Guy Sebastian with the Australian Philharmonic Orch. Sydney Opera House May 4, 5

[Prinia]

http://www.myspace.com/guy_aus_pops

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/gorjusgrl/APO-posterA2-small3.jpg

Billed as 'one of the great voices of Australia',
Guy Sebastian and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra will perform concerts at the Sydney Opera House and the Victorian Arts Centre in May. The concerts entitled BIGGER, STONGER, BETTER! A celebration of Inspirational Music will be the first time Guy has performed with a 60 piece orchestra.

“Guy will perform a program full of wonderful songs including his well known hits, many classic songs and great Gospel tunes,” said David Ashton Smith of the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. “We are excited that Guy will be making his orchestral debut with us and that the big sound of the 60 piece orchestra plus a choir will add volumes to his well known songs.”

Guy Sebastian, was the inaugural winner of the television series Australian Idol. His success translated instantly to record breaking sales for his debut album Just As I Am. His popularity has carried effortlessly into a second album, Beautiful Life, where Guy took more control of his craft, with self-penned hits Out With My Baby and Oh-Oh. A sell-out live tour showed the country he was more than just a TV star with big hair, he was a genuine musician who oozed talent and recently released his third album Closer to the Sun.

For over twenty five years the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra has presented its own blend of popular classical and contemporary music to Australian audiences. Each year the Orchestra presents its own concert series at the most prestigious venues throughout Australia. Every concert is a special event with a wide repertoire ranging across a broad spectrum of popular music.

The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with some of the world's greatest artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Barry Humphries, Sir Cliff Richard and Ray Charles.

Guy's incredible vocal talents will be lifted to new levels with the orchestral support of the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra and their big and beautiful symphonic sound.

www.auspops.com.au (http://www.auspops.com.au)

Guy Sebastian and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra

Sydney Opera House 4th & 5th May 2007
Book now at Sydney Opera House phone 9250 7777 www.sydneyoperahouse.com (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com)

The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall 18th & 19th May 2007
Book now at Ticketmaster phone 1300 136 166 www.ticketmaster.com.au (http://www.ticketmaster.com.au)

Tickets; Premium $120, A Reserve $100, B Reserve $80

--------------------------------

Also believed to be on the set list are the following:-

Taller Stronger Better
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5KU5RyX9_E...ted&search= (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5KU5RyX9_E&mode=related&search=)
Climb Every Mountain
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_quer...p;search=Search (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Guy+Sebastian+CEM&search=Search)
Closer to the Sun

Wonderful World (Guy's arrangement )
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_quer...p;search=Search (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Guy+Sebastian+tennis&search=Search)

and I'm hoping for I Still Call Australia Home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJIZW-yEwZQ

(All except Closer to the Sun are on youtube in various versions.)

It will be entirely fascinating - and superb - to see what Guy has 'designed' for the Opera House and Hamer Hall (Melbourne) concerts.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/janice13/ven_chall_big.jpg



As I put somewhere else.....

You think you have heard everything there is?
Your favourite artist is superb and you don’t really want to listen to any more?

Just TRY a little of this man.
He’s not just superb
He’s not just sublime


HE IS SUPREME!!!
At interpretation, at writing songs
Guy Sebastian is not just a superb singer,
But an innate musician who understands what each song requires.

He will make you laugh, and cry. You’ll shiver and quake
And grin with delight.

He’s the SINGER WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.
HE’S ARRIVED, & NOW WITH THE 60 PCE ORCHESTRA

IT CAN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!

[Cybille]

Tickets are booked - Sydney and Melbourne. Only one Sydney show though - can't afford it. I've never been to a show in the Opera House, so that part of it will be great too. Nothing happening promotion-wise yet, but apparently he did a photo shoot with the Philharmonic on Friday so things should happen soon.

[Prinia]

are you doing the two in Melbourne? I got a strange, on the side way up seat for Friday night there

and a cheapie, "I'm gonna be there or die" one for the last.

