Billy Joel’s career, spanning from the 1970s to today, remains legendary. With countless hits and best-selling albums, his music has stood the test of time, remaining as relevant now as ever. A masterful lyricist and composer, Joel crafts melodies that linger long after the song ends. Experiencing his music reimagined with a full orchestra was nothing short of remarkable. The rich layers and textures of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra transformed these classic rock anthems, giving them an almost cinematic depth.
Piano Man – Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel was a vibrant tribute to his incredible songbook, filling the Adelaide Festival Theatre with energy and nostalgia. For longtime fans, it was a journey back in time, while for new listeners, it was a perfect introduction to his timeless music.
The performance showcased the vocal talents of four of Australia’s finest artists: Josh Piterman, Phil Burton, Alinta Chidzey, and Jess Hitchcock. Piterman’s classical tone added warmth to Joel’s classics, such as Vienna and a medley of She’s Always a Woman and She’s Got a Way, performed as a duet with Burton. His voice blended seamlessly with the rest of the ensemble in the group numbers. Burton exuded charisma, lighting up the Festival Theatre with his engaging presence. His voice was perfectly suited to Joel’s extensive repertoire, with standout performances including Turn the Lights Back On—Billy Joel’s newest song, released in 2024—and his stirring rendition of Piano Man.
Chidzey’s soaring vocals brought power to hits like New York State of Mind and You’re Only Human (Second Wind). Her pop sensibilities added a fresh dimension to Joel’s music, particularly in Just the Way You Are, where her compelling storytelling captivated the audience. Hitchcock, a familiar presence for Adelaide audiences—having performed at the 2024 Cabaret Festival—demonstrated her incredible versatility. Effortlessly transitioning between styles, she delivered breathtaking performances of ballads like Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) and And So It Goes (where she also played the piano), while unleashing dynamic energy in This Is the Time and My Life.
The evening was elevated by the extraordinary talent of Vanessa Scammell, one of Australia’s most sought-after conductors and musical directors. Her ability to draw pop nuances from classically trained musicians was mesmerizing, bringing out the perfect phrasing and accents for each melody. Watching her at work was spellbinding—her baton and hands weaving magic, resulting in a truly spectacular auditory experience.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) infused their own brilliance into Billy Joel’s music, with expert arrangements by Nicholas Buc. His orchestrations were exquisite, sometimes emphasizing Joel’s melodic motifs, other times adding rich layers of color and depth. Piano Man was a testament to ASO’s versatility, welcoming audiences who might never have experienced a live orchestral performance before.
Supporting the ASO was a stellar rhythm section featuring Sam Leske on guitar, Nick Sinclair on bass, Ben Todd on drums, and one of Australia’s most in-demand pianists, Jack Earle. These exceptional musicians provided the rock foundation needed for an unforgettable night.
Bringing the show to true rock-concert levels was Peter Rubie’s masterful lighting design, accompanied by a flawless audio mix. (While the audio technician wasn’t credited, their work deserves high praise!)
Whether you’re a devoted Billy Joel fan, a rock and pop enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the brilliance of the ASO, Piano Man was a night of music that celebrated the legend himself—leaving audiences dancing all the way to the car park.
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