The Cat Empire
Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place, 2601 Acton Directions
Sat 05.09.2026 14:00
The Cat Empire brings their acclaimed orchestral collaboration to Canberra for the very first time, joining forces with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra in a special premiere performance at Llewellyn Hall. This landmark concert sees the band reimagining their catalogue on a grand orchestral scale - blending beloved Cat Empire classics with bold new arrangements written especially for the symphonic stage. Drawing on the band’s signature m ix of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Creole, Brazilian and flamenco influences, the music is expanded and elevated by the full power of the orchestra, creating a rich and immersive live experience. Featuring world class flamenco artists Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco and Chantelle Cano, this premiere performance is a vibrant celebration of rhythm, melody and movement. It showcases The Cat Empire in a bold new light — cinematic, dynamic and unmistakably joyful.
Presented across 3 performances only, this Canberra premiere offers a rare opportunity to experience a spectacular new collaboration on the orchestral stage. Presented by Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Note this show is a matinee show starting at 2pm and an evening show will follow at 7pm.
Performers
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The Cat EmpireAussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres. Illuminating stages across the globe, the band are a magnetic force that have captivated millions of adoring fans with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. With the band’s infectious groove and vibrancy, audiences are guaranteed to shimmy, shake, and sing their way through a Cat Empire set. Continuing the legacy and the driving force behind a fresh new era for the band is Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, two of the original three founding members of the group. Breathing energy into the band, the new project will showcase a wonderful collective of musicians who will make sure to retain the core DNA of The Cat Empire but include more collaborations, influences, and diverse artistry. Leaning into a sense of musical curiosity with boundless possibilities, this newfound spirit promises to shine an even brighter light on the band’s exuberant musicality, elevating their sound and broadening their influences. The Cat Empire’s new show will celebrate movement, vibrancy, and playfulness – with a host of new material as well as the crowd-favourites. With a history of multiple platinum records, awards, sold out tours and over 250 million streams – The Cat Empire have officially entered their golden era. Their 10th studio album Bird In Paradise is out now!