I wanted a different perspective and that's what the odd angle one. Should be interesting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/mysweetestberry/SG0A9889.jpg


I'm hoping for something like this outfit. The description given was a dark grey suit and pinkish shirt (he is ALWAYS realllly cool - because he wears what he wants)

But - what were they shooting that day?

The Orchestra shoot wasn't until a few days later. Unless he'd bought, to try.

(PS yes, the other fella is TALL!!! like majorly - Guy is average, and Milly - is Milly)

[Prinia]

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IN2UPJ8T


Falling in Love with Jesus, Influencers Conference 2006 - country feel to this one. Some gospel, as you will better know, is very rocky and raw, some powerful like Taller Stronger, some beautifully plaintive like a ballad.

I think the audience will be stunned. They won't be used to Gospel Guy.




http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IN2UPJ8T


I Wanna Be

- later I'll upload something very old, from Guy. Or perhaps from 2004? We'll see.

[Prinia]

From the APO web site:

For over twenty five years the Australian Pops Orchestra has presented its own blend of popular classical and contemporary music to Australian audiences. The AusPops Orchestra, as we affectionately like to call it now, represents a major challenge in bringing together for your enjoyment some of the best musicians, conductors and artists. Each year the Orchestra presents its own concert series at the most prestigious venues throughout Australia . Every concert is a special event featuring fine music, world-class artists providing that special, indefinable atmosphere of excitement, informality and joy which became the hallmark of our performances over many years. The Orchestra's repertoire is wide – ranging and features exciting programs across a broad spectrum of popular music- from Bolero to the Beatles, Cole Porter to Tchaikovsky, Streisand to Strauss and much more.

The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra is the other integral part of our company. It performs for many prestigious national and international companies and artists. It has distinguished itself in performances with the Bolshoi Ballet, Netherlands Dance Theatre, the Royal National ballet of Spain , the arena productions of Aida and Carmen and the highly acclaimed Ken Russell production of Madame Butterfly. The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with some of the world's greatest artists including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Barry Humphries, Sir Cliff Richard and Ray Charles. In 1989, the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presented Dame Joan Sutherland in her final concert performance.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/jen_iris/guy%20sebastian/operahouse131313.jpg

I notice in the heading its only saying the Sydney Opera House - he's actually appearing also at the Arts centre, Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Victoria on May 18th and 19th.

I am of course going to all four concerts. This is DEFINITELY going to be the concert of the year
and possibly more. These ads are almost A4 size, in VIctoria, NSW, Qld etc. Good going by the advertisers

[Prinia]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/4669/img772eh1.jpg

Opera House one was in the Sydney paper, and we even had a black and white version for Qld.

and a taste today on Kerri Anne Kennerley. Personally, I agree with whomever the fella was who called out "Bravo" after "Unforgettable". As KAK said, "Melt city!!"

Looks like his guitarist Carl will be on stage with him, which is fabulous. He sang "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude", and "Way you Look Tonight" and "Unforgettable" for the 2nd bracket.



btw

its been reported that the premium tix for the Saturday night show at the Opera House were sold out 3 weeks ago (prior to advertising) and Teensmum reports as of today having to take U row :unsure:

Not bad- seeing the adverts only came out on the weekend.

:)

[Prinia]

Downloads in progress

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/soulsong4ever/00hr05min22sec1.jpg
thanks to Irene for the above screen cap
if you don't want to wait for the urls

http://forums.guysebastian.com.au/index.php?showtopic=15678&st=0

that's the thread for the downloads

mp3s in the other thred

[Prinia]

http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66655.jpg http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66653.jpg

FROM THE APO PHOTO SHOOT now added to Sonybmg gallery - and a few more there too

http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66654.jpg

[Prinia]

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/beaniebabe_pix/Opera%20House/OperaH_.jpg


this time, not next Friday, nor the one following

BUT THE ONE AFTER THAT

I shall be sitting down and..........................


I don't really know.

Because it will depend what Guy will be singing. If he's doing the gospel selection at this time, or Taller stronger Better (the last time, for some unknown reason, tears just kept rolling down my cheeks... how embarrassment!)

Or if he's doing an ultra ULTRA Beatlesque Closer to the Sun with the Orchestra!!!!!

