INSIDE AURORA ORCHESTRA AT DRUMSHEDS: A MESMERISING NIGHT OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

The latest immersive project from Aurora Orchestra, at Drumsheds, promised an unforgettable experience, blending classical music with the industrial chic of London’s newest venue. And new it was as I got lost trying to locate the place due to my Google maps deciding to have a moment (always at the worst times, eh?) I certainly got my steps in when I finally reached the venue as it was HUGE. 

Conducted by Nicholas Collon, the orchestra performed two iconic pieces: Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite (1945) and Maurice Ravel’s Boléro—both played entirely from memory. Now, I really need to explain that  Boléro is THAT song for me. I listen to it to get myself amped up, I listen to it before marketing pitches, I listened to it when I was depressed and needed to just drag myself out of bed. We’ve all listened to it when watching (or watching a repeat) of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean winning a gold medal in ice dancing at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. So this event was something I was truly excited for and I hadn’t even considered anything else upon agreeing to attend….it was literally “me, get to see Bolero live? Yes”

Drumsheds, with its vast, warehouse-style space, is a bold choice for a classical concert. I mean, I’m usually at places like that for events where I am intoxicated and waiting for a DnB drop rather than on tenterhooks waiting for the trumpets to start popping off, but it worked. 

Aurora Orchestra is no stranger to unconventional venues, following their success at Printworks (another place we’d better not discuss in a review but if you ever see me there in a non review capacity…. no, you didn’t). In collaboration with the Southbank Centre and Drumsheds, this performance aimed to break down the traditional barriers between audience and orchestra … .and they really did in Godzilla Vs Tokyo style. 

They weren’t kidding when they said it wasn’t your typical seated concert as audience members we’re invited to move freely around the orchestra, immersing themselves in the music, as the players transformed the industrial space into a world of “dancing monsters” from The Firebird and the hypnotic rhythms of my beloved Boléro. The proximity to the musicians offered an intimate and unique perspective on these two monumental ballet scores. Once you got over the initial awkwardness of being so close to the orchestra and understanding that they are used to being looked at playing with their instruments the vibes became lighted hearted and fun. Also, the musicians eyes were locked square on Conductor Nicholas Collon. HUGE kudos to them for playing from memory as well, they are truly accomplished, I can barely remember my phone number that I have had for a decade.  Everyone was invited to walk around and listen from different areas of the orchestra and really get a feel for what parts each section played in the construction of pieces being played. Safe to say when it came to Bolero, your gal was rooted firming in the wind section. It was a great experience for both seasoned concertgoers and classical music newcomers. Conductor Collon also took time to explain some of the technique behind the construction of Bolero which was truly fascinating. There was also a voice over that explained the story of the Firebird at the start so newbies knew what the narrative behind the music was which really helped.

Getting to experience the full symphonic power of Aurora in this dynamic setting was so educational and to be honest, really emotional. It was an evening full of energy, innovation, and the magic of live music which allowed the audience to be inside the orchestra itself.

Truly unforgettable and I dream of doing it again so top marks for me. I am still thinking about it even now. I’m not alone in my appreciation either as when I was leaving a group of young lads walked past me and I heard them excitedly shout ‘That was [expletive] brilliant!’….Now, if you can get the youth of today to be that excited about classical music, I think you’ve done a truly amazing job!

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you ever get the opportunity to do something like this, please do!

Photo Credit: Jake Davis | Khroma Collective

Venue: Drumsheds, London
Date: Thursday, 17 October 2024
Performances: 6pm & 8:30pm (I went to the 6pm one)