Breaking the rules with turntables and symphonies
Nicholas Edwards had the opportunity to work this week at Birmingham Symphony Hall with Gabriel Prokofiev—the London-based composer, producer, and founder of the NONCLASSICAL record label. The concerto, which includes Prokofiev’s Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra, is performed by the National Youth Orchestra. Listening to them you would not know this was not a professional orchestra; conductor, Vladimir Jurowski, demanded and received the highest standards of musical performance. Even though this was just a rehearsal there was applause through the hall at the end of the performance.
Prokofiev is focused on bringing classical music to younger, more diverse audiences, introducing urban sounds into the concert hall. Nick was on hand to explain the capabilities of the hall, the acoustic differences from normal DJ club venues, and how to get the best out of the hall for this particular performance.
The performance at Symphony Hall will be on August 3rd, and the final performance will be Saturday, August 6th at Royal Albert Hall.
