Last night I was amoung the privileged few to see Sting at the Sydney Opera House. This was no ordinary Sting concert. He sang and read from letters from a famous 17th century Elizabethan composer and Lutenist John Dowland, and he himself played the Lute.
Accompanying him was a phenomenal Lutenist Edin Karamazov, so consumed and passionate in his delicate playing of the instrument. At times he was also accompanied by a group he affectionately referred to as 'the children', an eight piece vocal group from London - Stile Antico - Heavenly voices.
Stings' voice was wonderful to listen to, and well suited this style. His talent as a singer truly shone as times it was just his voice filling the hall. The lute is an amazing instrument to hear. The intimate setting certainly added to the magic.
He ended with a few modern songs, including one of my favourites Fields of Gold, all adapted to the Lute of course.
It was truly wonderful, a once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful to have experienced, and it was made even more magical because I shared it with a very dear friend - thank you for the invite. ... and a very Happy Birthday for Wednesday.
Here is a video I found on youtube for a little taste of what it was like......