Frontman Tim Freedman said the upcoming show on May 2, billed as The Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic, continues a long-running tradition of reimagining the band’s extensive catalogue with full orchestral backing - a concept that has evolved over more than two decades.
“We’ve played with over 20 different orchestras over the years,” Freedman said, noting that while the band has collaborated with major state ensembles such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, this latest project takes a more bespoke approach.
Rather than working with an established orchestra, Freedman has assembled a group of leading Sydney-based classical musicians under the banner of the newly formed Sydney Philharmonic for the tour.
“It’s an orchestra that I’ve put together from the pool of great classical musicians in the Sydney area,” said Tim.
The ensemble has already performed together in Newcastle, with the same conductor and most of the same players set to appear at Rooty Hill.
The origins of the idea date back to the early 2000s, when Richard Tognetti of the Australian Chamber Orchestra first suggested adapting some of The Whitlams’ songs for an orchestral setting.
A 2004 commission in Perth marked the beginning of what has since become a recurring feature of the band’s live output.
Since then, the concept has expanded significantly.
“This is our fourth national tour with orchestras,” Freedman said. “And this is the most extensive we’ve done. We’re doing over 20 shows and going to places like Newcastle and Toowoomba and of course Rooty Hill. So it’s expanding, which is exciting for us.”
Freedman said the orchestral arrangements have transformed many of the band’s songs beyond their original recordings.
Early on, he took a hands-off approach, inviting composers to reinterpret the material. “They would come back with all these added melodies and textures,” he said. “That’s why the songs have sometimes changed so much from the album versions.”
The result is a dynamic live experience, with lesser-known tracks often undergoing the most dramatic reinvention, while hit songs are given a more expansive, “magnified” treatment.
The structure of the upcoming show reflects that balance. “The first half is quite atmospheric and poignant,” Freedman said. “And then the second half opens up and we play the hits and have some fun.”
For Tim Freedman, returning to Western Sydney carries added significance. “We used to play Western Sydney a lot around the turn of the century,” he said. “So I’m glad to be taking it back out there.”
The Rooty Hill performance is expected to draw both long-time fans and new audiences, as orchestral collaborations continue to broaden the reach of contemporary Australian music.
Great Southern Nights in association with Concert Lab & Craft Music presents the Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic on May 2 from 7.30pm at The Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill. All the event details, ticket availability, and prices here.
