Lime Cordiale with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra was, simply, a masterpiece.
As an Elder Millennial, it was nothing short of magnificent – and not only because it was live music that started at 7.30pm and was seating only tickets (although that was pretty swell).
The show was a bold blend of Cordiale’s indie-pop charm and the overwhelming wall of sound and grander of WASO which washes over you.
The evening opened with the orchestral re-arrangement of Money – which unbeknownst to me was going to be one of the most glorious compositions my ears ever heard. If there is no live recording I will immediately begin writing to my local council, member of parliament and the ABC. It was simply sensational.
Lime Cordiale with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Photography by Adrian Thomson.
Lime Cordiale then led us through their textbook catchy hooks and cheeky lyrics – all supported with lush, cinematic soundscapes thanks to the arrangement magic of Perth-born Alex Turley. The strings, bass and percussion were kept busy adding the dramatic flair to Robbery and Inappropriate Behaviour, among others.
The die-hard band fans in the audience were treated to a more intimate evening with Oli and Louis – including hearing a touching unreleased song written for their recently passed father called Household Name. Of course, we were also treated to their usual charisma and an insight into their classical band geek roots with Oli pulling out his clarinet and Louis playing his trumpet on a number of occasions.
Lime Cordiale with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Photography by Adrian Thomson.
WASO was at their usual top form – including showing off new talents with an orchestra-wide kazoo tune. It was certainly the first time I’d witnessed a mosh pit at the Orchestra – but maybe this is a sign of a new era for WASO?
Ultimately, it was a joyous, genre-bending night that highlighted the power of musical collaboration. Whether you came for the pop or symphony, you left with a deeper appreciation for both. It is certainly not something I’ll be forgetting soon.