On September 25, electronic music visionary Seven Lions brought his music to the symphonic stage for Opus Harmonia, a landmark one-night-only performance with the Seattle Symphony at Seattle’s iconic Benaroya Hall.
In a remarkable collaboration, Seven Lions teamed up with the Seattle Symphony’s Associate Director of Popular Programming and renowned composer Andrew Joslyn to create Opus Harmonia. This innovative event reimagined 17 of Seven Lions’ most beloved compositions, transforming them through the grand scale and intricate arrangements of a 60-piece orchestra. The evening was conducted by the talented Norman Huynh, while Joslyn served as both the composer and orchestrator, providing a rich backdrop for the performance.
The performance featured an impressive lineup of vocalists, including Brieanna Grace, HALIENE, Kerli, Fiora, Dylan Matthew, and Jonathan Mendelsohn. These artists enriched the evening’s experience, bringing their unique styles to Seven Lions’ captivating sound. For a groundbreaking first, Seven Lions himself joined the orchestra onstage, playing drums live for all 17 songs, unleashing a vibrant synergy that electrified the audience.
The energy reached a crescendo during the final three songs of the night: Kerli’s heartfelt performance of “Worlds Apart”, Brieanna Grace with “Strangers”, and Dylan Matthew closing with “First Time.” Each of these tracks incited audience participation, with concertgoers singing along and creating an exhilarating atmosphere that highlighted the collective emotional power of the performance.
“I just want to say how grateful I am. It was meaningful in a way I can’t even begin to describe,” remarked Seven Lions, expressing his deep appreciation for the team, collaborators, and the audience. His heartfelt sentiments resonated throughout the hall, underscoring the night’s significance for everyone involved.
This performance marked a historic milestone for the Seattle Symphony, as it was the orchestra’s first collaboration with an electronic music artist in this immersive format. Through this partnership, Seven Lions and Joslyn successfully transformed the producer’s cinematic soundscapes, intricate melodies, and emotionally charged compositions into a groundbreaking live experience.
The anticipation for Opus Harmonia was palpable, with tickets selling out within less than 24 hours of the presale launch, claiming all 2,000 available tickets. Following the event, fans eagerly called for an official album recording of Opus Harmonia, as well as the potential for additional performances, highlighting the demand for this unique musical journey.
For over a decade, Seven Lions has captivated audiences, building immersive worlds through the medium of sound. He has crafted a distinctive sonic identity that fuses electronic music with cinematic composition and emotional storytelling. This fusion is vividly illustrated in his recent acclaimed album, Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars, and the companion EP The Dreams Strange and Eternal, both of which have garnered significant praise, including accolades like Album of the Year from Dancing Astronaut and Best Album at the EDM Awards.
With Opus Harmonia, Seven Lions reached a new pinnacle in his artistic journey, inviting audiences to engage with his music in an innovative way that bridges genres and redefines live orchestral performances.
OPUS HARMONIA SETLIST
Set 1
“Free” – featuring Brieanna Grace
“Dreamin” – featuring Fiora
“By the Light of the Moon” – featuring Kerli
“What’s Done Is Done” – featuring HALIENE
“Foolish of Me” – featuring Jonathan Mendelsohn
“Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars” – instrumental
“Cold as Snow”- featuring HALIENE
“Another Me” – featuring Dylan Matthew
“Rush Over Me” – featuring HALIENE
Intermission – 20 minutes
Set 2
“Ocean” – featuring Jonathan Mendelsohn
“Days to Come” – featuring Fiora
“Moonlight” – instrumental
“Thrice Woven” – featuring Kerli
“Breathe It Out Slowly” – featuring Fiora
“Strangers” – featuring Brieanna Grace
“Worlds Apart” – featuring Kerli
“First Time” – featuring Dylan Matthew
