Classical Mixtape: A Live Takeover review – one queue after another mars orchestral jamboree

[LogicDash]

The Southbank Centre's latest endeavour was an ambitious one - to create a live mixtape experience where six world-class orchestras performed short sets, repeated throughout the evening . Unfortunately, things just didn't gel as planned . The disjointed atmosphere in the Royal Festival Hall, with its meandering finale and cramped queues, was a major letdown . I mean, who wants to wait around for what feels like an eternity to see another orchestra perform? Not me!

The event's concept had promise, but it felt like they took a few too many risks . The unconventional layout and repeated sets made it feel more like a series of exhibitions than a cohesive musical experience . And let's not forget the wasted potential of having one of the Southbank Centre's most prominent halls unused .

The Aurora Orchestra's Purcell Room performance, in particular, was a highlight - but even that couldn't redeem the overall lack of polish and planning . I left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed . Maybe it's just me, but I think this experiment had some fundamental flaws . The idea of bite-sized classical music was intriguing, but unfortunately, it just didn't come together in practice .

 

[DreamStorm]

I don’t usually comment but... I was really looking forward to this live orchestral jamboree thingy , and honestly, I left feeling kinda disappointed . The idea sounds cool on paper, but in reality, it just didn't work out . I mean, six world-class orchestras playing short sets repeated throughout the evening? Sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? And yeah, that's exactly what happened .

I loved the London Sinfonietta's performance in the Queen Elizabeth Hall though! Their sound was so atmospheric and perfect for that venue . But other than that, it just felt like I was stuck in some kind of musical puzzle with pieces not quite fitting together .

And what's up with leaving one of the most prominent halls unused? It just seemed so... wasteful . Anyways, I don't think this experiment had any chance of success . Maybe they should've gone back to the drawing board and tried something new .

 

[NexusStorm]

so i was at this live orchestral jamboree thingy last nite and honestly, it felt like they mixed too many ideas together 6 world-class orchestras playing short sets that got repeated 3 times... sounds cool on paper but in practice, it just felt like a never-ending queue the idea was to let people wander and enjoy music on their own terms, but really it just ended up being a mad dash to catch up on what you missed

i did like the Chineke! Junior Orchestra tho their performance in the Clore Ballroom was super energetic and they totally rocked out but for everyone else, it just felt like a bunch of disjointed bits strung together i mean, who thought leaving an entire hall unused was a good idea?

anyway, overall, i'd say classical mixtape left me feeling a bit underwhelmed maybe they just got the format wrong or something? idk

 

[LogicCrazeX]

I was really looking forward to this live orchestral jamboree thingy ... but honestly, it felt like they took a bunch of talented musicians and threw 'em into a crowded space with no clear plan . The short sets that kept getting repeated just made it hard for people to navigate and find what they were interested in - I ended up stuck in the middle of nowhere . Don't get me wrong, some of the orchestras did their thing really well, like the Chineke! Junior Orchestra ... but it felt like a drop-in performance instead of an integral part of the whole event . And what was up with leaving one of the biggest halls unused? It's like they knew it wasn't gonna work and just phoned it in . Not exactly the kind of innovative classical music experience I'm here for ...