Pink Floyd by candle-light played by a classical string orchestra: welcome to the world of the Yorkshire-based Paradox Orchestra

The Paradox Orchestra at Leeds Minster

The Paradox Orchestra is a dynamic young Yorkshire-based ensemble of classically-trained musicians, many of whom trained at the Leeds Conservatoire, whose performances vibrantly reimagine rock, pop, and dance classics, with the aim of re-energising classical music, supporting classically trained musicians, and bring music to new audiences.

The orchestra has just launched a tour of Pink Floyd hits, with a candle-lit 25-strong string orchestra in hits from the seminal album, The Dark Side of the Moon with performances to come in Selby Abbey (11/5/2024), Sheffield Cathedral (16/5/2024) and Huddersfield Town Hall (17/5/2024). These follow sell-out performances last year at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough, Leeds Minster and Manchester Cathedral.

The orchestra combines a high level of musicianship with showmanship in its performances, and they donate 5% of ticket sales to local charities. The orchestra also provides Inspire Days for local charities, including the Archers project in Sheffield, which supports the homeless and in May The homeless receiving support at the Archer project will be invited to watch a rehearsal of the orchestra for free.

Michael Sluman, founder, and artistic director of Paradox Orchestra, said: "Music, particularly classical music, has been proven to help reduce the stresses of life, and in our challenging times, we are passionate about bringing people together for an uplifting, transformative night out. We are committed to working with local music hubs, churches, town halls and charities to reach new audiences and break down the perceptions that classical music is only for a posh night out, for posh people and at posh locations."

Full details from the orchestra's website.