While 2016 has shattered our perception that musical legends are immortal, we will stride into 2017 still trying to cope with the departure of Leonard Cohen. In January, Sydney Festival will become a platform for Aussie artists to pay tribute.
It’s fair to say Australians admire the influential poet and musician, who’s toured Australia several times since 1980 – notably in 2009 when he also donated $200,000 to Victorian Bushfire Appeal for those affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires
Every year, Sydney Festival hosts an outstanding celebration of Sydney’s culture, flaunting the city’s diversity in arts and music with flamboyant performances and activities.
In a fitting farewell, Sydney Festival will honour Leonard Cohen – a musical icon who had an acute impact on Australians.
The show titled Tower of Song includes a rainbow of performers joined by a choir including The Church’s Steve Kilbey, Jack Ladder, Holiday Sidewinder and Broads.
Another significant aspect of the event will be a verbally guided tour of Cohen’s last album, You Want It Darker by acclaimed Cohen interpreter Mikelangelo. Written on his deathbed, the record is one of many examples of his profound works, particularly focusing on death and God.
“This will be a night to remember as we send our beloved poet and songman, Leonard Cohen, into the great beyond,” said Sydney Festival in a statement.
You can attend Tower of Song on January 14 2017 at Meriton Festival Village in Hyde Park North. Information about tickets can be found here.
