A symphony orchestra filled most of the stage area, there when needed for various configurations. There were also plenty of video clips, photos and audio of Cohen sprinkled throughout the show. One might imagine him making a refined joke about staring at everyone’s derrieres. On the backdrop, high and center, an image of Cohen - dressed in his trademark fedora and suit and tie - peered down from a window, watching the two-and-a-half hour proceedings all about him. Most artists sang lead on just one number, except for Sting, Costello, and Adam some shared vocals with Rice and Bulat. Changeover was quick, one act after another after another, timed to a T, for the television production, even though it was not broadcast live. Other than those three, Adam, and later Costello, no one regaled the audience of 15,600 people with stories of Cohen’s friendship or influence. Cohen was a close friend of Justin’s PM father, Pierre, and had served as honorary pallbearer at his funeral in 2000. The only departures from the musical contributors were appearances by Canadian actor Seth Rogen, who had never met Cohen, but is an avowed fan and fellow “Canadian Jewish person ” and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau. Backup singers The Webb Sisters, Charley and Hattie - who toured with Cohen on his first tour in 15 years, back in 2008 until the end of 2010, then again in 2014 - also added their voices throughout the night. Philip Glass, previously announced, didn’t appear, and some performers - like Sharon Robinson, Basia Bulat and Shaar Hashomayim Choir - were either surprises or late additions.

Leonard cohen memorial concert