George Benlian on movies, books and few other things

Leonard Cohen Live - Once in a lifetime

The much anticipated Leonard Cohen concert at the Entertainment Centre in Sydney was a definite once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a rare evening of beautiful music and first class performance. Listening and watching to Leonard Cohen is an act of inspiration. He is the incarnation of a wise and gentle person, an absolute down to earth poet and performer. His voice is his signature. His presence is sereine and yet so powerful.

I spent three and half hours living with thousands other Cohen admirers an unforgetable concert. Four years ago, i had the priviledge to see Charles Aznavour live in Paris and that was until recently the best concert i ever been. It is hard to compare Cohen with Aznavour and i have great admiration for both. However, Cohen is deeper and perhaps more touching as an artist.

After this concert, Cohen is now at the peak of my favourite singers of all times. Will i see him again live? I sincerely hope so although his last concert in Australia was fifteen years ago and if he will wait again fifteen years, he will be close to ninety.

 

In preparation to Leonard Cohen concert in three weeks

Now that i have my ticket to Leonard Cohen second concert in Sydney on Thursday 29 January (The first one was sold out long time ago), i can be certain about one thing and that is seeing this poet live on stage.

I watched a documentary called "Leonard Cohen: I'm your man" directed by Lian Lunson few years ago. Here is what the woman responsible behind the project has to say:

"The film I am making is a documentary that will honor and pay tribute to Leonard Cohen. It's titled Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man.

I filmed the Came So Far For Beauty show produced by Hal Willner at the Sydney Opera House in January 2005. All those great performances by Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Antony, Linda Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Beth Orton and the Handsome Family are included in the film."

Where was i four years ago to have missed such an event? The truth is I discovered about Cohen few months ago. I know this may surprise some but hey, life will be too boring without new discoveries.

Leonard Cohen in Sydney in January 2009

An opportunity not to be missed! The legendary singer Leonard Cohen is coming to Australia and to Sydney early next year. His unique concert is at the Entertainment Centre on the 28th of January. I simpy adore this poet. I could listen to his songs for hours. My favourite? Well, without doubt, "Dance me to the end of love".

Here is a link to this beautiful song and many others www.leonardcohen.com/video

More about Cohen in 2009