Aussie icons The Cat Empire expand Australian tour to Adelaide

After previously announcing dates in Melbourne and Sydney, legendary Australian band, The Cat Empire, will also be joining forces with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) for a string of electrifying performances featuring their most beloved tunes and exuberant new music.

Featuring world-class flamenco artists,Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco and Chantelle Cano, this tour will showcase a vibrant orchestral reinterpretation of The Cat Empire’s new material and classic songs, as they unite with the QSO (19 September), TSO (1 October) and ASO (4 – 5 October) for a truly immersive concert experience.

Following the successful collaboration between Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill and orchestras on the Spinifex Gum concerts, this exciting new collaboration brings together a diverse melting pot of Australian talent, paired with Riebl’s distinctive style. Arrangements for these special shows has been developed with The Cat Empire’s long-time musical director Ross Irwin.

Illuminating stages across the world for the past two decades, The Cat Empire has captivated millions with their high energy performances and explosive sounds. Building on their impressive legacy, Riebl and McGill are also the driving forces behind the band’s fresh future, recently welcomed bassist Grace Barbe, trumpet player Lazaro Numa and percussionist Neda Rahmani into the Empire.

For the ASO’s principal percussion/timpani, Sami Butler, it is a dream come true performance as he happily recalls that as a youngster, among the very first CDs he owned – was a treasured recording of The Cat Empire.

“The Cat Empire was one of the major soundtracks of my childhood, as many other 90s kids would agree, so it’s crazy to think that I’ll be performing alongside them with the ASO later this year,” he said.

“I remember playing an arrangement of ‘Hello’ in my primary school concert band, so it’ll be nice to get a crack at it again some 20 years later. Hopefully I’ve improved!”

New influences and band members will see the band lean heavily into the vibrant worlds of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Creole, Brazilian and flamenco music. Combined with lead singer Riebl’s unique sense of musical style, The Cat Empire creates a sound that is truly international while remaining true to the band’s unique place in the Australian musical landscape.  The Cat Empire’s orchestral tour will continue to thrill and captivate audiences with a high-energy and spirited live performance. 

The Cat Empire with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Dates:  Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October 2024, 7.30pm
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Tickets: Sign up for the presale at aso.com.au/thecatempire
Presale starts 11am (ACST) Wednesday 12 June.
General Public on sale 11am (ACST) Friday 14 June at aso.com.au/thecatempire