VERA BLUE + THE SMITH STREET BAND ANNOUNCED AS FIRST ARTISTS FOR ‘STRINGS ATTACHED’ CONCERT SERIES WITH BRISBANE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Fortitude Music Hall & Brisbane Symphony Orchestra (BSO) are excited to reveal today the series’ first two performances with contemporary acts, Vera Blue and The Smith Street Band for Strings Attached.

Kicking off the first show is lyrical singer-songwriter and ARIA-nominated artist Vera Blue, known for her ethereal stage presence and soaring vocals. Playing on Friday 26th March the set will combine Vera’s folk-tinged moody electronica with traditional string accompaniment from the BSO, and The Fortitude Music Hall’s grand acoustics.

The Brisbane Symphony Orchestra will be led by Conductor Emeritus Antoni Bonetti, the Orchestra conductor and violinist. Antoni Bonetti says, “What an honour and privilege to support the Wonderful Voice of Vera Blue, with her songs of magic and charisma. 

The Smith Street Band will also play with BSO, on Saturday 22nd May. Starting their 2021 returning to the stage after their fifth studio album ‘Don’t Waste Your Anger’ debuted at #1 on the ARIA Album Charts. The Melbourne band will bring to the stage their high energy, rhythmic guitars and trademark vocals, fusing string orchestra with contemporary rock, to create a unique musical experience.

The Smith Street Band’s leading man, Wil Wagner tells us, “Ever since I heard Smashing Pumpkins’ orchestral rock classic ‘Tonight, Tonight’ I’ve always dreamt of getting the chance to play with a symphony orchestra! The way the strings and horns blend with distorted guitars and yelled vocals is exciting and unique and very powerful! I can’t wait to hear the timpanis double floor toms, the cellos under distorted bass and the wall of noise made by our guitars and the orchestra’s strings! These shows are gonna be very special, Brisbane we cannot wait!”

Strings Attached was made possible via the support from the Federal Government’s RISE Grant initiative. Federal Member of Brisbane Trevor Evans says, “All of us around Brisbane as consumers of performing arts love the idea that we can get back into seeing and hearing great performances in the year ahead”.

Venue Co-Owner and ex-basisst of Powderfinger, John ‘JC’ Collins adds: “As a musician, if it was our day, we would have jumped at the chance to play with the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. From the venue’s point of view, it’s very exciting to see some music back in here. From the federal government, the support we’ve had has been very important and significant, and it means that it’s going to be a long recovery for the industry. We’re all very excited to come here to see some good contemporary artists play alongside the orchestra”.

Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity uniting traditional and contemporary music at Brisbane’s premier music venue, The Fortitude Music Hall for a grand and unforgettable experience.

Members pre-sale begin Thu 11 February, 9am AEST – Friday 12 February, 8am AEST
General public tickets are on sale Friday 12 February, 9am AEST