The Music of Elton (40 Years of MSO x Elton John), at Hamer Hall
Who doesn’t love Elton John’s expansive musical repertoire and who doesn’t appreciate the fine work of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra?
Bringing the two together is akin to lighting a bonfire that is an instant drawcard. Genius, no less.
Photos by Laura Manariti and Alex First
You could rightly call this a celebratory concert because 40 years ago Elton John invited the MSO to accompany him on a national orchestral tour.
So, this is a tribute show, in which Jason Dean, who is a polished singer with an enviable vocal range and a most accomplished pianist (he can certainly tickle the ivories with aplomb), takes centre stage.
Joining him is his eight-piece Superband, featuring two core members of the John Farnham Band, Brett Garsted and Lindsay Field.
Collectively, they impress, as does the MSO, under the baton of one of Australia’s foremost conductors, Chong Lim AM.
His production and direction credits are noteworthy.
They include three decades of John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John tours, the 2000 Olympics, and the original I Still Call Australia Home Qantas advertisements.
Also very special is the fact that three members of the MSO from that Elton John tour four decades ago are on stage performing as part of this concert.
Dean introduces each in turn.
A cavalcade of 21 songs, most with evocative visualisations on the large screen behind the musicians, includes many of Elton John’s best-known hits.
Beginning with an overture, first up is Philadelphia Freedom, followed by I Guess That’s Why, Bennie & the Jets, Your Song and Daniel.
There is also Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Kiss the Bride and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting … and that is only Act I.
Dean takes to the stage in striking black and gold tails, changing into equally memorable pristine white and silver tails after interval.
Act II includes The Bitch is Back, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, a duet with backing singer Lynda Fenollar, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Rocket Man.
Tiny Dancer features video of Dean’s then 13-year-old daughter (now 17) performing ballet in Port Melbourne and South Melbourne.
Taking us home, the numbers encompass a duet with another of Dean’s back-up singers, his wife Tania.
We have Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Crocodile Rock, with the legendary Candle in the Wind as an encore.
Among the many highlights of the masterful and melodic concert are the antics of percussionist and saxophonist, the moustachioed and white hatted Artie Jones.
In fact, all members of Superband are dressed in white, a sharp contrast to the all-black attire of the MSO and Chong Lim.
Jones, known as “the Jester”, weaves around the “human traffic” and music stands on stage, moving about with cat-like ease.
All the while, he is such a dynamo on whatever instrument he plays, as well as providing back-up vocals.
All members of Superband, starting with Dean’s musical producer and business partner Karl Lewis, formerly touring drummer for Savage Garden, make their mark.
Guitarist and vocalist Dylan Boyd, a good mate of Dean’s, is a Qantas pilot who took a fortnight’s leave from the airline to perform in this array of concerts.
Joseph Fernand on bass only took delivery of a striking white instrument that he ordered years ago shortly before taking to the stage.
That is an amusing “war story” that Dean delivers, as that expensive guitar comes out for the final couple of songs.
The Music of Elton (40 Years of MSO x Elton John) is a heart and soul show that instantly resonates.
Jason Dean is genuinely chuffed to be sharing the stage with the MSO and Chong Lim, and members of his musical family.
His excitement and adulation are palpable in what is a truly memorable showcase of some of the best popular music that you will ever get to see performed live.
There are three more concerts in the series at Hamer Hall, namely 7:30pm on 2nd and 3rd October, with a matinee performance at 1pm on 4th October, 2026.
For bookings, go to https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-the-music-of-elton-john
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