🎶 The Cat Empire ‘Encore Symphony Tour’ @ Sydney Opera House — 27/08/2026 🎶

Well Hello Hello, it’s time to embark on The Chariot of musical glory! Tonight, we’re in for a special treat.

Since the band’s formation in 1999 and the subsequent release of the infectious, memorable smash hit Hello in 2001, The Cat Empire have become Australia’s pioneering jazz/funk/pop party band!!

From releasing 10 studio albums containing party anthems such as Hello, The Chariot and Prophets In The Sky, plus many more, to captivating fans across Australia and around the world on countless tours, and even embracing new beginnings after four members retired from the band in 2021, The Cat Empire, led by Felix on vocals, who founded the band in ’99, have truly earned their acclaim and rave reviews!

Now, the band have the opportunity that so many bands/artists dream of: performing in the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra FOR THE SECOND TIME!

That’s right, folks! In 2024, the band were lucky enough to do this as part of a national orchestra tour, which I sadly missed.

But not this time, baby!

Tonight is the first of THREE sold-out shows, so let’s see what I missed out on two years ago!

I’m gonna do this a lil’ bit differently. Normally, I’d start at the beginning and take you through the show from start to finish, but I feel that might not be necessary.

The Cat Empire’s music on its own is so full of complex layers and textures in a rich, exciting blend of jazz, funk, reggae, Latin, soul, pop and alternative rock. With the addition of a full-scale symphony orchestra plus a chamber choir, it is absolutely breathtaking!

From start to finish, the way both the band, orchestra and choir work in sync so beautifully isn’t like adapting and changing the band’s music into entirely new renditions of tracks, or like the band performing with the orchestra simply filling in the blanks in the background.

Instead, the band, orchestra and choir all merge, becoming one, expanding the music, not changing it!

It’s kinda like listening to a song you love on your phone several times, then you put super high-quality headphones on and suddenly you’re immersed in so many exquisite sounds you didn’t realise the song featured!

Sometimes the choir is at the forefront with multi-layered harmonies, and at other times the choir is a backdrop for Felix’s captivating voice to reign supreme, with the choir lifting his voice even higher.

And the way the band and orchestra work together is remarkable. There are several times where I have to double-check with my friend — as I’m blind, remember — if the trumpets that I’m hearing are in fact Lazaro in the band, or the orchestra. Or if that dazzling piano work is the band’s pianist Daniel… or, again, the orchestra.

The energy. The vibe.

Now for the energy of the show, the vibe.

This isn’t a rock ’n’ roll show, so there’s no raucous rock energy like, “HOW YA F**KIN’ GOIN’, SYDNEY?! LET’S PUMP THE ENERGY UP WITH THIS NEXT ONE!”

And I doubt there’s any breast flashing going on…

Except for me.

Just kidding. 😂

Instead, the show is filled with an atmosphere that makes you want to smile, clap and dance/shake it to. I know I do! It’s simply fun! This essence is further added to by the addition of two Spanish dancers, and wow, it sounds incredible what they’re doing with their feet!

After an intermission, the second half was where the bangers that got a lot of the audience up and dancing came out, I’m told. And by the elevated intensity of the cheering and singing along, I’m not at all surprised!

What did help bridge the slightly lower energy in the first half of the set before the intermission was lead singer Felix bringing his young daughter on stage to sing a new track that isn’t yet released.

Felix’s daughter also dances with the Spanish dancers, which is really special, and I can imagine looks so cute!

The excitement filling the venue is affirmation that everyone loves getting to hear a new song that hasn’t yet been recorded or even performed before, plus witnessing something personal and special!

As for the sound mix tonight, it’s evident that the sound mixer is one that often works with the orchestra and choir, as the sound is phenomenal across all instruments.

No sound is harsh, domineering when it shouldn’t be, or lacking.

No, it’s quite simply put, perfect.

If I wanted to just zone in on one instrument in particular, like the piano or Latin guitar, I can.

And, of course, Felix’s vocals!

So, in summary…

The band didn’t play their biggest hit, Hello, and didn’t play The Chariot or Prophets In The Sky — which I’ve come to know are always featured at a typical TCE show, with The Chariot being a grand finale. But honestly?

It didn’t matter!

Both my friends — one attending the soundcheck this morning with me and the other at the show tonight — agree that the whole show is fun and gives you goosebumps, regardless of them not knowing a single song!

So how’s this for a selling point:

Love music?

Love having fun?

Love surprises?

This is the show for you!

Until next time, keep a Keen Eye 4 Concerts… 🎶