Dear heaven!!

Or the Nat King Cole bracket - in which case ......... it will be arrghhhhhh and me trying not to groan... another embarrassing interlude perhaps.

But I'm going anyhow... the concert of the year - at the very least
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyJuk4Sl0H0&NR=1


YEAH!!!!!

[Sanjayalicious]

http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66655.jpg http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66653.jpg

FROM THE APO PHOTO SHOOT now added to Sonybmg gallery - and a few more there too

http://graphics.sonymusic.com.au/gallery/medium/GuySebastian66654.jpg

:1luvu: hawt
i wish i were Austrailian

[Prinia]

Hiya sanjalicious

Ure welcome, if you come over here. :)

We're in what I guess is something like California / Miami (sort of). Hard to tell really, because its neither, its Surfers Paradise. Surfers and tourist area, in certain parts but private College / Universities etc in others.

Oh, I am totally excitied about this concert (you CAN tell, can't you?):love:

Last night on Rove TV show (Gold Logie winner in Oz so many times I can't remember)

Just had a report from our girls who attended
that was one of GuY's most beautiful performances,
ROVE was on the verge of tears and the audience
spellbound wub.gif

I don't think we quite caught all that, but she's not prone to exaggeration and the credits did roll over the very last bits, when Rove came across.
From Hairbear

[quote name='HairBear' date='Apr 23 2007, 08:06 AM' post='446534']
here it is - it is the whole thing - so it will be a bigger file

ROVE Interview & Cover of my Heart Performance with APO 22 April 07 (http://rapidshare.com/files/27397615/Guy_Sebastian_-_ROVE_22_Apr_07_Interview___COMH_Performance_APO.w mv)

I hope it is OK - I didnt have time to test run it this morning :rolleyes:

off to work now - when I get more time I could split it up if people were having trouble downloading such a big file - hopefully the performance will get onto YouTube as well

So we'll have to wait for the split file. But the interview is hilarious.

[Sanjayalicious]

YAY!!!:)
i wanna see more pics:D :love:

[Prinia]

Smiles are great huh? Here's one, from the interview
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/Prinia/GuyWRove2.jpg

They're actually pretty great friends. Rove, the host, has been a Logie winner and a huge OZ TV personage for years, even tho he's quite young. He married his long term girlfriend, Belinda Emmett (from Home and Away, I think - one of the TV shows, and a singer) a few years ago. She suffered from cancer but looked like having it beat.

Unfortunately, nearing the end of last year, she passed away and it hit Rove and the family very hard. She was vivacious, funny, lovely and talented - she had a great sense of humour and asked that "Always look on the Bright Side of Life" (Monty Python's Life of Brian) be played at her funeral.

I've come back to edit in a most important bit. Rove was devestated. They were twin souls. Guy's song which was NOT written by Guy but is included on Closer to the Sun, "Unbreakable", so reminds me of those two, every time I hear it.

Her last album, that she was still recording as she died, will be out in May - and on it will be yet another Guy Sebastian song, which she didn't get to finish recording. Marcia Hines, a friend of all concerned (there is a totally beautiful duet with Guy around, I could upload it if anyone wanted it - its on Youtube too), finished it as a duet - she had a single with Belinda a couple of years ago - and it will be included on the cd.

And mentioning Guy, and songs and writing - we MAY have some exciting news shortly.

:)
Sanjalicious

[Sanjayalicious]

Smiles are great huh? Here's one, from the interview
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/Prinia/GuyWRove2.jpg

And mentioning Guy, and songs and writing - we MAY have some exciting news shortly.

:)
Sanjalicious

the best!!!!
most attractive feature on a guy:D

i hope there's good news:)

[Prinia]

http://publish.vx.roo.com/thedaily/videoplayer/?channel=Telegraph+TV&clipid=1418_108717&bt=NS&bp=WIN&bst=FF&biec=false&format=wmp&bitrate=300


takes ages to load up, and only a tiny bit of a few from the very first segment - doesn't really do any justice to it.

