Synthony – A Generation Of Dance Music
30th September 2017
The Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Jared Donkin.
Saturday nights were made for dancing and that is exactly what a sold out crowd of two and a half thousand people intended on doing as attendees of the inaugural ‘Synthony – A Generation of Dance Music’; an event covering some the biggest dance tracks of the last thirty years and featuring Auckland’s own Symphony Orchestra.
Like any good event, a face book page had been providing tantalising teasers of what to expect; photos of the orchestra, interviews with the DJ’s and promises of guest musicans including Laughton Kora and Tali to name but a few. Closer to the date the instructional posts went up, reminding people of the do’s and don’ts and stating that doors opened at 8pm for GA Admission. For veteran concert goers the math didn’t quite add up; with the show starting at 8:30pm, thirty minutes to load nearly two and a half thousand people seemed rather optimistic. And sure enough by 8:45pm the entry line was well past IMAX movie complex, with many an exasperated patron voicing their displeasure. Relief washed over each and every person as they finally made it inside the main doors only to be faced with yet another line for the obligatory security bag checks and issuing of wrist bands denoting which one of the three levels each attendee was allowed access to. Wisely, organisers delayed the beginning of the event, however there were still many people in line for drinks (two bars to serve two and a half thousand people did not run very smoothly unfortunately) when the orchestra kicked into life.
Once inside the main concert chamber it was a sight to behold; an eighty strong Auckland Symphony Orchestra, dressed in traditional black were spread across the stage in a tiered formation as the majestic Auckland Town Hall organ loomed over the top of them. Lead by the wonderful Peter Thomas who is both musical director and conductor (not to mention a bow tie wearing father of six) there was little doubt that the ASO’s performance tonight would be phenomenal.
Unfortunately once inside it became apparent that the sound system was not as stellar, with people straining to pick out what certain songs were as they became lost in the ‘noise’ of the floor; those on the upper levels probably experiencing a far less muddy sound. Technical issues continued as first guest singer of the night Tali took to the stage in a stunning large-sequined outfit only to have her microphone fail her; a quick unsuccessful flicking of the switch on the bottom of said mic and Tali was forced to return to side of stage to grab another one.
Crisis averted and Tali performed an outstanding version of the classic ‘Lola’s Theme’ by UK legends The Shapeshifters; the crowd often drowning her out in places as they sang along to the words. This was a great example of a track that worked well with the orchestra thanks to the appearance of a percussion section in the original recording. Quickly followed up by ‘Music Sounds Better With You’ by Stardust, and the infectious dance vibe was by now working its way through the crowd as they relived club memories and trips away overseas which songs such as these were soundtracks to.
Unfortunately large contingents of ladies sporting the ‘Can I speak to your manager’ haircuts took this as a cue to engage in long deep philosophical conversations – at rather high volumes – about their adventures away to places such as Ibiza. This may sound a little snarky, but multiply that by several dozen different groups all trying to converse at the same time and often some of the subtleties of the orchestra were lost in the noise. Sure you can always just crank the volume up – but a better solution would be for people to remember to move their feet and not their mouths.
Second guest singer for the night was welcomed to the stage with such love and enthusiasm from the audience that it would have warmed even the coldest of hearts; Laughton Kora being one of those members of humanity who just exudes good vibes wherever he goes. Delivering a flavour infused version of the 1999 track ‘You Don’t Know Me’ by Armand Van Helden and Kora completely owned the stage as he sported a simple grey hoodie and black satin lavalava, his vocals soaring with ease. Sadly he only delivered the one song, bowing to the audience with genuine gratitude as they serenaded him from the stage with whoops and cheers.
As the music continued it was rather noticeable how light it was inside the venue, the lasers and spotlights above not really having the chance to dazzle. Periodically the lights would darken the crowd cheering as the aforementioned lasers and strobe lights bathed the concert goers and gave the setting a more ‘club’ feel; only to disappointingly return back to room lighting again.
One thing however that could not be faulted was the selection of songs that were played – Daft Punks ‘One More Time’, The Chemical Brothers ‘Galvanize’ – again a track that translated extremely well thanks to the string section – Deliriums ‘Silence’ and even Faithless all making an appearance. Tali once again making an appearance to sing ‘Blind Faith’ by Chase and Status before the stunning Helen Corry took to the stage in a striking pinstripe suit to perform ‘Finally’ by Kings Of Tomorrow.
Hopes for a second performance by Kora were answered with a performance of the more recent ‘Generate’ by Eric Prydz, Kora being one of the few performers who could possibly pull off the falsetto vocals of the song which he did so with such power that it was almost breathtaking; Tali and Corry joining him on stage in the latter half.
As General Lee farewelled the audience asking everyone to applaud the orchestra, conductor Peter Thomas signalled Lee – prompting the General to ask if everyone wanted one more. And so Robert Miles’ ‘Children’ was performed, many in the orchestra letting loose and having a bit of fun as they played (shout out to the two ladies behind the glockenspiel and xylophone who did not stop dancing the entire night!).
Due to the delay in the start of the evening the two separate DJ sets that were due to follow the orchestra were reduced to one; Dick Johnson (filling in for Greg Churchill who regrettably had to cancel due to an operation) and Bevan Keys sharing the decks as they kept the crowd dancing with a mix of old and new. Tracks such as ‘Born Slippy’, ‘Pump Up the Jam’ and ‘Good Life’ keeping the crowd dancing as they were finally plunged into darkness and invisible hands drew circles and patterns of laser lights across the smoke machines utterings. Now this was certainly more club like.
While there were certainly a few issues, the night itself was indeed a lot of fun; the orchestra performing magnificently and breathing new life into some classic dance tracks. With a bit of tweaking and maybe a rethink in regards to venue organisation and this could easily be an extremely popular annual event.
Were you there at The Town Hall for this musical mashup? Or have you seen the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!