Australia’s Eurovision darlings Electric Fields have set out to accomplish another act to commemorate Country, this time teaming up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Electric Fields, which consists of keyboardist and producer Michael Ross and vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding, have become household names for their blend of contemporary pop, soul, and electronica with nods to Fielding’s Aboriginal heritage.
Partnering with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Electric Fields’ popular works will be recreated on a grand scale. Classical strings and woodwind mesh with Ross’s electronic producer expertise and Fielding’s impressive high notes and incorporation of Yankunytjatjara language.
Composer Alex Turley, who is well-known for his work with Genesis Owusu and Ngaiire, created the orchestral arrangements that would complement the duo’s music.
This isn’t the first time that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has paired up to perform a classic take on modern songs. The orchestra has collaborated with the likes of Genesis Owusu and Vera Blue for one-off intimate performances.
This also isn’t the first time Electric Fields have been name-dropped at the Sydney Opera House, with the duo having soundtracked the prestigious venue for Lighting of the Sails: Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground at the beginning of Vivid Live in 2021.
While having provided the music for the external event, the duo have not played within the venue yet.
Electric Fields made history earlier this year, representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden with their performance of the original song One Milkali (One Blood).
Their performance was the first Eurovision song ever to feature a traditional Aboriginal language, with Fielding singing several verses in his native Yankunytjatjara tongue. While they were knocked out of the contest at the first semi-final, their performance was a huge milestone for Australian Indigenous culture.
The crossover of electronic and classic will take place for one night only at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, October 19th. Tickets will be available from July 25th at sydneysymphony.com.