London Concertante will perform Radiohead songs with a classical twist at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford this Sunday. Artistic director Chris Grist sees this as a homecoming for the band. The concert showcases music from the entire Radiohead catalogue. Grist has curated the setlist with intent, aiming to merge rock and classical music. The tour continues through 2025, tapping into Radiohead’s cultural legacy.
A classical twist on Radiohead is coming to the band’s home turf of Oxford this Sunday, as the London Concertante ensemble presents its Radiohead Reimagined concert at Christ Church Cathedral. Artistic director Chris Grist expressed excitement about showcasing the band’s music where it all began. The performance aims to reinterpret tracks spanning Radiohead’s whole career, from their iconic albums to their more experimental works.
Grist, also the orchestra’s founder, noted the challenge in curating the setlist, having spent considerable time listening to every Radiohead album. “It has been a really fun challenge and we’ve tried not to shy away from really musically-challenging situations,” he stated. The concert could be pivotal in bridging the gap between rock music and classical audiences, potentially encouraging listeners to explore classical music further.
Radiohead’s influence is growing in the art world, with notable upcoming projects like an exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum and a theatrical adaptation of Hamlet blending their music with Shakespeare. Grist mentioned that previous biases in the classical realm are fading as rock’s artistic merits become clearer.
The ensemble’s adaptation of Radiohead’s music isn’t merely about simplification; it’s about presenting the songs in a new, sophisticated way. “For a Radiohead fan, they’ll hear their favourite tunes in a slightly different way,” Grist explained. At the same time, classical listeners unfamiliar with the original music will enjoy a symphonic experience without losing the essence of what makes Radiohead unique.
Jonny Greenwood, a classically trained member of Radiohead, has a history of composing for orchestras, which adds depth to the arrangement of their songs. Grist praised the complexity and ethereal nature of Greenwood and Thom Yorke’s compositions, predicting they’ll resonate beautifully in the historic Christ Church venue.
As the Radiohead Reimagined tour runs through 2025, it promises to deliver a distinctive musical experience that intertwines the heritage of the band with the classical tradition, creating a remarkable opportunity for both audiences and performers alike.
The upcoming Radiohead Reimagined concert at Christ Church Cathedral highlights the growing intersection of rock and classical music, especially in Oxford, where the band originated. Artistic director Chris Grist emphasised the importance of making Radiohead songs accessible to both long-time fans and classical audiences. With high-profile projects on the horizon, the cultural impact of Radiohead continues to expand, and this concert might just be the bridge that connects various musical worlds.
Original Source: www.bbc.com