Antony and the Johnsons at Disney Hall

Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons

I had the pleasure of seeing Antony and the Johnsons last night, performing with a 20 piece orchestra from the LA Philharmonic, playing scores co-arranged with Nico Muhly and conducted by James Holmes, at Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

It was an extraordinary show. Antony is destined to become a legend... Seeing him sing is a transcendent experience. Antony's voice is so otherworldly, so haunting and yet so achingly sweet and tender... it was one of the most intimate and moving shows I've ever seen. The music and his voice literally brought tears to my eyes.

Antony and the Johnsons "Another World" EP
The cover features a portrait of Japanese Butoh co-founder Kazuo Ohno, taken by Pierre-Olivier Deschamps in 1984.

The performance showcased new songs from the just released "Another World" EP which is a precursor to the January release of the bands new full length release- ‘The Crying Light,’ the highly anticipated follow-up to the mercury prize winning "I Am A Bird Now" (2005). Antony and the Johnsons music is available through Secretly Canadian records.

Toward the end of the performance Antony paid homage to the bands namesake Marsha P. johnson and the influence of Sylvia Rivera.

The band and the orchestra received repeated and extended standing ovations. It was a magical evening.

read more about Antony and his talents here, here, and here.