A classic mix

Remember a time when orchestral music was old hat? Well, not anymore.

And it’s the club DJs, those once-mighty purveyors of modern cool, who are behind much of this resurgence as they look to ‘symphonic-up’ their sound. But what’s the deal?

Time might have something to do with it.

With many of the world’s biggest acts now heading into middle-age, those driving beats aren’t as easy to keep up with as they used to be.

And this is where an orchestra steps in; slowing things down while pumping up the volume, and seeing soaring symphonic arrangements becoming the in-thing on the dance music circuit.

This September, audiences can experience this unique blend for themselves when Carl Craig rolls into town. Performing as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender in Sydney from August 31 – September 3, Craig will be giving his techno masterpieces the classical treatment with help from the Les Siècles Orchestra.

Indeed, the festival will close on Sunday 3rd September with the Australian debut of techno-pioneer Craig’s Synthesizer Ensemble performance at Sydney’s State Theatre, followed by a show in Melbourne (see details below), spearheaded by award-winning composer and pianist Kelvin Sholar. One thing’s for sure you: you can expect the performance will turn the Detroit godfather’s (Craig’s) techno anthems into soaring, symphonic rearrangements!

In 2018, the symphonic trend is set to continue with titan of the turntables Armand van Helden’s newest show Symphonica. In Australia for one night only, van Helden will be teaming up with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to take his house anthems to the next level.

This will be the first Australian appearance for the electronic music icon in seven years, and with Symphonica, van Helden will be pulling out all the stops.

Dance music might not sound quite like it used to, but perhaps now is the time to mix it up.  Chris Prindiville

‘The Red Bull Music Academy Weekender’ runs from August 31- September 3 at venues across Sydney (Carl Craig will perform on September 3 at Sydney’s State Theatre).

Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.com.au or www.syd.redbullmusicacademy.com. http://syd.redbullmusicacademy.com/

Red Bull Music Academy Presents Carl Craig Synthesizer Ensemble also on September 2 at the Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank.

Tickets available through www.syd.redbullmusicacademy.com.

‘Symphonica: Armand van Helden with the MSO’ is on January 27, 2018, at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne.

Tickets available through www.frontiertouring.com or through www.ticketmaster.com.au.