After captivating hearts across the globe with their soulful rendition of The Prayer during lockdown, father/daughter vocal duo Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard are back to take South African audiences on a powerful musical journey with their new revue show, Striking a Chord. The production opens at Theatre on the Square from 27 August to 7 September, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, emotion, and family connection.
It all began in April 2020 when Adrian and then-11-year-old Emma-Jean uploaded a simple home video of themselves performing the Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion classic The Prayer. Within days, it went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views before skyrocketing to millions after being shared by UK music platform The Music Man
. The unexpected fame catapulted the duo into the global spotlight—along with a swirl of amusing confusion when international media mistakenly identified them as Andrea Bocelli’s son and granddaughter.
Now, fresh off a successful tour of England and a standout performance at the 2024 Hilton Arts Festival, the Galliards bring Striking a Chord home. With musical direction by Johan Heystek, the show is a captivating blend of soaring vocals, theatrical flair, and heartfelt storytelling.
The 70-minute performance features the duo’s most beloved covers including The Prayer, Time to Say Goodbye, and Sound of Silence; Broadway classics likeI Dreamed a Dream and Defying Gravity; and unique arrangements of Pie Jesu, Bring Him Home, and Barry Manilow hits One Voice and I Write the Songs. A surprise classical mash-up featuring O Sole Mio adds a thrilling touch of virtuosity.
“The bond between Adrian and Emma-Jean is not just something you see—it’s something you feel,” says recent audience member Michelle Welsh. “They had us crying one minute and laughing at Adrian’s dad jokes, the next. This is the best show I’ve seen in years.”
Reflecting on their journey and the upcoming season, Emma-Jean shared:
“We’ve had the most incredible time performing together—from singing in our lounge to singing for audiences overseas. This show is really special. It’s fun, it’s moving, and we can’t wait to share it with our South African fans again. Expect goosebumps—and maybe a few giggles!”
Critics and media personalities alike have been quick to praise the duo:
“There is a palpable connection, to each other and to the music.” – Graeme Richards, Expresso Show
“Some goosebump moments with those harmonies.” – Relebogile Mabotja, Radio 702
“A compliment to their talent that they were mistaken for Bocelli’s family.” – Carolyn Steyn, Hot 102.7 FM
Striking a Chord is a family-friendly, feel-good musical experience for all ages.
Performance Dates: 27 August – 7 September
Venue: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
Duration: 70 minutes (no interval)
Tickets available through Webtickets.Follow Adrian & Emma-Jean Galliard and Theatre on the Square on all social media platforms.
