The Cat Empire
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, 2000 Sydney Directions
Sat 29.08.2026 19:00
Following the overwhelming response to its 2024 debut, The Cat Empire returns to the Sydney Opera House for a highly anticipated run of encore performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
This special concert sees the band once again reimagining their catalogue on a grand orchestral scale - blending beloved Cat Empire classics with bold new arrangements written especially for this collaboration. Drawing on the band’s signature mix of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Creole, Brazilian and flamenco influences, the music is expanded and elevated by the full force of the orchestra, creating a powerful and immersive live experience.
The 2026 encore shows feature world - class flamenco artists Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco and Chantelle Cano, alongside a large choir, bringing added drama, rhythm and emotion to the stage. The result is a joyous, cinematic celebration of rhythm, melody and movement - showcasing The Cat Empire in a way rarely seen and never forgotten. Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Performers
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The Cat EmpireAussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres. Illuminating stages across the globe, the band are a magnetic force that have captivated millions of adoring fans with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. With the band’s infectious groove and vibrancy, audiences are guaranteed to shimmy, shake, and sing their way through a Cat Empire set. Continuing the legacy and the driving force behind a fresh new era for the band is Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, two of the original three founding members of the group. Breathing energy into the band, the new project will showcase a wonderful collective of musicians who will make sure to retain the core DNA of The Cat Empire but include more collaborations, influences, and diverse artistry. Leaning into a sense of musical curiosity with boundless possibilities, this newfound spirit promises to shine an even brighter light on the band’s exuberant musicality, elevating their sound and broadening their influences. The Cat Empire’s new show will celebrate movement, vibrancy, and playfulness – with a host of new material as well as the crowd-favourites. With a history of multiple platinum records, awards, sold out tours and over 250 million streams – The Cat Empire have officially entered their golden era. Their 10th studio album Bird In Paradise is out now!
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Sydney Symphony Orchestra
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s finest orchestras, founded in 1932 by the Australian Broadcasting Commission.
Resident at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Orchestra’s concerts encompass masterpieces from the classical repertoire, music by some of the finest living composers, and collaborations with guest artists from all genres, reflecting the Orchestra's versatility and diverse appeal.
Australian-born Simone Young commenced her role as Chief Conductor in 2022, the Orchestra’s 90th year.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra also performs in venues throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales, and international tours to Europe, Asia and the USA have earned the Orchestra worldwide recognition for artistic excellence.
The Orchestra’s first chief conductor was Sir Eugene Goossens, appointed in 1947; he was followed by Nicolai Malko, Dean Dixon, Moshe Atzmon, Willem van Otterloo, Louis Frémaux, Sir Charles Mackerras, Zdenêk Mácal, Stuart Challender, Edo de Waart and Gianluigi Gelmetti. Vladimir Ashkenazy was Principal Conductor from 2009 to 2013, followed by David Robertson as Chief Conductor from 2014 to 2019.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is committed to the future of live symphonic music, and the Orchestra promotes the work of Australian composers through performances, recordings and its commissioning program.
