Guest conductor/arranger Brent Havens comes to Buffalo, once again, with an impressive résumé that includes symphonic performances of such classic artists as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Michael Jackson, and more.
The program features a full band with vocals accompanied by a full 50-piece orchestra. Of the reaction to this unique combination rock and classical, Havens says, "When we first came on stage, the audience gave us polite, almost classical applause. Then we hit the first note and they realized it was a rock show".
I have been to several shows that combine rock music and classical instruments before and I have to say that I am very excited for this show. Pink Floyd has to be the penultimate rock band to have songs performed by a symphony orchestra. The way Pink Floyd composed their songs and approached music making in general lends their music beautifully to a symphonic arrangement. In contrast, I was in attendance for the "BPO Performs Grateful Dead" show several weeks ago. The show was great, and I heard a lot of classic Dead songs I love, but at times, it seemed like a cover band with classical music behind it. With the Pink Floyd show, I anticipate a seamless, well-integrated performance thanks to the grandiose nature of the bands' arrangements.
The concert is being billed as being over 2 hours long and featuring 17 Pink Floyd songs. The show is this Friday, March 16 at 8:00PM. The performance will be held at Kleinhan's Music Hall and tickets range from $31-$75.
This is a great chance to introduce someone you know to classical music.
This performance of "Another Brick in the Wall" by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will give you an idea of what to expect.
saw something similar when they did this a few years ago. it was awesome. the light show made it even cooler