THE WHO – PETE TOWNSHEND Recreates Classic Quadrophenia With Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Release Coming In June

May 6, 2015, 8 years ago

news classic rock the who pete townshend rarities

THE WHO – PETE TOWNSHEND Recreates Classic Quadrophenia With Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Release Coming In June

As a leading icon of the British music revolution of the 1960s, Pete Townshend made his name by creating the power chord, smashing guitars onstage, and penning anthems of teenage rebellion like “My Generation” .Now, at almost 70 years old and half a century after he penned the archetypal rock lyric “Hope I die before I get old”, Townshend has created a “classical” version of one of The Who’s landmark albums – Quadrophenia – for a symphony orchestra, opera singer and choir.

The new “symphonized” version of Quadrophenia, an album originally released by The Who in 1973, was orchestrated by Rachel Fuller, a professional composer, orchestrator and singer-songwriter in her own right – and also the partner of Pete Townshend.

In July will be the world premiere concert at the Royal Albert Hall, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Oriana Choir

Conceived and written by Townshend in 1973, Quadrophenia went on to become a feature film and a theatre production, and was performed in its entirety on The Who’s most recent live tour.

Classic Quadrophenia was recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in October 2014 at London’s legendary Air Studios, conducted by Robert Ziegler and features popular British tenor Alfie Boe on vocals, with Townshend himself on electric guitar and performing cameo vocal roles.

Townshend will reprise his roles at the live world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London on July 5, alongside the RPO, Ziegler, Boe and other star guests.

The rock superstar began work on the project as part of his plan to leave a legacy of all his work arranged for orchestra as sheet music, for future generations to enjoy. Townshend hopes the new work will go on to become a regular part of the orchestral repertoire and boost attendance at classical concerts.



Featured Video

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

Latest Reviews