Galliards’ Striking a Chord wows full house at Theatre on the Square
The father-daughter duo, Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard, who captured the world’s attention in lockdown, wowed Johannesburg audiences with a powerful live performance blending Broadway, classical, and heartfelt moments.
Theatre on the Square came alive on the evening of August 27, as music lovers from across Gauteng packed the venue for the opening night of Striking a Chord, the much-anticipated new revue by viral father-daughter singing duo Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard.
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The pair, who captured international attention during the 2020 lockdown with their stirring rendition of The Prayer, returned home in spectacular fashion, delivering a 70-minute performance that left few dry eyes and earned a rapturous standing ovation.
Directed musically by Johan Heystek, Striking a Chord takes audiences on a rich emotional journey through some of the most beloved songs in pop, classical, and musical theatre.
From the soaring harmonies of Time to Say Goodbye to the powerful drama of Defying Gravity and a surprise classical mash-up that included O Sole Mio, the show struck the perfect balance between vocal virtuosity and personal storytelling.
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Emma-Jean showcased a maturity well beyond her years, holding her own on complex pieces such as Pie Jesu and I Dreamed a Dream, while Adrian’s steady baritone added depth and warmth to duets and solos alike. Their chemistry and love for music and each other were evident throughout the evening.
Audience members were visibly moved, many dabbing away tears and joining in the standing ovation that brought the show to a powerful close.
Lindiwe Skhosana from Bryanston said, “I’ve followed their journey since that lockdown video went viral, but seeing them live was on another level. Emma-Jean’s voice is unreal, and the connection between them is so genuine. You can’t fake that kind of magic.”
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