Berklee students bring Coldplay’s spectacle to life
A Coldplay tribute showcased Berklee students’ musical range, emotional depth, and collaborative spirit
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Friar
A Sky Full of Stars — The Songs of Coldplay
Berklee College of Music
Choreographed by Anthony Burrell
Berklee Performance Center
Dec. 4–5, 2025
On Thursday, Dec. 4, Berklee College of Music students presented a Coldplay tribute concert that closely resembled a stadium show. Featuring a broad selection of musicians and dancers, rotating vocalists, and immersive production elements, “Singers Showcase: A Sky Full of Stars — The Songs of Coldplay” reimagined Coldplay’s iconic repertoire. Each performer brought their own style and strengths, which highlighted the power of unity over solo performances. The repertoire featured Coldplay’s most iconic songs, such as “Viva La Vida,” “Yellow,” and “A Sky Full of Stars,” showcasing impressive creative arrangements and theatrical elements. Overall, the concert was energetic and inspiring in both its ambition and execution.
The concert opened with “Humankind,” a song that immediately established a sense of awe and anticipation. As audience members’ light-up wristbands illuminated the space, the opening helped immerse the audience in the concert’s celestial atmosphere. Lead singer Mikey Mousaw’s energy surged in “Higher Power,” while a projected image of Chris Martin’s face against a cosmic backdrop evoked the band’s futuristic aesthetic. Rhythmically driven and upbeat, the song relied on a strong beat and bright harmonies. The performers’ confident stage presence, along with their dynamic dancing and visible audience engagement, brought out the song’s palpable energy in real time.
After “Humankind” came “Viva La Vida,” a song that featured active audience participation through clapping and call-and-response moments. The song’s bold rhythm and rich harmonies stood out as vocalist André Diaz glided upstage, approaching and engaging with the audience. The singer called out to the audience in Spanish, encouraging them to join in and immerse themselves even further in the music. The crowd’s enthusiastic “oh-oh”s made this one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Meanwhile, “Let Somebody Go” shone for its quieter melody and was performed by duo Nia Angelique and ROWAN. Lyrically, the song centers on the themes of vulnerability and regret, which the performers mirrored with their perfectly synchronized high notes and cohesive phrasing. The delicate and powerful piano accompaniment, with its flowing legato notes and a few thoughtful pauses, allowed the emotional melody to truly shine. The vocalists’ careful listening and trust in one another evoked a sense of longing and unresolved tenderness that felt tangible, and their genuine hug at the end underscored the emotional sincerity of the performance, offering a poignant sense of closure to the song.
One of the most emotional moments in the performance was “Speed of Sound,” led by vocalist Christos Metaxas and marimba soloist Maria Finkelmeier. People gasped in excitement upon hearing a familiar melody come from the marimba. The singer’s expressive vibrato and dynamic control brought out the song’s yearning quality, while soaring violin lines and a powerful guitar solo added emotional intensity.
Later, “Sparks” transitioned into “Yellow,” which was beautifully arranged by Indira Fe Sánchez Bhajan. The musical texture gradually thickened from a sparse, intimate sound stemming from lead vocalist Allanie Ortiz to a fuller, radiant ensemble. The concert concluded with “Up&Up,” featuring the full ensemble on stage. Seeing musicians, singers, and dancers together was deeply moving; each one of them was clearly driven by an intrinsic passion for their art. In the back, the band remained engaged and precise, while the dancers added a narrative quality to the show through costumes coordinated with the lyrics and themes of each song.
By the end of the night, the audience’s thunderous applause made it clear that the performance resonated with everyone. This Coldplay tribute was more than a cover concert. It showcased the passion, creativity, and collaborative power of Berklee students. From the emotional vocal performances to the glowing wristbands, the concert captured the magic of a Coldplay show while revealing the incredible artistry of the next generation.