Sneak peek: behind the scenes of a rock symphony
Shows like this don’t just happen. They are created.
Here’s a peek into all the moving parts.
Sure, it’s about the music. But it’s also about the players, the stage, and the equipment. And ticket sales. You can’t have a concert without an audience.
Before a show, Peter Brennan writes any new arrangements and distributes the music to the rock symphony players. When it comes to rehearsals, both the vocalists and the band do that independently (and sometimes the backup vocalists do too).
On the day of the event, early in the morning, the sound equipment arrives at the London Convention Centre (LCC) via the loading dock. The A/V team works their magic and (with a little help from an electric scissor lift) they secure the cables and lighting. The stage is set.
The band comes around noon to set up the drums and perform a sound check with the vocalists. Around 1:30PM, the orchestra starts to arrive.
At 2PM, it’s a full rehearsal for a couple of hours. This is the only one before the show.
By 6PM, staff and volunteers arrive and all the tables have been set-up by the LCC staff. An hour later, the doors open and guests start their evening with pizza and beer.
8PM comes and it’s show time. No gala, no lengthy speeches, and no auctions. Just a great night out. And this Saturday, it’s the music of Elton John & Billy Joel.
So now that you’ve had a sneak peek, why not join us?
