Ben Folds will return to Adelaide for the first time in six years, joining the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for two performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February 2027.
The concerts mark the first announcement of the ASO’s 2027 Season, with the Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, composer and pianist set to reimagine his beloved songbook with conductor Carlo Antonioli and the orchestra.
The collaboration builds on a relationship spanning two decades. ASO’s Director of Artistic Planning, Simon Lord, says the chemistry between the orchestra and Folds is undeniable.
“There is an undeniable chemistry between the ASO and Ben, with his repertoire well suited to a symphonic setting. We are pleased to welcome Ben back for two special performances in February,” Lord said.
The Adelaide dates form part of a national tour that will see Folds perform with five of Australia’s leading symphony orchestras, including the Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.
“Sharing the stage with an orchestra as my band is an honor I don’t take lightly,” Folds said. “I consider them among the finest musicians in the world and together we offer audiences a musical experience like no other.”
“As a student of the orchestra, I sincerely believe they are a shining example of what we can accomplish in society when we all work in concert and harmony for a greater good.”
ASO Principal Trumpet David Khafagi, who has previously shared the stage with Folds, speaks highly of the performer’s musicianship.
“Ben is a true musician and natural entertainer. With orchestra, his songs take on another dimension and it’s a thrill to be able to bring them to life every time we meet,” Khafagi said.
“As an honorary Australian, the orchestra welcomes any opportunity to collaborate with Ben, and we know that audiences share the same sentiment.”
Ben Folds Australian Orchestra 2027 Tour
Canberra Symphony Orchestra | 22 and 23 January | Llewellyn Hall
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | 29 and 30 January | Hamer Hall
Sydney Symphony Orchestra | 2 and 3 February | Hordern Pavilion
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra | 6 February | Wrest Point
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra | 18 and 19 February | Her Majesty’s Theatre
About Ben Folds
Ben Folds has created an enormous body of genre-bending music, from pop albums with Ben Folds Five to multiple solo albums, a holiday album and numerous collaborative records. He tours as a pop artist while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras.
A New York Times Best Selling author, he also creates new music for film, television and theatre, including original songs for an ongoing series of animated Peanuts specials on Apple TV. In 2022, he launched a music education charitable initiative in his native North Carolina, providing funds and keyboards to nonprofits that offer free or affordable piano lessons to school-age children from economically disadvantaged households.
For the past 15 years, Folds has been an outspoken advocate for arts funding, music education and music therapy in the US as a member of Americans For The Arts and the Arts Action Fund.
Tickets are now on sale:
Follow Fifty+SA on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
