Perth Concert Hall played host to a night of glitz and glamour with Australian music legend Kate Ceberano sparkling with her sold out ‘My Life in a Symphony’ show, leaving fans old and new breathless, with a spellbinding performance. Accompanied by the outstanding Perth Symphony Orchestra, Ceberano dazzled as she delivered a near two-hour set, filled with songs that highlighted her forty year career, which has spawned thirty albums during that time.
Performing tracks from her ARIA nominated album ‘My Life is a Symphony’, the multi-award winning star opening the night with her biggest chart success, ‘Pash’ before delivering ‘Sweet Inspiration’ from her 2021 album of the same name. Ceberano has an ability to capture the audience’s attention throughout with anecdotes and stories, humorously delivered as if they were between two friends chatting over a glass of wine. Indeed, we were made to feel like we were part of Kate’s extended family, such was the warmth and personal insights.
‘Courage’, ‘Earth & Sky’ & ‘Sunburn’ were enhanced by the sheer brilliance of Perth Symphony Orchestra, with Kate telling tales of the song’s creations and why they mean so much to her, before hitting every note with crisp precision, and showing just why she is respected as one of our country’s finest female vocalists.
The sheer enjoyment brought by performing these songs is etched across Kate’s face, with a smile that brings light the darkest of rooms. ‘Time to Think’ was delivered with power and passion. We were able to draw our emotive breaths as ‘Champion’ from her 2013 release ‘Kensal Road’ took us to the break.
‘Brave’ opened the second half of the show, before one of the biggest cheers of the night as Ceberano talked fondly of John Farnham, Jon English and long-time friend Jon Stevens, before delivering a faultless performance of ‘Everything’s Alright/I Don’t Know How to Love Him, from the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Special mentions must also go to Jonathon Zion (bass) and Kathleen Halloran (guitar) who provided electric depth to the music, as well as backing vocals beautifully provided by Ceberano’s own daughter, Gypsy Rogers.
‘Cherry Blossom Lipstick’ and ‘Louis’s Song’ highlighted the versatility and depth of Kate’s song writing talents. ‘Mirrorball’ allowed Ceberano to request exactly that, three of them in fact, as the Concert Hall was illuminated by a thousand shards of light, reflecting across the walls and ceiling. Leonard Cohen’s ‘If It Be Your Will’ closed the second set, with the Perth crowd displaying their gratitude with a standing ovation. A double encore allowed Ceberano to shine with Minnie Riperton’s ‘Les Fleur’ once again seeing the Perth audience rising to their feet in unison, sharing their appreciation for a night of breath taking music, in the presence of one of country’s most incredible performers.
Kate Ceberano returns to the stage in 2024 with a few tickets still up for grabs. ‘My Life is a Symphony’ is a night of sheer musical heaven, so don’t miss out. Tickets available at www.kateceberano.com
With thanks to Face to Face Touring for the media access. Photos by Hunter Brothers Media.
