Led Zeppelin Orchestra Performance Review

When thinking of orchestral performances, one possibly thinks of stiff, formal environments that have a dress requirement of dresses and tuxedos. Visions of aloof, almost militant conductors with long tails on their suits also come to mind. However, after attending the Louisville Orchestra’s pops season event “The Music of Led Zeppelin”, it became very obvious that even the prestigious Louisville Orchestra and their devoted following could let their hair down and rock and roll for one evening. Admittedly, I was unsure of how the Orchestra would pull off an arrangement of Led Zeppelin tunes. I had so many questions prior to the performance. How would they incorporate Robert Plant’s vocals, which are so integral to the music? How would they
When I wondered how the Orchestra would reinvent the sound of Jimmy Page’s guitar, I did not expect an electric guitar and an electric violin to be the answer. The electric violin was shaped like a flying V guitar, which is an appreciated pun that I am not sure the performer intended to make. In addition to this question, the problem of Robert Plant’s vocals were solved through the singer of a local cover band. While not spot on, the performer’s vocals were sensational enough to have the entire hall rocking. My only complaint was that it took a while to fully appreciate the traditional Orchestra. To fully recreate the Led Zeppelin sound, a traditional rock band set up was arranged in the middle of the stage. The electric instruments and drum kit were enough to drown out the other instruments during most of the performance. It was only during certain part of songs, such as “Kashmir”, that it became easier to appreciate other instruments. All in all, the Louisville Orchestra was a fully enriching concert. It surprised me every step of the way and thoroughly destroyed any expectations I had of a stereotypical Orchestra. I am more than excited to attend another concert in the