Striking A Chord Return to Theatre on the Square
The CoLab Network, in association with AEJ Music, is proud to present Striking a Chord, starring Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard, with musical direction by Johan Heystek, at the Theatre on the Square, from 27 August to 7 September.
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 promises 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 like I 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.
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
Show Information:
Striking a Chord
Venue:
Theatre on the Square, Sandton
Dates:
27 August to 7 September 2025
Performances:
Tuesday – Friday at 19h30 | Saturdays at 17h00 & 20h00 | Sundays at 15h00
Tickets:
Range from R180 – R200 (unreserved seating)
Bookings:
Via Webtickets, Pick ‘n Pay outlets or the Theatre Box Office on 011 883 8606 / 083 377 4969
Duration:
70 minutes with no interval. Ideal for all ages.
Follow Adrian & Emma-Jean Music Online:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
Connect with the Theatre on the Square on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Hashtags: #TheatreOnTheSquare










































