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State Theatre, Sydney

Damien Leith performs Roy Orbison with symphony orchestra

Where
State Theatre
State Theatre
49 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
When

Saturday 30 September 2023 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Join award-winning singer Damien Leith and a 28-piece concert orchestra as he takes you on a nostalgic journey through the legendary music of Roy Orbison.

‘Roy Orbison Orchestrated’ features elegant and uplifting arrangements of Roy’s timeless classics. Conducted and masterfully arranged by Australia’s 2022 Young composer winner, Emma Greenhill.

The show will feature Roy’s biggest hits including ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’, ‘You Got it’, ‘Crying’ and so much more. Filled with emotion, and world class musicianship, Damien will breathe new life into fan-favourites and raise the roof in celebration of one of the world’s greatest singers.

“Very few voices excite me, but I fell in love with Damien’s voice when I heard it. His unique voice has inspired me to write again, much in the same way Roy Orbison’s voice inspired me to write.” Joe Melson (co-writer of ‘Crying’, ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Blue Bayou’)

Damien has always had a strong affinity with Roy Orbison. His multiplatinum album ‘Roy – A Tribute to Roy Orbison’ stayed in the ARIA Top 20 chart for 22 weeks . Recorded in Nashville and executive produced by Roy’s late wife, Barbara Orbison and many musicians and writers associated with Roy Orbison during his career. Barbara Orbison loved working with Damien: “Damien, I applaud you for doing a Roy album. Thank you. We wish you every bit of luck and success. You got it!”

For Damien Leith himself, Roy Orbison is still one of his biggest influences, and it shows in the care he takes when paying homage to the great man’s music on stage. “Roy was a stylus, he created his own unique sound which made him stand out over so many other artists,” says Damien. “His incredible voice, mixed with dramatic pop/opera melodies became his signature.

Working with Barbara on my album Roy – A Tribute To Roy Orbison was amazing. It was incredible to have her support and confidence in me, especially in interpreting Roy’s songs and giving them my own stamp. Also, while recording that album I met Joe Melson – who co-wrote Only The Lonely and Crying – and we have since become good friends and write together online almost every week”. Melson says: “Damien’s voice is superb and he sings from the heart.”

Damien Leith first captured the hearts of the Australian public in the 2006 reality television show Australian Idol, a series he went on to win. Since then he has enjoyed platinum selling albums and multiple awards including ARIAs, MTV Australia Video Music Awards and Helpmann Awards. In addition to his incredible musical successes, he has also hosted and co-hosted multiple television shows, penned two novels, and continues to cohost a popular ARN breakfast radio show, Wave FM in the Illawarra.

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