Inside The Whitlams’ Orchestral Tour

Ahead of their two performances with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at Festival Theatre this weekend, The Whitlams frontman Tim Freedman answered some quickfire questions about performing with an orchestra, choosing the setlist and his memories of playing Adelaide.

Interview Tobias Handke // Image supplied

The Whitlams have performed with various symphony orchestras across Australia for more than two decades. What are your memories from the first time you performed with an orchestra in Perth? 

As we performed the lullaby “Breathing You In”, a family of ducks landed on the pond between the audience and the band. The weather was perfect and I was hearing our songs with a symphony orchestra played live for the first time.

When it comes to working with different orchestras in each city, do they each bring their own style and personality, so no concert is really the same?

Each has a different sense of interpreting the conductor’s pulse, so in the rehearsal, we learn how that city sways.  

What is it about these orchestral shows that excites you and keeps you wanting to do more? 

The emotion the orchestra brings to the quieter moments, and the power of the crescendos. 

The band is playing a career retrospective as part of this tour. When it comes to picking the setlist, do you have to consider the orchestra, or are they adaptable to any song and vice versa? 

I choose the set list to tell a story. The first half is muted and emotional, and the second set opens up and tries to finish with joy. We are doing the same set with each orchestra, but adding a few songs as we go. Jak Housden started singing ‘Where’s the Enemy’ for us in Newcastle, and I am hoping to add ‘Best Work’ in Adelaide.

The Whitlams released a live album with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra back in 2008 that was well received, but was given out for free. Any desire to record another one and release it through official channels for the fans? 

I am seriously considering releasing a short document of these wonderful six months - maybe eight songs - after the event.

You’ve extended the tour to include Adelaide. What are your memories of playing in Adelaide over the years, and what can fans expect from the show?

My first classical tour with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) in 2003 played the Town Hall, I think. I recall a banker falling asleep in the front row. Since then, I’ve played The Gov 30 times, always a fun night.

The Whitlams are also in the process of re-releasing Torch the Moon to celebrate its 25th anniversary. What are your memories of making this album? 

We were recording in the small room at Studio 301 in Sydney. Silverchair had the big room with an orchestra and Van Dyke Parks at the helm for a few days. We kept our chins up.

As far as The Whitlams go, the band has been out there getting it done for over three decades (including a short hiatus). What is it about the songs that you think continues to resonate with audiences across the globe? 

The characters in the songs and their occasional turn of phrase. 

Finally, as far as new music goes, can we expect an album from The Whitlams or The Whitlams Black Stump in the near future?

If I can ever get off the road. That’s up to me…

Catch The Whitlams performing at Festival Theatre on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April (sold out). Tickets for the Friday night are still on sale via ticketek.com.au.

---