Symphonic Cinema: The Planets
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) presented a unique and thought-provoking performance of Holst’s The Planets as part of the Symphonic Cinema series. This innovative format, created by Lucas Van Woerkum, reimagines classical symphonic works by pairing them with visual narratives and cinematic elements. The result is a multi-sensory experience that blends music, imagery, and storytelling.
Van Woerkum’s Loss, which was performed for the first time by the SSO under the direction of Benjamin Northey, was a standout piece in this evening’s program. It combined Holst’s iconic orchestral suite with breathtaking visuals of natural landscapes, dance sequences from Arts Umbrella Vancouver, and a wordless narrative performed by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise. The performance was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, where each movement of The Planets was given new life through the interplay of sound and image.
For some audience members, the combination of music and visuals provided a rich and immersive experience. The beautiful scenery and the performances of Thompson and Wise were able to stimulate their imaginations and add depth to their understanding of the music. However, others found the visual elements distracting, arguing that the power of Holst’s music lies in its ability to create its own emotional world without the need for external narratives.
The opening movement, Mars: the Bringer of War, was particularly striking. Dancers moved with intensity on stage, while abstract shapes transformed into powerful images. Thompson’s performance was emotionally charged, and the inclusion of dancers dressed like angels of death added a haunting dimension to the piece. In contrast, Venus, the Bringer of Peace offered a more introspective moment, with Thompson walking through a studio perched on cliffside, evoking a sense of alienation.
The slower movements of The Planets showcased the SSO’s precision and clarity, with Northey conducting with a steady hand. The final movement, Neptune, the Mystic, was especially ethereal, with the women of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs singing from the upper galleries, creating a sense of infinite space.
The concert also featured Charles Ives’s The Unanswered Question, a short but searching piece that set the tone for the evening. This was followed by a dynamic performance of Nigel Westlake’s percussion concerto When the Clock Strikes Me by SSO percussionist Rebecca Lagos. Her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, with her fluid movements and precise control over an array of instruments drawing the audience into a dreamlike world.
Deftones: A Journey Through Sound
Sacramento’s Deftones are one of the most enigmatic and influential bands in modern rock. Known for their genre-defying sound, they have evolved over three decades from being pioneers of nu metal to crafting a unique sonic identity that blends elements of alternative rock, electronic, and ambient music. Their recent performance at Qudos Bank Arena was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical innovation.
The band’s setlist spanned eight of their ten studio albums, showcasing their versatility and depth. From the raw aggression of 7 Words to the atmospheric beauty of Change (In the House of Flies), the performance was a journey through different eras of their career. The crowd was fully engaged throughout, with fans of all ages dancing and singing along to every track.
Frontman Chino Moreno delivered a powerful performance, his voice both haunting and melodic. His energy on stage was infectious, and the band’s musicianship was flawless. Keyboardist Frank Delgado and guitarists Shaun Lopez and Lance Jackman brought a layered and intricate sound to the performance, adding depth and texture to each song.
Despite the high energy of the set, there were moments where the pace slowed, such as in the songs Genesis and Departing the Body. These tracks, while still impressive, felt like a slight departure from the momentum of the rest of the show. However, these minor missteps did little to detract from the overall excellence of the performance.
Jessica Mauboy: A Musical Journey
Jessica Mauboy’s performance at the City Recital Hall was a celebration of her two-decade-long career and her evolution as an artist. From her early days on Australian Idol to her current status as a global performer, Mauboy has continually pushed boundaries and embraced her authenticity.
The evening began with a powerful Welcome to Country by Nana Miss Koori, setting the tone for a night of cultural reflection and celebration. Jem Cassar-Daley opened the show with a spellbinding set that highlighted her talent and connection to her heritage.
Mauboy’s performance was a mix of storytelling and musical artistry. She took the audience through her journey, sharing personal anecdotes and performing classic tracks that defined her career. Her renditions of How Do I Live and From This Moment On were soulful and heartfelt, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth.
In the second half of the show, Mauboy focused on her original material, delivering powerful performances of songs like Burn, Pop a Bottle, and We Got Love. Her voice was commanding, and her stage presence was magnetic, drawing the audience into every note.
The evening concluded with a moving performance of Glow, Little Things, and Give You Love, leaving the audience in awe of Mauboy’s artistry and resilience. Her performance was a celebration of growth, identity, and liberation, and it was clear that her fans were ready to embrace the new chapter of her career.
