A magical evening where classical music met dance anthems and the result was quite simply out of this world…
And in just three weeks’ time, it’s all happening again, only this time it promises to be longer, louder and even larger than before….
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Saturday 7th October, will see 75 professional classical musicians take to the SSE Arena stage, alongside world-renowned DJ’s Paul Oakenfold, Seb Fontaine and Dave Seaman accompanied by a chorus of live vocalists, produced by Kylie Minogue’s musical director, Steve Anderson and over 9,000 revelers dancing to the sound track of their lives…. for LUSH! Twenty One – 21 Years of Dance Music Classics performed by the Ulster Orchestra.
Col Hamilton, co-founder of Lush! explains: “We are on the home-straight to what promises to be one of the most phenomenal events I have ever had the pleasure of organising in my 25-year career.
“Last year’s event was meant to be a one-off show to celebrate our 20th anniversary of Lush! Nightclub – a true institution in Northern Ireland. But it was so incredibly successful in every sense of the word that we couldn’t fail to do it one more time.
“This year we have taken the entire SSE Arena – seated and standing, equating to a total of 9,200 tickets – almost double what we had last year. We have an even bigger sound system on board, longer sets, and more staff on the bars – the SSE Arena said it was one off the biggest bar takings the venue had seen all year – so this year they are ready!
“And the best bit of the whole event is that world-renowned DJ legend, Paul Oakenfold is special guest DJ at the event alongside Seb Fontaine. They will then continue their sets in Chinawhite nightclub where both DJ legends will play until 3am.”
Lush! 21 is being produced by Kylie Minogue’s musical director, Steve Anderson, with the pop super-star’s full sound team in attendance. The musical scores will again be written by Cliff Masterson, composer, orchestrator and string arranger who works with artists including Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Emeli Sandé, Westlife and Lionel Richie.
Col Hamilton continued: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this game-changing classical club event in Northern Ireland and urge people still hoping to come along to get their tickets soon as we are literally down to the final numbers.”
Fiona McDonnell, Director of Concerts and Artistic Planning of the Ulster Orchestra said; “The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to be involved in this fantastic event once again.
“The Orchestra had never performed at anything like Lush 20 before and dance music has now been added to our ever-expanding playlist!
“The musicians enjoyed every single beat and the reception they received from the arena was simply amazing – an incredible experience. Every single one of us is looking forward to this year’s event with much anticipation.”
Paul Oakenfold who will headline the night commented: “I am honoured to be asked to play at what sounds like the most epic dance night of all time!
“I have played in Lush! many times and think the crowd is fantastic – Northern Ireland certainly knows how to enjoy themselves.
Paul concluded: “I am genuinely excited by the creative mix of musicians involved in this project, and if I know Lush! this event will be something truly spectacular.”
Steve Anderson, Kylie Minogue’s musical director commented ” Lush! 20 was a surreal, brilliant, emotional, uplifting and perfectly event executed by the most incredible team. To witness over 5,000 people screaming, singing and dancing to the soundtrack of their lives was something very special.
Steve concluded: “As soon as there was any question of doing another show – I didn’t hesitate to sign up – it was one of the best nights of my life.”
Dave Seaman, British dance music DJ and record producer said: “I have travelled the world in my career playing some of the biggest venues in the world, and it has to be said that Lush! 20 was off the scale – it was an absolute joy to be a part of and I am well and truly excited about round two. The Ulster Orchestra are amazing and were a pleasure to work with.”
Darren Gardiner, Production Manager from LSFX Productions commented: “We broke the mould with Lush Classical last year and created an event that is set to become the benchmark for the genre. This year we’re going one step further with an immense sound, lighting and AV set up for what promises to be the hottest ticket in town!”
Peter Wilson, owner of Lush! And Kellys Complex in Portrush said: “I am over the moon that we are doing this event again. It was a heck of a lot of hard work for Col and the team but to see the crowd’s response was absolutely worth it.
“What we uncovered is that there is undoubtedly a market for dance events for the older crowd, those who don’t necessarily want to go to nightclubs every week, but will come out to enjoy music from their younger days.
Peter concluded: “The night was simply electric. The musicians, the crowd, the atmosphere. All we have to do now is top it with Lush 21!”
Tickets for Lush! Twenty- One – 21 Years of Dance Music Classics performed by the Ulster Orchestra, can be purchased from http://bit.ly/LushClassicalTickets .
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