Amy and Adele: Elyse Evangelista shines with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
by Scott Roos
photos courtesy of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
Some songs are so intrinsically beautiful that they need little more than the right voice to bring them to life. Others seem destined for the grandeur of a full orchestra. At the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s recent Amy and Adele concert (Saturday, Oct. 24), vocalist Elyse Evangelista demonstrated both, delivering an emotionally charged celebration of two of contemporary music’s most distinctive voices.
Evangelista’s voice was the evening’s greatest asset. Rich, thick and powerful, it had the depth and character to do justice to the catalogues of Amy Winehouse and Adele. Just as importantly, she understood that these songs demand more than technical proficiency. Through expressive physical movements, facial expressions and nuanced delivery, she brought each performance to life without simply imitating the artists who made the songs famous.
That distinction was particularly evident in “You Know I’m No Good.” Winehouse’s voice and attitude were so singular that interpreting her music without losing its essence is no easy task. Evangelista captured the song’s swagger and character while making it distinctly her own. It was a perfect example of the concert’s approach: celebrating the music rather than impersonating its original performers.
Musical arranger Donovan Seidle deserves considerable credit for the evening’s success. Orchestral accompaniment can sometimes overwhelm popular music, distracting from what made the original recordings special. Here, the arrangements enhanced each song’s intrinsic beauty without competing for attention. The orchestra illuminated the music’s emotional dimensions, giving familiar material fresh depth.
“Hello” benefited enormously from this treatment. The orchestral textures added weight to an already emotional song, while Evangelista delivered it with sensitivity and control. “Someone Like You” was another highlight, continuing a particularly strong showing for the ballads. These performances demonstrated how effectively thoughtful orchestration can complement a compelling vocal performance.
“Rumour Has It” offered a welcome change of pace. Seidle’s arrangement was particularly effective, and Evangelista’s sharp inflection conveyed the song’s playful attitude. She clearly enjoyed leaning into its rhythmic character, bringing an infectious energy that contrasted nicely with the evening’s more introspective moments. Of note and worthy of mention are backup singers Holly Gilroy and Greg Kurtsin who playfully backed up Evangelista on this particular song.
Then there was “Skyfall.” WOW. The orchestral accompaniment elevated an already magnificent song into something genuinely cinematic. Sweeping instrumental textures amplified its inherent drama, while Evangelista’s powerful, dramatic vocal tone was perfectly suited to the material. It was one of the evening’s defining moments, with every element working together to deliver the song at its grandest.
Throughout the concert, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra sounded superb. Its precision, versatility and sensitivity were on full display, reinforcing the ensemble’s reputation as a world-class orchestra. Conductor Janna Sailor was equally engaging to watch. Her expressive gestures and stylistically varied beat patterns suited the music while keeping the performance visually dynamic. She has a knack for bringing out the best in the musicians.
Ultimately, Amy and Adele succeeded because it understood what makes these songs endure. Evangelista supplied the vocal power and emotional connection, Seidle crafted arrangements that served the music, and the SSO provided the colour and dramatic scope to bring everything together.
The concert honoured two remarkable artists while giving their music a fresh perspective. Evangelista has spoken about rediscovering her creativity through this project, and that sense of freedom was evident onstage. If it inspires her to continue exploring her own musical voice, audiences may have even more to look forward to beyond this memorable evening.
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