Type: Acrobatic & orchestra
If you liked: Cirque de la Symphonie
LOUDER: An awe-inspiring display of bodies bending to a symphony soundtrack.
The audience settles, murmurs fade, the curtain opens, the orchestra begins. The acrobats make an unexpected entrance and promptly bound onto the stage with sharp precision and a fluidity that harmonises with the orchestra immediately. Right from the start the intensity makes its mark.
This is LOUDER. A collaboration between Australia’s much loved Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) and the Brandenburger Symphoniker. Bringing two traditional artforms, circus and classical music, together celebrating everything they have in common.
Starting off slow was not part of the plan, it was full steam ahead from the start. Gravity defying stunts and mesmerising routines left the audience captivated as we devoured every combination, every intricate detail, every manoeuvre of effortless physical extension and elevation. Drifting across the stage and scaling vertically, bodies tangled and untangled with such ease and at times what appeared to be slow motion. Every inch of the stage became their playground. The joy was written on their faces, and sometimes sheer exertion as you would expect. The Metropolitan Orchestra led by Sarah- Grace Williams brilliantly synthesised with the dynamic performance and the joy was mirrored. They were one. And it flowed into the audience. It was palpable.
The acrobatic performances were impeccable, although understandably a little wobbly at times but all performers maintained their poise and utter determination to complete every set with the energy and flawless professionalism that GOM is renowned for. The ensemble (Em Gare, Hamish McCourty, Issy Estrella, Ash Youren, Léann Gingras, David Trappes, Skip Walker-Milne, Georgia Webb) is the epitome of strength in every sense, with dedication to their craft and trust in one another shining through every body bending flex.
The dimly lit stage and abstract set design (Marko Respondeck) were a sophisticated match to the introduction of the orchestral sounds. This softness was tempered by the escalating intensity throughout the show. Lighting was used to perfection, masterfully incorporated as a feature in one particular section, superbly supporting the performances. Props were introduced sparingly adding to the drama and retaining the essence of GOM.
In a format that could have easily leaned on the expected sharing of the spotlight this was not the case. Both artforms shone independently while simultaneously melding together. Darcy Grant (Director) brings into focus the overlap of precision and timing but creates space for exuberance and wonderfully delivered humour as some comic relief.
Much more than enjoyable, this is true spectacle suitable for any age to soak in at every angle, throughout the entirety of the show. Where there were dips in excitement, Grant injected audience participation, so we could catch our breath and brace for the next thrilling set of high-flying acrobatics.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get more daring, more expressive or more dangerous they lifted and the audience was there with them, peppering the music with sighs of relief, sealed with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Is LOUDER Worth Seeing in Sydney?
Definitely. An edge-of-your-seat performance packed with supreme agility and effortless power enveloped in a soaring orchestral soundtrack. Superb!
Tickets and Practical Info for LOUDER in Sydney 🎟️
Sydney Opera House
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Season: 25th– 28thJune 2026
Creatives
Created by Gravity & Other Myths in collaboration with the Brandenburger Symphoniker
A cooperation with the Brandenburger Theater, Gravity & Other Myths and Chamäleon Berlin
Director – Darcy Grant
Associate Director – Lachlan Binns
Composers – Sxip Shirey and Quentin (Quincy) Grant
Musical Advisors – Christie Anderson and Rachel Jayson
Musical Editor – Sam Kaseta
Lighting and Stage Design – Marko Respondeck
Creative Producer – Jascha Boyce
Production Managers – Martin Schreiber, Belinda Respondeck
Cast
Acrobatic Ensemble – Em Gare, Hamish McCourty, Issy Estrella, Ash Youren, Léann Gingras, David Trappes, Skip Walker-Milne, Georgia Webb
Conductor – Sarah-Grace Williams
Orchestra – The Metropolitan Orchestra