I will come back later, I'm totally exhausted, what a weekend. And Hamer hall in two weeks Im so pleased I booked that 3rd concert too.

Very very quickly - he was fun funtastic, used almost all of his 4 octave register, so we got the deep rich notes for Elvis songs and all those beautiful low thick caramel type growly notes, and then those high high fun notes.

Loved the arrangements, the orchestra TOTALLY ADORE HIM! I'll be back - but later or (my) tomorrow)
(LoL at the look on some of the female orchestra's faces - and the leader of the orchestra / 1st violinist - he all but stood up as he applauded Amazing Grace, he had his eyes closed and was just in 7th heaven from his head movements as Guy almost 'bluesed' his way through that one)

[Prinia]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTHHDQQ1mE&NR=1
Elevator Love (part thereof - fabulous with the full orchestra behind)

climb every mountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNHbkztmF_E&NR=1


no more at the present, I just HAVE to go to bed, been an amazing weekend. But just as a reminder
HERE is Guy live last year, they decided to do a training run for Sarah to get her used to performing in front of the public. As one poster has said 'freestyling'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyJuk4Sl0H0&mode=related&search=
Let's Stay Together.


Partly why Guy was asked to perform with the Orchestra - THAT and the fact he is a musician
and he can read music (the real rehearsal took place only 3 hours before the actual performance, last Friday)

[Prinia]

still only the 3 on youtube.

My sort of report I guess

It was so different. The venue inside is not as large as it appears in the photographs BUT I also have the feeling it IS as large, its just the design tends to give a 'smaller' feel to anyone in the actual audience. We were seated in row L and that felt oh, so close to the stage that I had no feeling we were in any way disadvantaged.

Ive come back to add

In NO WAY is this ALL the Guy Sebastian (for those lurkers and newbies). I havent time to put a link here but one should also look at the reports after the inaugural Closer to the Sun show in Melbourne. This concert at the Opera House is just ANOTHER aspect of Guys talent. If you enjoyed this show, you MUST go to his Closer to the Sun shows too. I promise you - hes totally fascinating and magic.

The Program (booklet)
NOT to be missed. The photographs inside alone are worth the price, which I thought was so very reasonable at $10!! Anyone wanting a program should immediately contact their friends who are going to these concerts. Fabulous memento.

Guy came out in suit and pinkish tie, looked stunning. He had the biggest grin, which had to be expected. Who, in the circumstances, wouldn't be grinning from ear to ear. biggrin.gif

The Voice
The concert showcased his VOICE. He used his full range - well, almost. Remember those stunning liquid falsettos he used for Sweetest Berry at the State Theatre in 2004? I don't think I heard those particular ones (for those who never heard them - they are available on Oh Oh, as a B side).

Guy's voice was caremelly deep and rich and powerful in the lower tones, of which there were plenty. Completely toe curling. And he treated us to his musical fullness with the mellow notes, soaring up into the upper registers, and back down again.

The first half / bracket consisted of his own songs or those like CLimb Every Mountain or Angels BMH and he used the stage as he settled into this oh so different venue. Obviously he, and Gavin the conductor and the orchestra and choir had worked to present something special. I'd love to see this show after a couple of weeks of it on the road, because I think there would be the special comfortableness that comes from that and the special connection would show more fully.


Opening with Out With My Baby, he didn't just stand at the microphone but got into his usual moves, which was so different however, with the full orchestra behind. This bracket was fun although I had the impression from where I sat that the orchestral sound was overtaking his voice on occasions. (This problem seemed to be sorted out later).

Closer to the Sun! OMgosh this was beautiful!! I could have given that a standing ovation. I could have given around 80% of the whole, a standing ovation so we didn't because it was all so enjoyable.

The first part of the concert was fabulous and Climb Every Mountain DID receive a full standing ovation.

Elevator Love was great with the orchestra, actually it was all fun and fabulous.

Interval - GO TO THE LOO. I kid you not, big queues and the last bracket / section which consists of both those wonderful influences (Beatles, Elvis, Nat King Cole) and Gospel is large and not to be missed.

