Concert unleashed for dogs a hit

SYDNEY, Australia – Some in the audience howled with glee, others stood on trembling legs and a few drooled in delight as famed performance artist Laurie Anderson debuted her original “Music for Dogs” composition outside the Sydney Opera House on Saturday.

Hundreds of dogs and their owners bounced around as Anderson entertained them with 20 minutes of thumping beats, whale calls, whistles and a few high-pitched electronic sounds imperceptible to human ears.

The performance was part of the city’s Vivid art and music festival, which is being co-curated by Anderson and her husband, rock legend Lou Reed.

Anderson – who often plays music for her rat terrier – said the idea originated during a chat with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if you’re playing a concert and you look out and everyone’s a dog?’ ” Anderson said.

The music had varying effects on the pooches, with a series of high-pitched whale sounds working several into a frenzy. Many wagged their tails and barked in apparent encouragement, while others stared at the stage with glazed eyes.

The concert was originally billed for dogs’ ears only, and was going to be largely limited to electronic noises played at a frequency too high for humans.

Anderson, who turned 63 Saturday, said the crowd was one of the best-behaved she’s ever played for.