The Synthony Experience: A High-Octane Collision of Classical and Electronic
New Zealand’s Synthony festival has cemented its place as the nation’s largest one-day music event, boasting an impressive mélange of live orchestral performances and electronic dance music (EDM) beats. Held at Auckland Domain, this unique gathering draws crowds eager to experience a sonic adventure that merges the grandeur of a live orchestra with the electrifying energy of electronic hits.
- The Synthony Experience: A High-Octane Collision of Classical and Electronic
- A Rousing Start with Kaylee Bell
- A Record-Breaking Attendance
- An Atmosphere of Joy and Melancholy
- The Symphony of Sound
- Guest Vocalists: Local Talent Takes the Stage
- Generational Crowd Dynamics
- Remixed Classics and Familiar Faces
- The Final Act: Faithless
A Rousing Start with Kaylee Bell
As festival-goers began trickling in, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. One standout moment came from Canterbury’s own Kaylee Bell, who opened with her 2024 hit, “Cowboy Up.” Clad in bright fluro-pink, Bell’s country-infused performance, filled with lively lyrics like “heel toe and round we go,” brought a sprinkle of cheer to the early hours of the festival. Even though her song felt more suited to a line-dancing event, the fusion of genres perfectly encapsulated Synthony’s essence—an unexpected blend of musical styles that captivates a diverse audience.
A Record-Breaking Attendance
This year, approximately 40,000 attendees gathered to witness the spectacle—a figure that surpassed the 36,000 who flocked to the nearby Laneway Festival. Synthony boasts an illustrious lineup of performers, including international sensations like Faithless and local favorites such as Shapeshifter. The premise? A spectacular “collision of the biggest electronic dance anthems with a live orchestra,” which captivated attendees of all ages, from teenagers to seasoned professionals.
An Atmosphere of Joy and Melancholy
For an outsider like the author, who prefers folk music with a touch of existential angst, the vibe at Synthony was simultaneously uplifting and disheartening. The presence of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra as the backbone of the event transformed EDM classics into grand, orchestral anthems. Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams deftly guided her musicians through a repertoire filled with high emotion and technical challenges, making a compelling case for the resurgence of classical music in contemporary settings.
The Symphony of Sound
Under Williams’ guidance, the orchestra deftly enhanced the electronic tracks, adding layers to cherished anthems. From the booming brass enhancing Calvin Harris’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” to the sweeping strings that elevated Darude’s “Sandstorm,” the orchestral interpretation took attendees on a sonic journey seldom seen in traditional electronic music events. Some performances even featured jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, proving that orchestral music doesn’t have to fade quietly into history.
Guest Vocalists: Local Talent Takes the Stage
While the orchestra served as a consistent backdrop, the festival came alive with an array of guest vocalists. Jenny Skulander of Devilskin is emerging as one of New Zealand’s premier vocalists, belting out Avicii’s “Levels” and pulsating with raw power. However, it was Cassie Henderson, a former contestant on NZ Idol, who truly captivated the crowd with her rendition of “Freed From Desire.” The highlight was not just her vocal ability but the fact that she sang a track released well before her time, showcasing the ever-present nostalgia that seems to permeate the festival atmosphere.
Generational Crowd Dynamics
With a crowd predominantly over the age of 40, the festival carried an air of youthful nostalgia, drawing attendees who relished the opportunity to relive their formative musical experiences. While it felt like a reunion for elder Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers alike, some moments could easily evoke memories of a 90s school disco. This generational collective lent itself to a unique ambiance that balanced joy and a touch of melancholic reflection.
Remixed Classics and Familiar Faces
Acts like Shapeshifter, The Exponents, and The Black Keys continued the nostalgic theme, presenting sets filled primarily with crowd-pleasing hits. While Peking Duk’s performance featured remixed classics spanning decades, the festival maintained its frenetic energy. However, amidst the soul-stirring moments were instances when the execution felt forced. Acoustic singalongs of songs like Oasis’ “Wonderwall” briefly disrupted the flow, eliciting more groans than cheers.
The Final Act: Faithless
After a rollercoaster of nostalgia-driven performances, the finale was provided by the iconic duo Faithless. Their set, predominantly dark and pulsating, elevated the festival to a peak that felt genuinely immersive—an experience that highlighted their artistic credibility. While they too played upon nostalgia, their sound seemed to transcend it, offering a taste of something richer, a moment of true artistry amidst the calculated nostalgia.
As the night wound down and attendees filed toward free buses provided by Auckland Council, the atmosphere remained electric. While echoes of earlier performances replayed in the air, it was clear that Synthony was a cultural phenomenon that not just celebrates the past but simultaneously heightens its relevance in the contemporary musical landscape.
