Guy Sebastian Captivates at TikTok Entertainment Centre
Over two decades since his Australian Idol victory, Guy Sebastian acknowledges he no longer transitions between songs with the same youthful agility. Yet, his powerful voice and commanding stage presence remain unwavering, even as he dances and delivers high-energy vocals in a fitted red suit beneath warm stage lights.
Perfectly at ease onstage, Sebastian infuses his performance with self-deprecating humor while pouring trademark passion into tracks like ‘Stand With You’ and ‘No Reason to Stay.’ His expressive face, heartfelt lyrics, and rich vocal timbre convey deep tenderness and authenticity.
With a decade of touring and 10 albums behind him, Sebastian treats this show as a playful outing, guiding fans through an engaging journey from hits like ‘Battle Scars’ to his personal favorite from the new album, ‘The Keys,’ penned for his wife.
Effortless chemistry sparks with his backup singers, including members from the Mt Druitt choir. They deliver stunning harmonies on ‘Set In Stone,’ while Carmen Smith’s rap solo in the upbeat ‘Who’s That Girl’ injects fresh energy and depth.
Sebastian stands as an enduring talent, showcasing flawless vocal control, intricate runs, soaring high notes, and profound emotional resonance. Even a fan’s ‘Happy Birthday’ rendition highlights his timeless R&B flair.
Though some slower moments and fan interactions extend the pace, Sebastian maintains audience engagement. He boldly ventures into the crowd for requests, performing Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ and George Michael’s ‘Faith’ with confidence.
His son, Archie Sebastian, joins for Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing,’ earning a standing ovation. The night closes with an infectious medley of ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ and ‘Like It Like That,’ plus an encore of ‘Choir,’ leaving fans exhilarated.
This four-and-a-half-star show relies on Sebastian’s charisma, unparalleled voice, and fan-focused setlist—no elaborate production required.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Symphonic Cinema: The Planets
Music typically heightens cinematic tension or mood with a single chord signaling tenderness or terror. Symphonic Cinema, created by Lucas Van Woerkum, flips this dynamic by pairing an established symphonic piece with synchronized images and a silent narrative during live performance.
Van Woerkum’s ‘Loss’ premieres with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) under Benjamin Northey, overlaying Holst’s ‘The Planets’ suite with stunning visuals of cliffs, birds, and seas; dance from Arts Umbrella Vancouver; and a poignant grief story featuring Emma Thompson and Greg Wise.
For some, music serves as a backdrop to personal reflections, enriched by scenic beauty and the actors’ nuanced portrayals. Others view great symphonies as self-contained narratives, where visuals risk distraction.
Despite gorgeous imagery and strong acting, the film and music occasionally clash in emotional tones. In ‘Mars, the Bringer of War,’ dancers twist in earth, shapes morph, and Thompson joins a hooded procession amid climactic tension. ‘Venus, the Bringer of Peace’ shows her navigating an isolated artist’s studio on sheer cliffs.
Later movements grow more narrative-driven, but details avoid spoilers. Northey and the SSO deliver ‘Mars’ with robust rhythms, while slower sections achieve crystalline clarity. ‘Neptune, the Mystic’ fades into ethereal infinity, voiced by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ women from the galleries.
The program opens with Charles Ives’ introspective ‘The Unanswered Question.’ SSO percussionist Rebecca Lagos then masters Nigel Westlake’s ‘When the Clock Strikes Me’ concerto, an evolved 2006 work. Framed by ticking motifs in a fast-slow-fast continuum, it evokes a child’s dreamlike adventure blurring reality and fantasy.
Lagos navigates a vast instrument array with fluid precision, rhythmic intuition, and Ariel-like agility, immersing audiences in Westlake’s rhythmic dreamscape until its abrupt clap finale. This three-and-a-half-star concert blends innovation and orchestral excellence.
