Review: THE MUSIC OF QUEEN: A ROCK & SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR Blends The Timeless Appeal Of The Famous Band With The Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra

Thursday 19th January 2017, 8pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Richard Sidwell's (Arranger and Conductor) successful melding of Rock and Orchestral music in THE MUSIC OF QUEEN: A ROCK & SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR returns to Sydney to delight audiences. First presented in Sydney in 2014, the latest tour combines the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra with singers that have all performed in WE WILL ROCK YOU productions around the world and a 5 piece band, many of which performed in Australian and Asian productions of WE WILL ROCK YOU.

Presented in concert format with the choir stalls of the Concert Hall masked by a rear drop and a multitude of lights ready to fill the haze filled space, the mood is set for a rock concert with a classical twist. Under the direction of Richard Sidwell, arranger and creator of the concert that has toured the world since 2007 when he first devised the concert for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra, a 5 piece rock band and 4 singers in formal black attire share the stage.

Band members James Barber (guitar), Simon Croft (Guitar), Andrew Swann (Drums), each of which had previously been selected by Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor for the 2003 Australian and various subsequent touring productions of WE WILL ROCK YOU are joined by Mark Costa (Bass) and Johannes Luebbers (keys). Each of the singers have a connection to the music through WE WILL ROCK YOU productions with MiG Ayesa having performed the role of Galileo in the West End and the World Arena Tour, Michal Falson originated Galileo for the 2003 Australian production along with the Japan tour and UK tour. Amanda Harrison was part of the original West end Cast and American Carly Thomas Smith originated the role of Oz for the first American production.

Drawing together musical theatre performers to present this concert, the iconic music is presented with a wonderful emotion and connection not always seen in pop singers taking on other people's work. The concert that features over 20 of Queen's famous songs is presented with heart, energy and humour and the singers clearly enjoy themselves and connect to the music to not just sing, but rather, tell the stories that are embedded in the incredibly detailed and clever lyrics that have helped ensure that Queen still has a strong following, as evidenced by the full house and audience participation. Thomas Smith has a deliciously seductive, haunting husky warmth and infuses her songs with an emotion and sincerity that ranges from tender to fierce that takes the music to another level. Harrison has a playfulness and gives her renditions a beautiful texture with light and shade whilst still retaining clarity. Likewise, Ayesa injects a physical comedy and liveliness to his performances, allowing his flamboyant personality to shine whilst adjusting the arrangements of songs to cope with the fatiguing range of the work. Whilst Falzon is more reserved than Ayesa when it comes to expression, he provides a nice contrast to Ayesa, particularly for their duet of One Vision. The quartet's rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, originally never performed live until presented in WE WILL ROCK YOU due to its layering, is well executed to feature the individual voices and draw them together.

The combination of band, vocals and orchestra arrangement gives a wonderfully rich fullness and allows sounds originally produced with synthesisers to be rendered by the orchestra with a clarity and strength synonymous with imposing orchestral works. The arrangements also show the ultimate range of the original works that lend themselves so well to the support of a full orchestra and Sidwell has ensured that the works are not drawn too far away from the original whilst showcasing the wonderful classical instruments.

Whether a fan of Queen, or classical music is more your style, THE MUSIC OF QUEEN: A ROCK & SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR will satisfy both types of audiences and much more. For the Australian concert, it also allows musical theatre lovers to see Australian favourites, plus the wonderful American Carly Thomas Smith, in a different genre whilst still utilising their acting talent to connect to the music. Whilst the Sydney season has finished, the concert will tour to Melbourne so secure a ticket and be entertained.

THE MUSIC OF QUEEN: A ROCK & SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR

Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House - January 18 and 19

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne - 21 January

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