Alien Weaponry Announce Upcoming Performances with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Kiwi metal upstarts Alien Weaponry have announced a set of performances with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, set to take place in May in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Ōtautahi Christchurch.
The concerts, billed as Stronger Together, are Alien Weaponry’s first with an orchestra and NZSO’s first collaboration with a metal band in their 75-year history.
Both concerts will take place in front of live audiences with no Covid restrictions. New Zealand did a phenomenal job locking down early to prevent a wide outbreak of infections in the country and has had live music back for some time, with a 100,000+ festival (including metal) on the horizon for later this month.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Lewis de Jong says:
“I’ve always loved the idea of incorporating orchestral music with contemporary music, and when I heard that the NZSO wanted to collaborate with us I was really excited. I think there is going to be a very interesting mix of people who come to the show, mixing the metalheads with the classical music fans. One thing for sure, the mosh pits will be insane.”
Bassist Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds adds:
“Being trained as a classical pianist when I was a child, I’ve always wanted to play in the true orchestra experience. And now to be able to be a part of something involving the talented team of the NZSO, I am super excited, and I’m so glad I get to join it with our passion for heavy metal too!”
NZSO Chief Executive Peter Biggs says audiences will be blown away:
“Classical and metal share much of the same DNA. Many of metal and hard rock’s biggest names, including Eddie Van Halen, loved and took inspiration from classical composers and performers. Metallica’s live album S&M with the San Francisco Symphony sold in the millions.
“While we’ve collaborated with some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best-known bands and artists, for us to finally play with a metal band of Alien Weaponry’s calibre will be one of the highlights of 2021.”
The Kirikiriroa Hamilton performance will take place at the Claudelands Arena on Saturday, May 22 at 7:30 PM, and the Ōtautahi Christchurch performance will happen at Town Hall on Saturday, May 29 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available now via www.ticketek.co.nz.
