Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Cruzan Amphitheatre

Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra arrived at Cruzan Amphitheatre and made the case — again — that South Florida's performing arts scene belongs in the same conversation as any major American city.

By Daedrian McNaughton · July 2, 2010 · Cruzan Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, Florida

Former Police frontman Sting — born Gordon Sumner — backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, appeared on stage to a roaring audience at the Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. He was at ease from the first note. This orchestral collaboration was not new territory for him: he had already worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2008 and the Philadelphia Orchestra on their 153rd anniversary at the Academy of Music, with several shows leading up to West Palm Beach.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio, was a natural fit. The RPCO has collaborated with Andrea Bocelli, Tina Turner, and Luciano Pavarotti, among others. The 45-piece ensemble was magnificent — complementing Sting without overwhelming him. Watching the performance in the open, relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor amphitheatre felt like summer concert season at Lincoln Center. Remarkable is not too strong a word.

Sting was joined on stage by a quartet: Dominic Miller (his longtime guitarist), David Cossin (multi-percussion specialist and member of the Bang on a Can All-Stars), Jo Lawry (vocalist), and Ira Coleman (bassist). Australian jazz vocalist Jo Lawry was an impressive presence — though her rendition of "Whenever I Say Your Name," originally a duet with Mary J. Blige from the Sacred Love album, came up short. It lacked the soul and raw energy that Blige brings to the track.

Sting was engaging throughout, pausing between songs to share the inspiration behind each one. "My dad wanted an exciting life for me… I thought I had disappointed him," he said — then sang "Why Should I Cry for You?" as a tribute. He delivered his classical hits and crowd favorites flawlessly. There was one moment during "Fields of Gold" where he sneezed mid-performance, visible only on the monitors, and the audience responded with cheers. Three encores followed. After returning for "Desert Rose," he took his shirt off — revealing the physique he maintains through yoga, a rigorous workout routine, and a clean diet. The crowd lost it.

After all these years, his vocals remain incredible. Sting is not afraid to reinvent himself, and this collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra is proof that the reinvention is working. A genuinely remarkable night at Cruzan.