Symphony of sound on cards

TOP BRASS: The Durban City Orchestra will back Gangs of Ballet at the Valentine's Day Concert on Friday.

TOP BRASS: The Durban City Orchestra will back Gangs of Ballet at the Valentine's Day Concert on Friday.

Published Feb 12, 2014

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PICTURE a 50-piece orchestra backing one of Durban’s hottest bands, Gangs of Ballet, in a picturesque setting with nothing but summer skies and chilled vibes. Sigh. Talk about pure romance.

So this Valentine’s Day, if you’re wanting to spoil your loved ones, head to Durban Botanical Gardens for Music at the Lake and share a once- in-a-lifetime experience together.

The concert will feature The Durban City Orchestra, which has joined forces with alternative rock band, Gangs of Ballet.

Tonight chatted to Gangs of Ballet frontman Brad Klynsmith and the conductor of Durban City Orchestra, Russell Scott, to learn more about the concept.

“We were approached by the organisers as well as the Botanic Gardens,” says Klynsmith.

“The guy who runs the orchestra teaches at a school we went to, so we have some background with him.

“We’re so stoked. It’s like a child- hood dream of mine ever since I was 12 and wanting to play with the orchestra and it’s finally coming true.”

The orchestra presented Music at the Lake last year with Ard Matthews of Just Jinjer, to great success, and hopes to achieve similar results.

Scott reveals: “Yeah, that show went so well the event organisers approached us to do one this year and we thought, ‘why not?’. We would be honoured to play with Gangs of Ballet, who are one of the best bands in South Africa at the moment.”

Gangs of Ballet and the orchestra will share a stage together for the first time. The guys say it’s going to be something unique with huge variation.

Scott says: “I’ve orchestrated their music, so the band will be backed by a 50-piece orchestra, which adds a dynamic element to their songs.

“People have not shared something like this before. Also, the orchestra just rehearsed with the band and they really embraced their music.

“It’s great because they are so used to playing classical. They’ve taken to it really well and there’s a great vibe and energy going on.”

What can people expect from this love-themed concert?

According to Klynsmith: “As a band, the main thing about playing with an orchestra is that you want to make beautiful music.

“People want to enjoy the moment and get caught up in it. So we hope they just sit and listen and that feeling comes across.

“But it’s going to be very interesting and a lot of fun – a cultural experience for Durban people who haven’t exper- ienced an orchestra before with a live band.

“We’re so excited about it. It’s truly going to be an awe-inspiring experience for us to play with the orchestra.”

 

•  Gangs of Ballet and the Durban City Orchestra Valentine’s Day Concert on Friday in the Durban Botanical Gardens. Pre-sale R120 at www.webtickets.co.za. On the day R140. 7pm. Call 031 322 4021.

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