I am a fan of Birdy. Not necessarily one who created a shrine to her talent, like a few of my friends who attended, nay, I just an average Birdy fan. May I say, seeing Birdy live in concert at the Sydney Opera House was beyond all of my expectations, it was truly magical. The performance from the young British singer was very fitting, the sophistication and elegance of the Opera House seemed to bow to her humility and modesty. She didn’t speak too much to the audience, only introduced her songs, then giggled when fans crooned praises and worship. Had she stood up from behind her piano and stolen the stage, it wouldn’t have been Birdy, and I’m glad I saw her. Birdy, live, was an amazing treat. In her soundtrack, her orchestra is perfect and equalised and majestic and her vocals are impressive to say the least. However, her live performance is greater than any sound device could give. For those unfamiliar with Birdy, I recommend Comforting Sounds as an example of orchestral glory and vocal control. The girl has a raw, powerful, strong voice that she can harness with such ease. The control she showed blew me away as she whispered to her audience, then grew louder in a cresendo to overwhelming waves of sound, then back to a quiet whisper. I never realised the full potential of her voice before. It’s sweet and beautiful and the Opera House had the perfect acoustics and sounding for this.
On the scale of concerts, Birdy was very tame, and the audience was open all ages, but when she finished, she was thanked with a standing ovation from the whole House. Birdy opened with a cover of The XX’s song Shelter and closed with Fire and Rain, pleasing the crowd with well-loved favourites such as the cover of Bon Iver’sSkinny Love. Not only did her set list cover all of her-self titled album, but also three more; Learn Me Right for the Brave soundtrack and two others. Wonderfully supported by Lewis Watson and LakynHeperi, the night was one I would gladly relive. British indie-folk singer Lewis Watson already has a strong following to his soft, smooth and intimate acoustic guitar. LakynHeperi, star from The Voice Australia was so talented both vocally and with his acoustic guitar skills. His performance since The Voice had improved and matured and listening to him sing with Watson and Birdy was a privilege. I hope to see great things from these young performers. Birdy finishes her Australian tour at the Sydney Opera from the 12-14th of April.
