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Walking into the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on the evening of June 4, 2025, there was an immediate sense of anticipation in the air. A sizable and enthusiastic crowd had gathered to see Hauser, a Croatian cellist best known for his work with 2Cellos, on his solo tour. As the lights dimmed, the audience’s collective hush spoke volumes about how highly the Vancouver crowd regards his live performances.

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The evening began with more classical-leaning pieces: Hauser’s cello resonated with a warm, measured tone, and the band’s brushes and walking bass gently underpinned without ever overpowering. As the show progressed, he moved into cinematic arrangements that layered rhythmic loops beneath soaring melodies.

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Acoustically, the arena could have been a challenge, but the engineers nailed it. Hauser’s cello—channeled through both acoustic pickups and subtle effects—sounded crisp and balanced, with no muddiness even during dense, high-energy sections. The drums and bass remained clear and tight, and the overhead screens provided engaging close-ups for everyone.

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Throughout the night, Hauser’s rapport with the audience shone through. Between pieces he quipped, “This one’s my favorite,” only to repeat it before each subsequent song. The running gag drew laughs and cheers—everyone knew he genuinely loved each arrangement but enjoyed teasing us. He also brought local opener Emily Soh back onstage for a brief duet, highlighting the warmth between their contrasting styles as the band played a soft, supportive backdrop.

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By the final high-octane rock arrangement, the crowd, spanning kids in T-shirts to grandparents in seats, was on its feet, fists pumping in unison. Hauser’s technical command and genuine enthusiasm made the experience more than a concert; it felt like a communal celebration of the cello’s range. If you ever wondered how a cello and a tight band could fill an arena with energy and emotion, Hauser’s June 4 performance provided all the proof you’d need.