One of the world's most celebrated R&B artists Lalah Hathaway is coming to Melbourne's Hamer Hall for a very special performance of her father's work.
The MSO, in partnership with Melbourne International Jazz Festival, has announced five-time Grammy-award winner, Lalah Hathaway singing the songs of her legendary father, Donny Hathaway, in her Australian debut performance at Hamer Hall on October 22.
Legacy: Lalah Hathaway Sings Donny Hathaway
- Friday 21 Oct and Saturday 22 Oct, 7:30pm
- Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
- Tickets on sale 10am, Friday 19 August at mso.com.au
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Lalah is one of the pre-eminent R&B artists of the past 30 years. After releasing her debut album back in 1990, she entered her career peak in the 2000s. She’s won an incredible five Grammy awards since 2013 alone, from a total of 10 nominations. She’s shared the stage with the likes of Prince, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock — as well as collaborating with modern jazz and hip-hop heavyweights Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper and Esperanza Spalding.
Her father Donny was a soul legend – awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 – known for his incredible solo recordings that have influenced artists from Alicia Keys to George Benson, Justin Timberlake (who famously called him “the best singer of all time” and Amy Winehouse, who called him her favourite artist of all time. His work is now regarded as a foundation of American soul, so seeing Lalah perform it live – for the first time in a show dedicated to her father – may well be a once-in-a-lifetime proposition.
Exclusive to Melbourne, Lalah will perform Legacy: Lalah Hathaway Sings Donny Hathawaywith the MSO under the baton of Principal Conductor in Residence, Benjamin Northey. The concert honours the legacy and work of her illustrious father – it will be the first ever show where Lalah has dedicated the entire performance wholly to her father Donny’s repertoire.
An orchestral tribute to her father’s work, Legacy was originally arranged and conducted by multi-Grammy-Award winning American composer Vince Mendoza and debuted in New York in 2019. Lalah’s song ‘Show Me Your Soul’, from the hit documentary Mr. Soul! was featured on the Oscars 2021 shortlist for Best Original Song
Gifted with rare polyphonic abilities, Lalah Hathaway’s vocal prowess is undeniable, and her soulful jazz expression and technical virtuosity unparalleled. Her music transcends genre – from R&B ballads to pop standards and soulful jazz. This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to see a true modern master alongside Australia’s leading symphony orchestra.
Tickets on sale 10am, Friday 19 August.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
