From the deep depths of COVID lockdown came many beacons of hope and one such example was the unearthing of Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard’s heartwarming covers of some of the great songs of our time. I remember encountering them then and off the back of their viral Facebook video, they have now created quite a career for themselves.

Last night, I attended the opening of their new show Striking a Chord, which is more than a musical revue – it's a testament to the transformative power of shared passion and the courage to chase dreams together. And having watched them perform a few times now, I can attest to the remarkable progression they've made as both individual artists and as a collaborative force.

The evening's program reads like a greatest hits collection of emotional landscapes: Barry Manilow's soaring "One Voice," the achingly beautiful "The Prayer," Schwartz's triumphant "Defying Gravity," and a stunning medley that weaves together "Volare," "La Vie en Rose," and "O Sole Mio" into something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. It's the kind of setlist designed to take you on a journey through the full spectrum of human feeling – from the intimate whisper of longing to the bold declaration of hope.

What struck me most profoundly was witnessing sixteen-year-old Emma-Jean's artistic maturation. Her voice has gained depth and control since I last heard her perform, revealing new layers of technical mastery that serve as the foundation for what promises to be an extraordinary artistic future. There's a poise in her performance now that wasn't there before – a confidence that comes not from ego, but from genuine skill development and stage experience. She navigates complex vocal passages with an assurance that belies her youth, though I found myself hoping that as she continues to grow, she'll allow herself to dive deeper into the emotional core of each song. The technical brilliance is undeniably there; what will truly set her apart will be her willingness to let vulnerability seep into those perfectly executed notes.

The addition of Johan Heystek on piano elevated the entire production beyond what backing tracks could ever achieve. His arrangements breathed life into familiar songs, adding those magical touches – a subtle trill here, an unexpected chord progression there – that transform covers into something uniquely their own. There's an intimacy that comes with live accompaniment, a sense that each note is being born in the moment, and Heystek's sensitive musicianship created space for both singers to explore nuances that might otherwise be lost.

Adrian's pride in his daughter radiates from every moment they share the stage. It's impossible to miss the joy in his eyes when she hits a particularly challenging passage or the gentle way he supports her during their harmonies. This isn't manufactured for effect – this is genuine paternal love channeled through artistic expression, and it adds a layer of authenticity that no amount of staging could create. In a world where so much entertainment feels calculated and artificial, witnessing this real family connection feels like a gift.

The production itself is elegantly understated. The minimal set allows the focus to remain squarely on the voices and the music, proving that sometimes the most powerful theatrical experiences come not from elaborate spectacle, but from the simple magic of human beings sharing stories through song.

As I sat in the darkened theatre, I couldn't help but think about how this father-daughter partnership reflects something larger about resilience and reinvention. Their story began in the isolation of lockdown, when the world had stopped and uncertainty reigned. Yet from that stillness, they created something beautiful and shared it with the world. Now, years later, they've transformed a moment of viral fame into something more substantial – a genuine artistic pursuit that continues to evolve and deepen.

Looking ahead, I'm curious to see how their artistry will continue to develop. While their interpretations of beloved standards are technically impressive and emotionally satisfying, I find myself wondering what original material might sound like in these two distinctive voices. There's something powerful about artists who can make others' songs their own, but hopefully they eventually find their own unique voice to share with the world.

Striking a Chord succeeds not just as entertainment, but as a celebration of family, growth, and the courage to pursue dreams together. In an era where cynicism often feels like the default setting, this production offers something increasingly rare: genuine warmth, technical excellence, and the audacity of hope.

It was, quite simply, a great night out – the kind of evening that sends you home humming melodies and feeling grateful for the privilege of witnessing artists in the act of becoming themselves.

The show runs at Theatre on the Square up until the 7th of September. Get your tickets here.

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