Following a series of triumphant, sold-out performances, The Cat Empire has officially announced their 2026 Orchestra Encore Tour. This exclusive run focuses on Sydney and Canberra, bringing a cinematic scale to the band’s beloved catalogue. Fans can expect a breathtaking transformation of their favourite tracks as the group joins forces with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for these strictly limited dates.
A Grand Orchestral Evolution
For over two decades, The Cat Empire has defied genre, blending ska, jazz, Latin, and Afro-Cuban sounds into a singular, joyous experience. The The Cat Empire 2026 tour represents the pinnacle of this evolution, featuring sophisticated new arrangements by world-class composers. These shows celebrate the band’s tenth studio album, Bird in Paradise, which showcases their new lineup’s incredible chemistry. By integrating the lush textures of a symphony orchestra, hits like “Hello” and “The Chariot” take on a fresh, epic dimension that resonates deeply in world-class concert halls.
The The Cat Empire 2026 encore performances also feature the incredible talents of flamenco ensemble Arte Kanela. Their fiery rhythm and movement add a visceral, dramatic edge to the orchestral arrangements. Additionally, the inclusion of the Gondwana Choirs and the Sydney Symphony Schools Choir provides a soaring vocal backdrop. This massive collaboration ensures that every note feels both intimate and monumental, capturing the band’s “giving it their all” philosophy.
Orchestra Encore Tour
The The Cat Empire 2026 journey begins with a three-night residency at the prestigious Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. These performances follow the overwhelming success of their 2024 collaboration, which was immortalised on their Live at the Sydney Opera House album. The tour then heads to the nation’s capital for two special evenings at Llewellyn Hall with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. These venues offer the perfect acoustics to appreciate the intricate balance between the band’s percussion-heavy sound and the orchestra’s sweeping strings.
The Cat Empire 2026
Witnessing The Cat Empire 2026 on this scale is a bucket-list experience for any Australian music lover. The sheer energy of the band, combined with the technical brilliance of nearly 100 musicians on stage, creates an atmosphere of pure possibility. Do not miss your chance to be part of this joyous, cinematic celebration of rhythm and melody. Secure your tickets now before these final dates disappear.
Other dates for The Cat Empire are in April for the Red Hot Summer festival.
Tour Dates The Cat Empire 2026
27 August Thursday, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL, Eora / Sydney, NSW (All Ages) – Tickets at venue website.
28 August Friday, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL, Eora / Sydney, NSW (All Ages) – Tickets at venue website.
29 August Saturday, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL, Eora / Sydney, NSW (All Ages) – Tickets at venue website.
4 September Friday, LLEWELLYN HALL, Ngunnawal / Canberra, ACT (All Ages) – Tickets at venue website.
5 September Saturday, LLEWELLYN HALL, Ngunnawal / Canberra, ACT (All Ages) – Tickets at venue website.
Secure Your Tickets Now
Tickets are on sale now and start at $110. Fans can choose from various seating options, including premium VIP packages that offer the best views in the house. As these are encore performances, they provide a rare second chance for those who missed out on the initial 2024 run. Check out the official The Cat Empire website for more information.
Live Music Australia Gig Guide
For more upcoming gigs and festivals around Australia and New Zealand, check out the current gig guide by Live Music Australia. It has all the upcoming gigs and festivals around the country and over the ditch. Plus there are filter buttons for State, Cities, Genres, and Months to save some time looking for your next night out.
The Cat Empire Ticket Prices
- A Reserve – $149.00
- B Reserve – $129.00
- C Reserve – $109.00
- Premium VIP Experience – $399.00
VIP Inclusions
- Exclusive access to watch a rehearsal with The Cat Empire and Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the venue before the public sees the show (Thursday 27 August).
- Photo opportunity with members of The Cat Empire.
- Exclusive leather VIP commemorative wristband handmade in Australia (RRP $50).
- Exclusive handmade merchandise item from Sonira designed for superfans (RRP $50)
