The Sydney Opera House was transformed into one big celebration on Saturday night as Australian favourites “The Cat Empire” brought their infectious blend of jazz, funk, soul, afro and Latin rhythms to the stage in a magnificent production with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Gondwana, Sydney Symphony Schools & Sydney Children’s Choirs. A special thanks deservingly went out to The Cat Empire’s long standing trumpeter & musical director, Roscoe James Irwin, for creating the opportunity for this experience.
Sydney Symphony Conductor Carlo Antonioli has a spring in his steps as we notice him enjoying every minute swivelling to the beat and tuning into the rhythm of the music. Translating the energy into a dynamic orchestral cinematic music experience. Whilst, Choir master, Sam Allchurch wonderfully leads the united choirs to sing angelic spirit into their vocals leaving you with goosebumps.
Trumpets, percussion, piano, strings and infectious international rhythms The Cat Empire have created contemporary classical music for everyone. Lead singer, Felix Riebl, warms the stage with his genuine appreciation for the audiences as he projects his humble vocals into the Concert Hall for known hits, ‘Two Shoes’, ‘Blood on the Stage’ & ‘Still Young’ & more. Ollie McGill an original member and life long friend performs an astonishing piano piece as part of the nights performance. His mastery on the keys is a wonder they don’t float off the stage. Bass & vocals artist Grace Barbé, grounds the stage with her award winning funk.The Empire Horns shine front and centre, Roscoe James Irwin on trumpet & flugelhorn, Kieran Conrau on trombone & cornet and Lazaro Numa on trumpet, percussion & vocals. This trio bring the musical celebration to life as only bright horns can. Daniel Farrugia on drums mysteriously maintains the foundational rhythmic beat throughout the entire evening without a flaw, whilst percussion & vocals star Neda Rahmani sparkles as she flips her hair, twirls her skirt, spins her heels channelling the movement into every flick of the wrist.
Throw in the fabulous flamenco ensemble, Arte Kenela and suddenly you’ve been invited to one very sophisticated Spanish fiesta musical street party. Richard Tedesco, flamenco guitarist and musical director/composer, blesses the air with his aromatic strings as flamenco dancers Johnny Tedesco (and percussionist) and Chantelle Cano push their feet to the beat with the true intense passion of dance! Demonstrating and embracing the physical art form of their music.
The playfulness shared through smiles on stage is just as important as the sentimental value within their music. A heart warming moment as lead singer, Felix Riebl, brings his daughter on stage to sing with him to share a gift of new music for a new generation.
By the end of the night The Cat Empire have managed to turn strangers into friends as the entire audience stands up out of their seats to dance and wave their hands to the joyous and nostalgic melodies. An encore clap is heard and the band return to the stage turning the seated show into an Opera House party.
The profound and obvious connection between these musicians is magic as is their fan base of over 20 years. Felix paid homage to the multi generations of fans that have supported The Cat Empire and were attending tonight.
Everyone surely left better than they arrived. An inspiring soul lifting experience for all.
The Cat Empire Performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Gondwana, Sydney Symphony Schools & Sydney Children’s Choirs over 3 days at the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera house between 27th and 29th August 2026.
Concert photography by Cassandra Hannagan
