Get Naked in October with Orchestra London

London Community News

Orchestra London debuts its new Red Hot Weekends season with Canadian music mainstays Barenaked Ladies (BNL) for two shows on Oct. 12 and 13 at Centennial Hall. “It's exciting to be involved, as well as an honour to kick things off in a new direction," says Daniel Warren, conductor of the first Red Hot concert of a season that for the first time ever features three big name acts and four tribute shows.  “The orchestra has a versatility that allows it to shine with some of the greatest names in music — the BNL are no exception,” he adds.  “These guys are out to have fun and so are we!” Warren is thrilled at the chance to once again dive into the fun of mixing a professional orchestra and a rock band after he conducted last season’s sell out concert with Jim Cuddy. "BNL have some very talented people putting together the charts and I think we can expect innovative and cheeky dialogue with all involved!” The Ladies come to Centennial Hall fresh from their Last Summer on Earth tour that wrapped up in August and they already have dates lined up with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra this December. Never a band to rest on their laurels, BNL released an album of rarities early in 2012 called Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before and are working on the music for a musical adaptation of the classic comedy Animal House. Most extraordinary of all, lead singer Ed and astronaut/musician Chris Hadfield are teaming up to write and premier a brand new song for next year's Music Monday, a day to celebrate the importance of music and education.  The twist is Hadfield will be orbiting the globe in the International Space Station while the two write, record and premiere the track, with Robertson on the ground in Canada. Robertson isn’t the only one seeing stars as Music Director Alain Trudel is over the moon about the new direction of the Red Hot Weekends series. Tickets for the performances are available at the Orchestra London box office, online at orchestralondon.ca and at the door.