from Melbourne’s Spanish ensemble Arte Kanela.
Above: The Cat Empire’s percussionist Neda Rahmani. Photo credit: Jay Patel.
These dancers and flamenco guitarist added depth to the performance, emphasising the signature poignant lyrics with extra-cultural clapping and dazzling dance displays to catapult The Cat Empire hits into the stratosphere, to universal delight of the crowd. SSO were consistently strong and sympathetic in accompaniment, from the softest shimmering tremolo to huge, strident climaxes and a multitude of modern gesturing which added to the climaxes and build from the Cat Empire’s colourful line-up.
A crowning glory of this collaboration was the addition of the Sydney Children’s Choir. Perched above the busy stage action, often dancing up a storm and always performing with a penetrating purity, their presence in band merch T-shirts added yet another layer of successful crossover to this knockout Sydney Opera House debut for the popular Melbourne band.
The concert opened with a series of energetic tracks, setting a joyous tone with some huge moments, before shifting to a more subdued mood with Lost Song. Here. in the first of a few excellent vocal spots by band bassist Grace Barbe, the pared-down piano and vocals created a poignant moment. The audience was drawn into the lively Candela, led by Cuban vocal and trumpeter powerhouse, Lazaro Numa Pompa, who was a total hit with the crowd. The Sydney Children’s Choir added their voices to Brighter Than Gold, bringing a touching layer to the music being so convincingly expanded here.
Above: Flamenco dancers Chantelle Cano and Johnny Tedesco from Arte Kanela added an exciting layer to this programme. Photo credit: Jay Patel.
Crossover conducting expert, Nicholas Buc once again harnessed all forces in the immense arrangements with amazing energy, precision and verve that showed the versatility of our SSO players, and an important bringing together of excellent performers from both sides of the stylistic tracks.
The substantial programme’s second half was marked by a dynamic interplay between the lead vocalist and orchestra, particularly during the electrifying performance of Bulls, where lighting over the stage, the audience’s heads and across the transformed Concert Hall venue added so much to the energy being shared and highlighted in so many ways by this concert’s community. The flamenco solo in Devil stood out, with the seamless alternation between the band, orchestra, and dancers making a powerful statement
Above: The Sydney Children’s Choir made a joyous and special contribution to this crossover concert’s success. Photo credit: Jay Patel.
New tracks like Shooting Star showcased the band’s evolving sound, while classics like Two Shoes kept the crowd engaged. The epic arrangement of Blood on the Stage and the roof-raising Owl, bolstered by choir and orchestra, left a lasting impression. The crowd rose to its feet and danced several times through this show-but the one hundred percent participation from all ages in all Concerrt Hall locations was an unforgettable, electric moment.
A touching dedication to the lead vocalist’s late brother Max Riebel during Be With You Again and Miserere was a goosebump-inducing moment, augmented beautifully by the choir. The night concluded with Steal the Light, a heart-warming blend of more audience participation and united performer energy. Such musical co-operation from such a range of expert, experienced performers made this concert a special collaboration in which the fluid, accomplished SSO brand plus the Sydney Opera House became accessible to even more music lovers than usual.