The orchestra do a superb ragtime solo in the middle. They really are wonderful, and its an absolute treat to see all those instruments and to hear all the different sounds which we normally don't get on a 'pop' stage, let alone a rock stage.

Influences Bracket

All these could have been greeted with a standing ovation. Every one was beautiful, mellow, smooth, but then he occasionally slipped in extra strength and take the audience to extra special places. Probably as perfect as one could get, these songs were really special.

An album of these would be just right for next Mother's Day - all those macho men could buy one for their parents (and download one fro themselves, so's not to spoil that macho image). I remember someone commenting on Beautiful Life - that it would suit a glass of red, dim lights, and a beautiful woman (something like that). Personally speaking? Toss out the beautiful woman (hey, I'm female!) bring on a luxurious box of chocolates, dim lights, a curl up on the sofa and it would be 7th heaven - or more. These arrangements were superb, and Guy's voice suits The Beatles, Elvis and Nat King Cole to perfection. Did I mention toe curling? Cuddles (just hug yourself with extra warmth), perhaps flickering fires. COuldn't we have a TV special for winter?


Gospel

Loved the whole, and Taller Stronger Better was the perfect finish to the concert. There were at least four standing ovations in the hope he would come back but obviously he couldn't do an encore of TSB. I could suggest a repeat of Unforgettable though. It would fit nicely here as the concert is Unforgettable!

and also

In that a friend asked me, so I've just taken a copy of my reply.


He was wonderful. No, what a silly word in the circumstances. Lets see (Friday concert)

he came out as great, but I sensed a slight holding back because it was so overwhelming I think. He warmed up as it went on (this is not really so you'd notice) and then just went from strength to strength. We could have given standing ovations to something like every song bar prob. 4!!! They were superb, moving, magnificent, his voice was totally so impressive, the orchestra love him to death, particularly some of them :lol: :P

The 1st violinist / orchestra leader was so moved on a couple of occasions, he was in 7th heaven himself.

There are singers, many many many wonderful singers but they are first and foremost SINGERS. Voice people.

Guy is not that. He is a born musician. I can tell by his body movements, his arm movements, a tilt of his head just at the right moment, its not just a matter of closing eyes but the whole. Its just that he uses his voice as HIS musical instrument. I know where ****o was coming from when he said he wanted him to just sing straight, because he does that in sound checks and they are like perfection. Awesome, there, is the right word.

But that's not exactly Guy. I'm glad he did do that however, in many of the songs, but if he doesn't - its because he's felt that more music than was provided needs to be there, and so he puts it in with his voice. Thinking on that - he probably needs to give a great deal of thought to each song and what he wants to really add to it.

Having the orchestra, they filled in many of the extra bits that he would want to put there, so the whole was fabulous. I know you're not really into downloads of photos here, so I'll put those in a separate thread - so you can go view - or not.

Closer to the Sun itself is, I believe, a classic in the making. It was very very very close to being the perfect one at the Opera House. It is very close to perfect on the album. But I feel it is so superb, that there is something else that might be added or done - perhaps he might like to talk to Gavin, the conductor. I mean - chat / talk, over tea. Discussion.

He looked as Guy always looks. Super beautiful. There was a general in-sucking of breath when he first came out, all suited and in the pink and silver tie.

There MUST be some sort of DVD of this. If there never is, officially, then I will feel the world will be a poorer place because of it.

--------------

on the Saturday night he was oh so comfortable. He spun, rocked, danced, elvis moves, integrated with the orchestra, 'conducted' with his back (naturally) to Gavin Sutherland the conductor and they BOTH moved almost exactly - it was fabulous to watch. The members of the orchestra were also entranced, when it wasn't their turn to be playing.

[Prinia]

Did I mention we even had Nicole (Kidman) and Keith (Urban) as viewers. Apparently it transpires that Nicole is a HUGE Guy fan, and intimated that many of her friends have his Beautiful Life and Closer to the Sun albums.

