A weekend of Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House – Underworld, Tinariwen and more

Sydney Opera House transformed into the epicentre of contemporary music and art for the 2024 edition of Vivid LIVE. This year’s program boasted over 50 artists from Australia and abroad, who filled the World Heritage-listed building with vibrant energy from 24 May to 6 June.

Check Check attended a weekend of Vivid LIVE and experienced the magic firsthand. Keep reading to learn about unforgettable performances from Underworld, Tinariwen, Tasman Keith and more.

SEE ALSO: Angie McMahon review – hardship leads to triumph at sold-out hometown show

Underworld’s euphoric Concert Hall takeover

The Concert Hall was home to a series of Vivid-exclusive performances by UK electronic music legends Underworld. Karl Hyde and Rick Smith turned the hall into a pulsating dance haven over three sold-out nights. The venue, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade to improve acoustics and accessibility, enhanced the tactile sound of the duo’s biggest hits, such as “Born Slippy .NUXX” and “Cowgirl.”

The immersive experience, highlighted by LED visual screens and a smoky blue ambience, was nothing short of a religious experience for the audience. The crowd’s energy was palpable, with old-school ravers donning light-up finger gloves and helping to make this a performance that won’t soon be forgotten.

Tinariwen bring the desert blues to the Joan Sutherland Theatre

The Joan Sutherland Theatre was an elegant setting for North African desert blues band Tinariwen. The 1500-seat venue, filled to capacity, resonated with the group’s unique blend of traditional African scales and Western rock influences.

The audience were dancing in their seats as Tinariwen took us on a journey through their rich Tuareg heritage, captivating the crowd with soulful melodies and messages of political resistance.

A First Nations hip hop masterclass in the Utzon Room

First Nations hip hop artists Tasman Keith, Flewnt and Flewnt’s 13-year-old son, Inkabee, performed in the Utzon Room. The 7pm start time and $29 ticket initiative was designed so that more young people could come and enjoy the experience, hence the children in the front row who brought a buzz of enthusiasm to the venue.

The performances celebrated First Nations culture and resilience. Flewnt opened with “Pride and Joy” alongside fellow Boorloo vocalist Tani Walker. The audience grew particularly excited during “Setting Sun” and “Fortune and Fame” by DJ Optamus’ collective, Downsyde, trailblazers of Australian hip hop who recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

The highlight was a heartfelt performance by Flewnt and Inkabee, showcasing a generational continuity of their cultural heritage. Gumbaynggirr man Tasman Keith brought it home with a moving set that proved the Bowraville MC is more than just a Kendrick soundalike.

In the Studio with deep house maverick Fred P

The Opera House Studio transformed into a raised, Boiler Room-style space for a hybrid live/DJ set from deep house legend Fred P. The intimate setting allowed for a relaxed vibe, with bar services inside and outside the room, and seating available on the outskirts for those who needed a moment to revitalise.

The dance floor was illuminated by round circle lights, creating a visually stimulating environment that complemented the music perfectly. It almost felt like you were in your own private dancing circle.

With over 40,000 tickets sold for a three-week festival, the 2024 edition of Vivid LIVE offered something for everyone.

The live music at the Opera House wraps up on 6 June, but there’s still plenty to come on this year’s Vivid Sydney program. Head to the website for more information.