A fortnight ago, I had the pleasure of witnessing the magnetic Qymira open for harmony group Collabro in the beautifully intimate setting of London’s Cadogan Hall – home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Already destined to be a striking evening, the venue’s intricate stained-glass windows, soaring ceilings, and expansive acoustics provided the perfect backdrop for the singer and actress’s orchestral pop to take flight.
Delivering a spiritual performance that balanced emotional sensitivity with cinematic flair, Qymira kicked off the tour in style as she prepared to embark on Cathedrals across the UK. It was immediately clear we were in for a theatrical experience as she emerged in a glittering ballgown, arms outstretched with elegance, her voice rich with drama.
Having recently showcased her mainstream pop credentials through previous hits and a tour with Boyzlife, the Hong Kong–born artist is now honouring her roots as a classically trained composer, conductor, and violin and piano player. These influences are seeping into her music with ethereal results – a carefully crafted tension between immersive soundscapes and melodic punch that feels too unique to be familiar, yet far too enticing to resist.
Her set featured standout compositions from her forthcoming album’ Labyrinth Of Life,’ which will also serve as the soundtrack to an upcoming feature film. The score-esque soundscapes were stripped back yet bold in intensity, creating an air of mystery as she sang with precision. As each piece flowed seamlessly into the next, the audience remained gripped.
The room fell into an even deeper hush as Qymira moved to the grand piano for the haunting ‘Drifting,’ a gentle theme from the soundtrack of ‘Shadow Transit’ – an upcoming action film that will see her step into her first leading lady role later this year. As both the muse of the film and the composer behind its score, her connection to its melancholic atmosphere was palpable.
A personal highlight of the evening was the set closer, ‘Shade of My Shadow,’ the film’s euphoric main theme. It was during this performance that Qymira truly shone, delivering a captivating rendition that set the perfect tone for the intimate evening and for Collabro’s performance that followed.
Interesting, unexpected, and boldly blurring the lines between pop and classical music, Qymira is an unmissable live act, and I can only anticipate what she has next up her sleeve…
