While cameras were being set up and microphones tested, prior to a live performance in our NZ Herald headquarters, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ella Monnery. The Synthony vocalist and recent contestant on The Voice Australia was bouncing on her feet, itching to be handed a microphone. Monnery has been performing with Synthony for a few years now and the unique blend of orchestral arrangements and electronic dance music has won her over completely, not to mention audiences all over Australia and New Zealand.
Since its inception in 2017, Synthony has performed to sold out crowds wherever it goes. Somehow hitting on a magical pairing of contemporary tracks with classic orchestral backing, Synthony has been a winning formula right from the start. It feels like Synthony was the musical experience a lot of us have been looking for, we just didn't know it yet.
In the lobby of NZ Herald HQ, an ordinary Thursday morning was transformed into an unstoppable workplace dance party, thanks to just three members of Synthony. DJ Dick Johnson established the beat while Monnery waxed lyrical and then - the cherry on top - staggeringly gifted saxophonist, Lewis McCallum, added his brassy embellishments. Performing the hit song Jubel, by French producer Klingande, the trio transported everyone lucky enough to be standing in our office foyer, to somewhere much more exciting. For just a minute I could have sworn we were all in a big open field, dancing in the sun. Unfortunately, reality hit when the performance ended, but I did get the chance to chat to Johnson and Monnery afterwards.
The concept of Synthony, according to Johnson, who is the new music director for the upcoming tour, is simple. "Synthony is an orchestral event where we take the biggest dance records of the last thirty years and reimagine them with the amazing Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra," explains Johnson. A unique concept to be sure, but what brought it about?
