George Michael: Symphonica Tour, Hamiltons Gallery - exhibition review

The unpredictable superstar is back in sight: George Michael, lithe and photographed during his 2012 Symphonica tour of Europe. Photographer Caroline True has worked with the singer since she switched from producing music videos in 2007. Here, Michael croons, dances and interacts with fans as he celebrates the Symphonica album.

Sixteen of True’s colour and black-and-white prints are now on display to the public. Several of them were taken on stage and backstage in Europe’s vast arenas and intimate opera houses and True also captures the intense atmosphere of Michael’s recording sessions. Her close-ups reveal emotional expressions, especially when he sings seated like Sinatra on a stool. But the album’s cover shows a relaxed, joyful man in a carefully-lit setting among the gilded chairs in the Prague Opera House auditorium.

During the soundcheck there, True shot from a distance, exploiting the different lighting among the shadowy seats, the illuminated orchestra pit and the spotlight on the singer. In several situations, she highlights the female cellist and the string sections, perhaps emphasising George Michael’s fulfilled desire to sing with an orchestra.

At Earls Court, the purple-suited singer stands out against a Battlestar Galactica backdrop, a gift to any rock photographer. But the most surprising image is a scoop: displayed in Hamilton’s window, it shows Michael standing on the roof of the Palais Garnier, a location previously exclusive to Grace Kelly.

The album is released on March 17 (Virgin EMI/Universal); exhibition until Friday, admission free. hamiltonsgallery.com