Self-taught composer Nathan Felix will debut sections from his second orchestra at Indie Orchestra Night (Credit: Nathan Felix)
Imagine a show that combines the dramatic power of a symphonic orchestra, the full range of a choir and the modern edge of indie musicians. Indie Orchestra Night, which will be presented by the Texas Choral Consort on March 7, 2015, involves the musical prowess of a wide spectrum of talented individuals. In other words, this will be an epic concert for Austinites.
The brainchild of self-taught composer Nathan Felix, who has roots in the indie rock world, Indie Orchestra Night required creative risks for the artists and lots of coordination. Those who see the show will be immediately impressed by the sheer amount of musicians on stage—between the Texas Choral Consort and the orchestra, there will be 120 musicians accompanying the indie artists.
To create this progressive orchestral show, Felix and Brent Baldwin of Texas Choral Consort reached out to Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater, Dana Falconberry, Zeale and The Rocketboys to join the ranks and collaborate on a truly unique concert.
From Rap to Choir, This Show Defies Genre
Texas Choral Consort with accompanying orchestra (Credit: Texas Choral Consort)
This creative experiment will come together thanks to the talents of over a hundred individuals. Texas Choral Consort, directed by Brent Baldwin, is a unique group that performs both traditional choral pieces, such as Bach’s Magnificat, and modern works by living composers like Eric Whitacre and John Corigliano. The organization’s involvement with Indie Orchestra Night is just another example of their versatility and willingness to be nontraditional.
Singer-songwriter Dana Falconberry ( Credit: Dana Falconberry)
Set against the backdrop of orchestra and choir, a collection of well known Austin artists will take the stage on Indie Orchestra Night. Dana Falconberry is a songwriter whose folk music is complimented by her fairy tale-esque voice. Felix thought of both her and Jonathan Meiburg due to the orchestral overtones already present in their music. Meiburg is the lead singer and songwriter of the band Shearwater, which was also created in Austin.
Dana Falconberry will be playing a multitude of shows during SXSW 2015. Check out her website for dates and venues.
Zeale, a rap artist who describes his newest EP as a mixture of hip-hop, dance and indie rock (Credit: Zeale)
Zeale is another Austin musician who will add a unique dimension to the concert. Straying from the indie/folk style, Zeale is a rap artist who describes the sound from his new EP FRNDZ & FNGZ as a blend of hip-hop, dance and indie rock.
Indie rock band The Rocketboys will be accompanied by 120 musicians onstage during Indie Orchestra Night (Credit: The Rocketboys)
The Rocketboys, who have had songs featured in several TV shows–including Glee, One Tree Hill and Elementary–will round out the indie musical guests at Indie Orchestra Night. Their latest EP Left | Right was released on January 9, 2015.
Expect the Unexpected
Jonathan Meiburg of Austin-based band Shearwater (Credit: Shearwater)
Indie Orchestra Night, presented by Texas Choral Consort, will be held at the Don T. Haynes Theater–which is actually the LBJ High School stage. Felix said the venue was chosen because it has the stage size and seating needed for the production, and long-time band director Don Haynes has been an advocate of new Austin music and Felix’s previous ventures.
This show invites both classical and non-classical music lovers alike to experience something different. And because of all of the collaboration those involved have contributed, the show itself will not be comparable to any other production. “Every song is approached differently,” Felix told me. “Some will have a minimalist feel and others will be more bombastic.”
So, take a stab at a new, exclusively local experience. Hey, if it’s good, the tradition will continue—Felix is already taking suggestions for musical guests at next year’s Indie Orchestra Night.
Purchase tickets at Texas Choral Consort’s website for $25.
@erinmayyyy wants to know:
Have you ever seen a show like Indie Orchestra Night?
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