Stars Shine Bright in the Capital

Stepping off Elgin St. and into the National Arts Centre on a mild December eve, there was something in the air as Stars and opener My Brightest Diamond were set to perform in the striking Southam Hall. As you enter the cavernous amphitheater, a sense of wonder overtakes you when it’s true grandness comes into focus.With the sold out crowd settled into their seats, the powerful vocals and electro-opera sound of My Brightest Diamond started to fill the venue. Appropriately named Shara Nova, the voice and main performer of MBD, shone brightly with her stage presence and rhythmic energy.

The Arkansas native surely surprised some with her beautiful bilingual performance, serenading the audience in both French and English. Slowing things down, Nova sang a lullaby that she originally wrote for her son Constantine. The soft, loving song set the mood splendidly for the approaching Stars x NAC Orchestra collaboration.

Taking the stage to a rousing applause, the members of Stars quickly turned to see conductor Mélanie Léonard and the 57 musicians seated behind them. The veteran indie group was in awe of the opportunity to play with the orchestra at the historic National Arts Centre.

“This means a great deal, being here with beautiful musicians in this beautiful room,” co-lead vocals Torquil Campbell expressed his excitement. While his partner in crime Amy Millan described the experience as, “Better than any dream I’ve ever had about Stars.”

As the night went on, the synergy between Stars and the orchestra became more and more enchanting. Songs like “Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It” and “Ship To Shore” were especially enhanced by the live symphony.

After a quick pause, Stars returned for a two-song encore highlighted by Campbell’s older brother, Benedict, an established Canadian stage actor with roots at the NAC, to deliver the hauntingly heroic line “When there’s nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire” to start “Your Ex-Lover is Dead”. It was quite the moment for Torquil, the band, and everyone in attendance.

This was yet another impressive performance by Stars who connect with their audience so well, encouraging them to get up and dance even in the somewhat formal setting. Campbell asked that the house lights be brought up on multiple occasions so he could see the depth of the theatre and all the faces inhabiting it. They gave the crowd such energy and the crowd gave it right back to them.

Review by Tyler Rabb