We had the pleasure of experiencing Symphonica: The History of Drum & Bass with a live Orchestra in London, an unforgettable event that brought together the raw energy of drum & bass with the elegance of classical music. The night began with a powerful set from Violet, whose hypnotic DJ set perfectly set the mood for what was about to come. Followed by DJ Rap delivering her signature mix of energetic beats, building up the anticipation for the night’s main attraction.
Then, the stage lit up with Symphonica, featuring the incredible talents of Mr. Switch—a four-time DMC World Champion DJ—and Miles Hancock, the orchestra’s conductor and arranger. As the orchestra played, Mr. Switch added his unparalleled turntable skills, blending classical strings, brass, and percussion with the fast-paced rhythms of drum & bass. The result was a breathtaking fusion, where each beat and melody danced together in perfect harmony. The audience was taken on a journey through the history of drum & bass, with the orchestra adding layers of emotion and depth to the music that electrified the crowd.
To cap off the night, DJ Hype took over and closed with a high-energy set that left everyone buzzing.
Symphonica is not just a performance—it’s a journey through music history. Founded by Mr. Switch and Miles Hancock, the project debuted at the BBC Proms in 2011, marking the first time a DJ had ever performed at the prestigious event. Since then, Symphonica has traveled the world, performing in over 20 countries, including notable stops in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Their mission is to bring together classical and electronic music in ways that captivate audiences of all kinds.
If you missed the London event, don’t worry! Symphonica has upcoming performances that you can attend. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates on future shows and tickets.
This event was a reminder of how music transcends genres and boundaries. Symphonica is not just a concert; it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves audiences awestruck by the magic of merging classical music with the modern pulse of drum & bass.