Ellie Goulding at the Royal Albert Hall

In 2010, Hereford native Ellie Goulding skyrocketed to the top of charts worldwide with her debut album Lights. This was not just a fluke, however; over a decade has passed and the dance-pop darling has plenty of prestigious awards to her name, as well as an honorary degree from the University of Kent for her contribution to music. On 11^th April 2024, Goulding added a grand orchestral performance of 22 of her greatest hits at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall to her long list of impressive feats.   

As the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra took the stage to tune their instruments, buzzing attendees scurried to their seats and in no time at all, the Royal Albert Hall was filled to the brim. Composer and conductor Derrick Skye began the show with an elegant strings-based introduction that truly set the scene as mystical, daring and somewhat ominous. Cheers then erupted from the crowd as Goulding appeared and began the beloved 2012 track Burn. 

There was a common theme in Skye’s orchestral arrangements and Goulding’s performance: a certain magical whimsy and a cinematic, dramatised sound was at the core of each hit played, most notably in the third song of the night, The Writer. Between the singer’s beautiful dress dripping in gemstones, her airy, yet strong vocals and an orchestra that complemented her every note, Goulding’s night at the RAH turned her from pop star to fairytale princess. Bells and delicate harp strums and plucks decorated each track to allow them to flow seamlessly, and Goulding never missed a beat. In Flux, the singer’s vocals were so on point that they sounded unreal; there is no doubt, however, that the microphone was turned on as the singer added her own adlibs and unique inflexions throughout each tune. Backing tracks need not apply when it comes to Ellie Goulding.

In the first half of the set, sombre, slower songs took priority over her much-loved dance hits. The audience, however, was enjoying every minute. Phones were tucked deeply into pockets, and the only flash of light in the venue was the stage’s spotlight. As the band took their time through Goulding’s most heartfelt songs, like Ode to Myself, I Know You Care, Explosions and Woman, fans were listening intently and had their eyes glued to the stage. This section rounded out with the more upbeat and dramatic Close to Me and the jig-like staccato of My Blood, signifying a change in tone for the night.

After a brief intermission, the philharmonic returned and both Skye and Goulding changed into black formal wear, thus establishing the shift in tempo. While the first part of the show may have been filled with lovely dedications, tear-jerkers and the frilliness of a storybook woodland forest, the second half turned deeper, more passionate and cinematic.

Goulding took the special night as an opportunity to debut an unreleased track called Easy to Love Me from her upcoming album. The orchestra cooled down and let the singer take the reins to allow the lyrics to shine and resonate amongst fresh ears. Then, the band continued on to perform a slew of Ellie Goulding classics: Still Falling for You, I Need Your Love, a unique rendition of Elton John’s Your Song, Dead in the Water, a cover of Don McLean’s Vincent, Joy, Anything Could Happen and Miracle. Skye turned more ecstatic as each tune was carried out, and his enthusiasm and connection to the musician’s work were beyond admirable. The orchestra impressively balanced with Goulding’s singing to create an intimate, yet larger-than-life atmosphere.

However, the night was not finished there; a gig without Lights and Love Me Like You Do would be tragic after all. Goulding returned for a fully fleshed-out and powerful performance of the two tracks to complete the set, thus leaving the crowd on cloud nine.

Overall, the singer proved she has kept the same charm she has had for the past 14 years. Skye’s arrangements complemented her perfectly, and her one-night-only show at Royal Albert Hall will surely be one to remember for this dedicated philharmonic, Goulding and attendees alike.

Taryn Crowley
Photo: Madison Phipps

For further information and future events visit Ellie Goulding’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Lights here: