Vince Contarino - 'Zeppelin Soars Again at the Opera House'
Are you looking for a different kind of concert experience? We got just the ticket for you.As we etch ever so closer to the EPIC Zep Boys' show at the Sydney Opera House - alongside the magnificent 35-piece KashmirOrchestra, attention has turned to the show itself and we've reached our to vocalist VinceContarino to give us some perspectives about the experience (both watching and performing) and why this event is one for the whole family.Vince, welcome back to Wall Of Sound - how's preparations going for the return to the Opera House?Thank you and it’s an absolute pleasure to chat with you. Preparations are well and truly on the way. We have been doing our work individually with due diligence and also as a unit. It’s time to take our discipline and work effort to another level.Performing alongside a 35-piece orchestra is no easy task. How much harder are rehearsals to both organise and perform when there's an extra 35+ people in tow?When you perform as a band you have the option and also the luxury of improvising and changing arrangements on the fly, however, when you perform with an orchestra everything is written and, in a way, blocked so you must not stray from the arrangement because you will derail the orchestra as they cannot simply follow you. They are reading their music so the band must stick to the script. The band has to know exactly what is happening at all times and commit it to memory. Then of course there is the live reproduction of the songs which introduces other obstacles such as sound levels and how to balance a rock band and an orchestra simultaneously. I could write an essay on this however suffice to say since 2005 technology has improved in huge biblical increments and it is improving more and more all the time. We have a new approach to this new show implementing advances in sound technology and I am so excited to be part of it.The show is a great encapsulation of Led Zeppelin's history, the classic rock genre itself and the additional beauty of the orchestra taking things next level. Is there a pinnacle moment in the set where you are taken aback by what's going on around you?Oh man this question takes me back to performances. I cannot tell you how much focus you have to have to remember your part and not become an observer or rather in this case a detached listener. The music with the orchestra can be so powerful and yet so fragile and emotional that it is so easy to become a spectator and forget your role as a protagonist.I remember when we first embarked on these shows back in 2005 with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra there were times, I went off with the fairies listening so the all-encompassing surround sound of the orchestra and sometimes lost my place.The show is littered with many instances where it is so easy to lose yourself.[gallery columns="2" type="square" ids="https://wallofsoundau.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Zep_Masters-66.jpg|,https://wallofsoundau.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Zep_Masters-80.jpg|,https://wallofsoundau.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Zep_Masters-48.jpg|,https://wallofsoundau.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Zep_Masters-52.jpg|"]
📷: Mick Goddard (MickG Photography)
This show is titled Zeppelin Soars Again, how does this differ from previous entries?This show has evolved from the previous two shows with Orchestra that we have presented. With the multiple performances we have done both here and overseas, we have refined the repertoire, so it is dynamically more intense. We have managed to do this with the introduction of different songs, one of which is 'In The Light' and of course new arrangements that fit both band and orchestra.Led Zeppelin is one of those bands that transcend generations and genres - would you say the show is a great chance to take the kids for an impromptu education session? Absolutely! Songwriting is the key here. Led Zeppelin wrote magnificent songs, musically and lyrically they stand out from many of their contemporaries of the era. The proof is in the pudding because when the pieces are orchestrated, they take on a new persona altogether and yet the dynamics and themes are not diminished and hopefully even enhanced. Even though they transform from a hard-hitting blues/rock base, they elevate to an orchestral majesty. I think it’s a great thing to expose the kids too. Anything that tantalises the imagination and stimulates thought in a positive entertaining way is great for young minds.How deep into the back catalogues do you venture?We will be performing a track from every studio album Led Zeppelin released.Any sneak peeks we should keep our eyes peeled for during the set?I would say if you get the chance before the show to have an afternoon nap, do so as you will need to be at full attention for 2 hours. The show is a feature from the word go til the very end. There are features where the orchestra will dominate and shine that it will take your breath away and of course, the individual band members will also be featured, whether it will be a violin bow solo on guitar, a drum solo or simply a delicate acoustic guitar expression.Any final thoughts for readers on the fence about coming?I would like to say that this show isn’t just for fans of Led Zeppelin or even rock music. If you are a music lover or aficionado this show will capture you.
In the 38 years I have been performing the music of Led Zeppelin as the Zep Boys and then even many years before that in other acts I have had many a conversation with people from all walks of life. A common story is having people come and tell me they had no idea that the music of Led Zeppelin was so varied and dynamic.
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has told me “I thought Led Zeppelin was just a heavy rock band”.Interview by Paul 'Browny' Brown
Tickets are on sale now here
Zep Boys – Performing The Music of Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin Soars Again – April 5 @ Sydney Opera House NSWwith Kashmir Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR522xbcLSM
