Symphonica: a live review

28^th October was an unexpectedly great, spontaneous night, with ‘Symphonica’ at the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall in Leeds. With House and Drum and Bass classics performed by a live orchestra, and 4 x World DJ Champion Mr Switch behind the decks beside composer Miles Hancock, it was an unforgettable night. We wish we knew about it sooner, to encourage as many pay as you feel donations to the DJ School UK as possible.

With a crowd full of students mingled amongst the older generation, everyone communally bonded over hearing some of their favourite gems reinvented. The drinks and dancing got better as the night progressed with tunes like Gold Dust, Inner City Life, and an impressive take on You’ve Got The Love, all brought to life with the orchestra.

The Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall was an immense venue for it the feel of an old theatre, mood lighting, and large screens showing the stage, almost giving off the impression that we were in a larger capacity venue than we were. The venue should certainly be used for more events like this, as it was a hidden gem amongst the large Uni campus.

The orchestra was full of talented students and musicians, putting their absolute all into their performances. With so many exciting events going on with the Leeds University Union right now, it’s definitely worth checking out other upcoming student-based events.

It felt reminiscent of the House Gospel Choir, a group that adapts masterworks in a new light, or even Re:imagine Events, who bring new life to the idea of a ‘tribute act’, performing classic Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop records with full orchestras.

With doors opening at 19.00 and ending at 21.30, it was the perfect pre’s for later Halloween celebrations to come.

Please check out the DJ School UK and consider supporting – “a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Leeds. DJ School UK provides engaging, culturally relevant, music education and activities to young people who either wouldn’t otherwise be able to access them, or who love music but wouldn’t take up traditional instruments.”