Liana Perillo music review: Harp, voice and a dreamlike charm
Harpist and composer Liana Perillo blends ethereal vocals, cinematic arrangements and electronic textures
The intimate setting, the angelic voice and the ethereal music immediately draws you into this performance by Melbourne-based harpist, vocalist and composer Liana Perillo. Perillo is joined by long-time collaborator Fabian Aravalés on synth/drumbeats, along with locals Joseph Freer (cello) and Zoe Freisberg (violin). Together, they transport you to a magical, other-worldly realm.
Perillo’s magnetic vocals bind everything. Her delivery has a gentle sincerity and vulnerability, evoking a sense of inner resonance and tranquillity, helped by meaningful lyrics that carry a quiet emotional weight that will linger.
Original works ‘Temple’, ‘Impressions’ and ‘Alma’ form the heart of the performance together with stunning renditions of pieces by Björk, Hans Zimmer and Australian composer Nigel Westlake. The show is an impressively balanced blend of the old and the new, mixing contemporary electronic elements with classical instrumentation. The result is both modern and relevant, with a nostalgic, dreamlike charm: cinematic, larger than life, romantic, introspective and calming all at the same time.
Liana Perillo (Quartet) concluded at Nexus Arts Venue on March 4.