Anyhoos

Gavin SUtherland came on board - both on youtube and on the forum, and left this message

See the normal Guy thread here for other stuff - youtube now have some 6 excerpts from the Opera concerts. We have the Hamer Hall concert coming up saturday May 19. These venues are huge, in that they can keep opening up extras and obviously hoping for a complete sellout crowd. That's a big ask, at those prices. Although apparently ticketmaster has offered to drop them down $25 via certain manners of booking. There's so much on atm, however.

You can see the camaraderie between Gaven and Guy in a couple of the Youtube vids. And WE could see the amazing friendship / respect between Guy and the orchestra members, during the concert. I might add, while I've seen plenty of orchestra / singer bits happening over the years, in various States and countries, I've never actually been lucky enough to see the ORCHESTRA give the singer such an ovation after one of the songs. Simply amazing.

[quote name='gavinfc' date='May 13 2007, 09:37 AM' post='457473']
Hi folks!

Well, thank you all, on behalf of the orchestra, choir and myself, for the Fantabulous reception... The band and choir were in considerable awe of Guy - a musician's musician, and make no mistake! (Plus he displayed some hidden talents - to us at least - during rehearsals, playing the drums, piano and guitar obviously, and even a creditable violin! Versatility personified!)

I hope that the Melbourne concert goes as well - ticket sales are progressing slowly :-( but we're doing our out and out best to get more people in... Tell all your friends!!

(Oh, and by the way, thank you all so much for the flowers! Afraid they won't make it back to the UK but they are certainly brightening up my rooms over here!!!)

Take care, and be happy!
All the best,
Gavin. :D

(Forgot to say that it's a real joy working with someone who is streets ahead of the rest. Of course we have now got "The X Factor" as a replacement for Idol in the UK, but the music coming out of there amounts to poor cover versions of the same songs OVER and OVER again. We've got to try and get Guy broken in the UK, and I'm going to talk to my friends at BBC Radio and see what can be done!)

Best wishes,
G. :D



hurry Gavin. Think July 2007?

[Prinia]

http://forums.guysebastian.com.au/index.php?showtopic=16741&st=0&#entry461397

interesting read - Jen21 is actually heavily involved in the Arts scene (stagewise) in Melbourne, and holds a quite prominent position.

It is she who wrote that great review of Parramatta / Candyshop gigs that followed one another early last year (2006)

That's about the 51st time I've heard muso comments re Guy's talent, ability AND enormous stage presence - which isn't an overwhelming stage presence, but rather probably better described by 'best friend / someone you want to listen to and take in / warm' type stage presence. You WANT to listen and look, and the fabulous voice is just the scrumptious icing on the cake. Possibly. (thinking how he looks too - remember, the photos NEVER do him justice).

:love:

[Prinia]

IF you're bored...

http://forums.guysebastian.com.au/index.php?showtopic=16840&st=0


the easiest way. Megan, my very very good friend (that's her, in her siggie) has donated these specials... I've yet to go and try them, but been told they're very good.

[Prinia]

just had an afternoon of viewing the 'unofficial dvds'. We have some mega talented people.

The word is, it was criminal NOT to official dvd / cd this. The word is that The Basement gig is to be done properly (next weekend) and I will be thrilled - when I see it. I am saying nothing more, because the word ALSO is - don't create any waves.

But
it was criminal not to do something with the Opera House concerts. And this comment has been voiced by the near 10,000 people who went to them. Which means there are 10,000 people looking around, and questioning who, and why not.

[Prinia]

This is a review (the only one we can find :( - the Idol mark is well and truly worn, over here in OZ) and its not bad - Be Mine is actually Guy's own song, but certainly - very much in the Nat King Cole vein.

I did notice that the orchestration drowned Guy and the singers out somewhat during the first couple of numbers - did it at the three concerts so I think it is the arrangements that occurred. But it gradually toned down beautifully and as we all knew the first 3-4 numbers by the split second (Out With My Baby, All I Need Is You, Oh Oh, Angels Brought Me Here) twasn't any real worry.

And he didn't have just one standing ovation - he had to keep coming back on stage.

