With Scott Dunn conducting the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Cody Fry celebrated his first show ever in Los Angeles with an enthusiasm that boosted the music.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 04-24-2025
Something magical can happen when a pop artist takes the stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall backed by a full orchestra. As a singer, songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Cody Fry has transcended his American Idol and YouTube roots to become a beloved artist with a global fan base. Over the past decade, his emotional orchestral pop has earned acclaim, culminating in the chart-topping success of “I Hear a Symphony” and 2023’s soul-baring album The End.
The album resonated deeply with listeners, brimming with intimate reflections on mental health and personal renewal. By stripping away his covers, Fry revealed the beauty of his unguarded spiritual core. Following his Grammy-nominated reimagining of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” this new body of work showcases his reverence for classic music and his gift for original, emotionally stirring songwriting.
From the first note, Fry radiated a warmth filling the space. He spoke to the audience like an old friend, sharing heartfelt backstories, funny memories, and his awe at finally performing in Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece. Clearly, he wasn’t just there to perform—he was there to connect.
Highlights of the evening included a sweeping rendition of “I Hear a Symphony,” with the strings soaring under Dunn’s expressive baton, and a poignant performance of “Photograph,” in which Fry’s emotional vocals seamlessly merged with the lush orchestral arrangement.
Fry opened the stage to surprise guests, capturing the evening’s spirit of generosity. The most moving of these was one-armed singer Victoria Canal, whose haunting performance of “Black Swan” at the piano stunned the crowd and brought many to tears. Watching from the wings with glowing pride, Fry revealed his true character—not just as an artist but as a human being.
Ultimately, the night was unforgettable not for its grandeur, but for the shared experience it created. Whether in hushed ballads or thunderous crescendos, Fry’s music invited the audience to feel deeply—to cry, laugh, rejoice, and be human.
As the final chords faded into applause, it was clear that Fry’s Los Angeles debut had left a lasting impression. In a city blessed with world-class performances, this one stood out as a reminder of the transformative power of joyful generosity.
