Sinfonia Pop

International pop sensation, Mika, has sold over 10 million albums, globally. So it's time for him to change things up a bit. The sexy, out performer, who shot to fame with the infectious "Grace Kelly" single in 2007, has sheared his signature long, wavy hair for a more clean cut look and has immersed himself in an experiment of sorts, a live orchestral reimagining of some of his best songs.

Filmed in the stunning 19th century Teatro Sociale in Como, Italy and accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and choir conducted by Simon Leclerc, "" Mika Sinfonia Pop," captures the singer in a more reserved, refined and contemplative atmosphere. The bold project is reminiscent of another pop star that has had trouble breaking here in the U.S., Robbie Williams, who quite successfully donned a Rat-Pack demeanor and killed it with Sinatra-style standards a few years ago.

"Mika Sinfonia Pop" is certainly an ambitious affair and the divo dives in with full verve, deferring to his Canadian conductor, Leclerc (mostly) by rarely speaking in between performances. (He does break that rule a few times, nervously addressing his audience in perfect Italian.)

This DVD is a culmination of Mika's touring with L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal and the results are a bizarre, often exquisite, concert that is highlighted by haunting and mesmerizing renditions of "Any Other World," "Ordinary Man" and "Happy Ending." And the evening crescendos with a spectacular version of "Origin of Love."

A less flashy but fabulous moment featured the track, "Elle Me Dit," Mika's first French composition.

There are some reworkings that just don't gel with the symphonic sound like, "Underwater" and "Relax (Take It Easy." And even "Grace Kelly," absent the dance beat, feels a bit too naked, but Mika's admirable audacity is to be applauded and his energy, as usual, seems to be boundless.

I did wonder about the exclusion of one of his best songs, "Billy Brown," (where the title character "fell in love with another man") a brilliant piece that just seems to scream symphonize me--perhaps in the next tour.

The event is gorgeously shot with the camera lovingly focused on the artist deeply absorbed in each song. The audio is pretty spectacular. Kudos to Janet Olson who provides strong backup vocals.

There are two interview supplements, one with Mika that clocks in at 10 minutes where he discusses where his love for performing originated and provides details about the genesis of the idea to take such a fascinating step with "Sinfonia Pop." The second interview is with Leclerc (4 min.) about his involvement in the project

Mika has released 4 studio albums beginning with "Life in Cartoon Motion" in 2007. Last year's "No Place in Heaven," brought him to another level. With "Sinfonia Pop" he proves he's an artist who strives to continue to challenge himself.

"Mika Sinfonia Pop"
DVD
$14.99
http://www.eagle-rock.com/artist/mika/#.V0cN7pMrKml