And he MADE Taller Stronger Better the encore - the first night he didn't, and there were something like around 8 standing ovations and they didn't play anything else (could have redone Unforgettable - surely?) so the next lot of concerts they pretended to do TSB as the encore. Cheating (LOL) but made sense - the orchestra, and choir and Guy, only have one rehearsal before the concerts proper!


Written by Carol Middleton


Billed simply as ‘Guy’, the inaugural winner of Australian Idol Guy Sebastian has built a strong fan base, judging from the turnout at his gig with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra at Hamer Hall on Saturday. The hall was packed with men, women and children of all ages. A strange setting for a pop idol, but it didn’t put off the fans, who applauded every song loudly, laughed at every joke and ended up giving Guy a standing ovation.


Guy is still a number one Idol, charming and charismatic. His manner onstage was confident, relaxed, happy and self-effacing. He chatted to his audience as if we were in his lounge room or among the congregation at his church. He took us on a journey through his short career and through the various musical influences that shaped him: Nat King Cole, the Beatles, Elvis, the Righteous Brothers and Gospel music.


Bigger Stronger Better was the name of the tour that consisted of three concerts, two at the Sydney Opera House and this one in Melbourne. The name refers to his self-penned big ballad Taller Stronger, Better, which he sang as the final encore, obviously counting on the fact that he would be called back a couple of times.


Guy performed with the Australian Philharmonic (‘Pops’) Orchestra, a 60-piece orchestra that included harp, grand piano and a drummer, bass player and guitarist. Not to mention a choir of about forty singers. The orchestra was conducted on this occasion by Gavin Sutherland, an exuberant and energetic participant in the celebratory atmosphere. He was very fond of the grand crescendo and matched Guy in passion, but sometimes the vast accompaniment threatened to drown the vocal lead. In the second half, the mike sound and overall balance improved.


It was a generous (two and a half hour), comprehensive performance that started with some of his hits and songs from his latest album Closer to the Sun, including Elevator Love. There were no tributes to Stevie Wonder, one of his primary influences, but Elvis was there, right down to the hip action, which prompted a few screams form the fans, and so was Nat King Cole with Be Mine, a mellow lounge jazz number featuring piano and trumpet. His winning Idol song Angels brought me here started off at a cracking pace but slowed to the beautiful ballad that fits so well this angelic young man.


Pace was a problem at times. Guy would start to improvise a little but be held back by the orchestra, or the orchestra would start off at a gallop and Guy would be unable to hold them back. But they settled into a comfortable zone after a while. The quieter numbers worked well, with Guy able to take more control and weave his magic. His higher register and natural falsetto have astounding strength and clarity.


The first act concluded with Julie Andrews’s Climb Every Mountain, a song that helped him find success while climbing the Idol mountain. It suits his voice perfectly and the string section brought the anthem to a rousing crescendo.


After the interval Guy changed his dark jacket for a snazzy teal suede three-piece suit and launched into his Beatles favourites. With the clearer mike sound we were in for some treats. The orchestra spit into smaller units as accompaniment. Hey Jude featured some nice Ringo-style drumming and audience participation. Yesterday was a highlight of this section. It opened quietly with voice and guitar before adding some lush strings that never overpowered the delicacy of the vocal line and its emotional intensity. Let it Be was less moving, partly because the choir was rather stiff in its interpretation.


It was time for Elvis to return and the Righteous Brothers to make an appearance. Guy handled the deeper notes well, although his middle register was not so strong. He launched into a favourite Nat King Cole song Unforgettable, a crooning number that he suited him but which the orchestra found rhythmically challenging.


Now for one of the strongest influences on this singer – the Church and Gospel music. It became clear why Guy had chosen to perform with the grandeur of a philharmonic orchestra behind him. The soaring strings and brass fanfares are ideal for the expression of joy and religious passion. Amazing Grace was to be the climax of the show, but was followed as an encore by the intimate and touching Falling in love with Jesus. The finale was his hit song Taller, Stronger, Better, an inspiring ballad that brought us up-to-date with his personal journey and ended on a sustained note that lingered hauntingly into the standing ovation.


http://www.australianstage.com.au/reviews/...astian-375.html

Thanks to SOC