Publications
Partners
Cape Town – The Parlotones are currently touring South Africa with their brand new show, The Parlotones Orchestrated.
This tour sees the band taking their hits to venues across the country together with a chamber ensemble which has been arranged and will be conducted by composer and acclaimed musician, Brendan Jury.
By incorporating the chamber ensemble, The Parlotones hope to display contemporary yet classical versions of their extensive discography whilst still treating fans to everything they have grown to love about the Parlotones in a welcoming and energetic offering.
Three shows down and four more to go, we got to ask Kahn a few questions about the show:
Channel24: You’re currently busy touring with your show The Parlotones Orchestrated. What has been the reaction from fans so far?
Kahn: It's been incredible. We did one last year as a once off to gauge how people would react and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, the only criticism was that they wanted more of it and felt the orchestrated versions were too short. So we've spent the first part of this year working with the super talented musical director, Brendan Jury to re-work, add songs and perfect the show.
Our first one was at Durban Botancial Gardens and the punters have not stopped raving about it. We ourselves are enjoying the process immensely, and as the tour gains momentum it will only get better. We're thrilled to announce that the first night at the Teatro is sold out and an additional night has been added.
C24: What has been the most challenging thing of putting together a show with an orchestra?
Kahn: There's a number of aspects. First we need to re-work the songs so that the orchestra shines and we as the band ultimately support them. The idea is that the songs are alternate versions of the popular hits, NOT just strings slapped on top of the existing versions. There's a lot of work behind the scenes where myself and Brendan worked meticulously through each song to identify how we wish to treat each song. He then goes and spends hours scoring each song. It’s also a very expensive exercise bringing in an entire orchestra so we decided to rather use a chamber ensemble consisting of a string and a brass section. The scariest part is that each show brings with it a brand new ensemble as we source the skills from the respective cities. They have one rehearsal with us and then it's show time.
C24: Can you describe what it’s like playing with an orchestra? Is there any room for error?
Kahn: I'm always humbled at how professional and skilled they are. They are able to see a piece of music for the first time and read and play it perfectly, with feel and finesse. As someone who can't read music it blows my mind. Classical instruments bring so much texture and mood to the songs that I have goosebumps throughout the show and remind myself what a privilege it is to have these beautiful players enhance our songs and our shows, we're truly blessed. Because they're playing to a score, there is NO room for error, it’s scary stuff!
C24: How much work goes into playing and rehearsing with an orchestra? (You probably rehearsed a lot!)
Kahn: As a band we did BUT as you now know, we only ever get one rehearsal with the ensemble and every time we play, it’s a new team.
C24: What is your favourite song to perform live and why?
Kahn: I think for this show I'm really enjoying Sing you to sleep, Stardust Galaxies and Fly to the moon. The reason being is the orchestra sounds amazing on these songs.
C24: What can fans expect from the show?
Kahn: We are very thankful that our fans have been so supportive over the many many years and we always strive to try give them a unique experience to show that we put effort into our shows, give them value for money and try be innovative within budgetary constraints. Hopefully they leave knowing that we give a shit and it’s NOT always the same old usual show. This is a special production and I believe it will be a long time before we repeat it.
C24: We know you have been super busy with The Voice recently, and now this tour, as well as your solo career... so what is next for you? And for The Parlotones?
Kahn: I'm 90% finished with my second solo album, we're off to a tour to the Dubai. Qatar, UK and the US in June. In August/September The Parlotones will be bringing another unique production to the SA audience, which we've been working hard on and are very excited for, from there we tour Europe and then hit the road back home to visit all the coastal towns on our summer tour. After that I'll tour my second solo album.
Catch The Parlotones Orchestrated at the following venues:
Cape Town
15 April 2016
Artscape Opera House
Tickets cost from R220-R280. Get yours at Computicket.
Johannesburg
21 and 22 April 2016
The Teatro at Montecasino
Tickets cost from R150-R280. Get yours at Ticketpro.
Nelspruit
29 April 2016
Emnotweni Casino
Tickets cost R250. Get yours at Ticketpro.
