Calgary Philharmonic opens season with unique mashup of dance music and orchestra

CTV's Ian White speaks with Calgary Philharmonic President and CEO Marc Stevens about Synthony, the orchestra's season-opening event that blends electronic and

No need to clutch your pearls or rattle your jewellery at the symphony: now you can enjoy it while working up a sweat at a rave.

The Calgary Philharmonic ventures into new territory with its season-opening concert Friday, September 5 – SYNTHONY: EDM Meets Orchestra.

Synthony is a New Zealand-based group that has developed a following for its mashup of dance music and orchestras.

“They really know how to do this. They’ve got DJs, they’ve got guest artists, singers and they’ve really figured out how to do this with a symphony orchestra on stage. And this is the first time that this will be done in North America.” Calgary Philharmonic CEO Marc Stevens told CTV News.

Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and piano sensation Lang Lang are part of the philharmonic’s more traditional offerings this season but Stevens says different music and different venues can bring in new audiences.

“People who may think ‘Do I want to come to the concert hall?’ but they come to a film at the Jubilee and they go ‘Hang on a second, actually I really love orchestras. I want to come and see something else.’ So, it’s a great gateway in.” Stevens said.

SYNTHONY: EDM Meets Orchestra is September 5 at the Big 4 Roadhouse at Stampede Park.

For more about the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, go here.