Live Review: 2CELLOS

Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser are music’s most electric and dynamic instrumental duo, 2CELLOS. For those unfamiliar, a very brief description would be that they are two classically trained cellists who perform covers of modern music. They are two very charismatic performers that have the audience up and out of their seats, dancing throughout the night. There is not a dry eye in the house because they have everyone in the building crying from laughter with their relentless flirting with the audience and self-deprecating sense of humour.

Musically, attendees were eased into the night, with the first half of the set dedicated to showcasing material from  Score which sees the duo covering instantly recognisable and well-loved tunes from popular movies and TV shows such as Game Of Thrones, The Godfather, Titanic and Gladiator. If by some chance, you did not recognise the tune, the visual elements projected on to the screen behind the musicians offered some pretty strong clues as to the origin of the song. 

The mood significantly changed for the second half of the set. Energy levels instantly shot up with high energy pop, rock and metal songs, starting with Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, the song that attracted global attention and propelled them to fame in 2011. They played tunes such as The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army, The Prodigy’s Voodoo People and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit so fervently that Sulic continuously broke his strings and left the audience wondering if his bow was going to survive the night!  The duo were clearly excited to be in Australia evidenced by the inclusion on five AC/DC tracks in the setlist! Hauser really let his inner rock star out and could be spotted wearing glowing devil horns, laying down and writhing around on the stage as well as propelling himself off the stage and running through the crowd, all the while expertly working his cello.

How can one summarise what was witnessed? Classical performance? Rock show? Standup comedy? Well, it’s all in one really! One thing is certain, being a part of a 2CELLOS live performance is one hell of a unique experience!