I see a lot of shows, but the ones at the Sydney Opera House backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra are always the most special. I’ve seen several over the years by diverse artists like Ben Folds, Conchita Wurst, and most recently Praying for Time, a star-studded tribute to David Campbell. On those nights I wish I often wish I could freeze the moment, because the music I’m listening to is invariably that good. Kate Miller-Heidke has in a way, releasing her new album Live at the Sydney Opera House today.
Kate Miller-Heidke has always been one of Australia’s most special performers. She has the voice of an angel, a quirky sense of humour, such talent for songwriting and composing. All that is showcased here with a set that celebrates the breadth of her artistry. The big singles like “Words,” “Caught In the Crowd?” “Can’t Shake It,” and the closer, “Last Day on Earth” are all here of course, reminding us just how much we loved them when they were on the charts. “O Vertigo,” the title track of her fourth album and one of my favourite songs from Kate, is a masterclass in vocal technique. Tracks like “You’ve Underestimated Me, Dude” and “Are You Fucking Kidding Me?” are every bit as biting as they should be. I was also thrilled to hear a few songs from The Rabbits, an opera Kate composed for children, made the cut.
Kate’s voice is perfectly on point through this album, but it’s the contributions of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra that take her songs to the next level. Her music is already dramatic, and the swell of the orchestra gives it that extra degree of gravitas. I’d heard most of the songs on this album before, but this album made me appreciate them that much more.
As someone who wasn’t at this show, I’m so glad Kate Miller-Heidke has chosen to share it with fans around the country. If you were there, this album makes the perfect souvenir of what was clearly a special night.
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
Olivia Newton-John played a historic concert at the Sydney Opera House backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She played hits that spanned her amazing four-decade career, and I heard so many people say how amazing it was. Now two years later, she’s releasing that concert on DVD so we can all enjoy it.