Symphonicity: 2010/11

Sting enchants Symphonica in Rosso...

Following the example of Marco Borsato, Paul de Leeuw, and Diana Ross, it's Sting's turn this year.

With an oeuvre ranging from rock to jazz, he no longer needs to prove his versatility. Nevertheless, expectations are high.

For the occasion, major hits by Sting and The Police have been adapted for the orchestra. The success of these arrangements is evident from the very first notes. Without a supporting act, Sting takes the stage with "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You." He himself only subtly references the theme: Under his black suit, he wears a red shirt, and his jacket, like that of his bandmates, is adorned with a red flower.

The audience, as diverse as the singer's oeuvre, sings along to all the well-known songs from the very first words. Softly, as accompanied by strings and wind instruments, the music, from "Englishman In New York" to "Roxanne," sounds equally subtle and understated. The bombastic "Russians" is an exception. For a moment, it feels as if the Cold War, the song's theme, is still as fresh in memory as its lyrics.

The lighting is atmospheric, and the video animations of a starry sky occasionally transport you to a Disney fairy tale. It feels, especially after the intermission, like a visit to the theatre, with the difference that this one can hold over 30,000 people.

Even before the intermission, the first guest is proudly announced. Joe Sumner is the gifted singer of Fiction Plane and, last but not least, the son of Sting. Dutch music lovers have been treated to the song "Two Sisters" at festivals before, but never before has Joe's father provided the backing vocals for this one.

Besides Joe Sumner, Dutch pride Kyteman is also invited to take the stage. Whether he's performing with his own hip-hop orchestra or with a world star like Sting, the trumpeter is completely at home. During "All Would Envy," he single-handedly blasts the entire orchestra into the background for a few minutes.

Another notable guest is bandoneon player Carel Kraayenhof, who accompanies Sting tonight on the classic "Moon Over Bourbon Street."

After two hours of uninterrupted hits, nothing seems to be left to be desired. Nevertheless, an extended encore follows. After "Desert Rose," in which Kyteman also makes a reappearance, and "Fragile," Sting concludes the concert with an a cappella performance of "I Was Brought To My Senses." For anyone who still had doubts, this proves it: Sting enchants. With or without a band or orchestra.

© NU.nl by Marina Veereschild

Sting keeps Symphonica subdued...

In recent years, Symphonica in Rosso was a vibrant celebration in a packed and convivial GelreDome. This year's version, with Sting as the main guest, clearly lacked the exuberance of previous editions. The singer has opted for a predominantly subdued concert. It delivers beautiful arrangements with a symphony orchestra, but after a while, it becomes somewhat monotonous, leaving you longing for a bit more energy.

This is especially true before the intermission. On the other hand, Sting's voice, now 59, has lost little of its power and doesn't tire easily. Moreover, he is fortunate enough to have written many strong compositions, which are enjoyable to listen to, regardless of the performance.

Sting's fit within the tried-and-true Symphonica concept is largely due to his tenth studio album, which he released this summer: the lukewarmly received "Symphonicities." On that album, he sings songs by himself and The Police, accompanied by a symphony orchestra. In this context, he is currently touring with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. For GelreDome, the concert has been adapted and expanded with guest artists: his son Joe Sumner of Fiction Plane, bandeon player Carel Kraayenhof, and trumpeter Colin Benders, aka Kyteman.

Sting resists the temptation to go all out with such a large orchestra. It's striking, however, that several songs perform much better in this setting than others. A song like "Englishman in New York" is made for such a performance and holds up well, while the Police classic "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" is less suitable and unfortunately degenerates into a cheerful, bouncy number whose magic has vanished.

Fortunately, he has created a new arrangement for Roxanne instead of the overblown version on his recent album, which is a welcome change. Joe Sumner sings his own hit "Two Sisters," Kraayenhof plays beautifully on "Moon Over Bourbon Street," and Kyteman is given free rein to solo on "All Would Envy."

At the end, Sting truly lets loose with "Every Breath You Take" and the cheerful "She's Too Good For Me." With a subdued "Fragile," he provides a sensitive ending to this fifth Symphonica adventure.

© De Gelderlander by Maarten Reith