Band takes fresh look at orchestra

DeepBlue, a music band from the land of kangaroos, will showcase their unique brand of orchestra during a sole performance tomorrow in Ha Noi before heading for the Hue Festival.

"Their show Who Are You is charged with emotions and is truly engaging. It's fun, dynamic, entertaining, and rule-breaking. Audiences don't have to know when to clap and be quiet... they can just enjoy the show," according to a press release from the Australian Embassy in the capital city.


One of the finalists on Australia's Got Talent in 2011, DeepBlue, is part band, part orchestra, and part theatre. It symbolises the unique marriage of the traditional string section of the orchestra with a fifth section – digital and electronics. It is a rich mix of classical, pop, and film music delivered with magnificent sound, lighting, imagery, and stories.

"DeepBlue has broken free from the constraints of traditional orchestra to offer an interactive and audience-driven experience," the release noted.

"It is such our honour to be invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the Hue Festival 2014. We also feel privileged to have three shows at Tay Thai Hoa and Cung An Dinh stages during the prime time of the festival. We are looking forward to this international cultural exchange in this beautiful, ancient city," Greta Kelly, DeepBlue violinist exclaimed.

Over the years, DeepBlue has performed in several big festivals, such as Taiwan's Lantern Festival, International Fireworks Competition, and the Shanghai World Expo, so we are looking forward to the excitement of playing in front of thousand's of people, remarked a band representative.

"During the Hue Festival, we are really looking forward to the festival's cultural focus and historic surroundings. We are also eagerly looking forward to getting to know our audience through our interactive programme that allows us to communicate in real-time basis throughout the show," he reported.

"Who Are You is all about the music and the moments that shape our lives. The show shuffles Radiohead, Corelli, Gotye, and DeepBlue originals remixed with lush strings, big beats, and rock ‘n roll," he elaborated.

There is no conductor or music stands for the performers to hide behind. It is all about performing and allowing the audience to gain a more intimate sense of the music. The visual and theatrical elements coupled with the music and a fine show by the performers make up the total DeepBlue experience.

"The people in Ha Noi have an opportunity to enjoy their unique show. We are also organising two workshops with Vietnamese and international music students in Ha Noi. We hope that DeepBlue's performances will encourage young musicians to explore new and creative ways to perform," said Australian Ambassador Hugh Borrowman.

Vietnamese students at National University of Arts Education could attend workshops on Thursday that involve learning to sing and play an original piece by DeepBlue, choreographing their performance, and experimenting with some electronic instruments.

Later during the same day, they will work with students at the UN International School of Ha Noi with hopes of motivating young musicians, encouraging them to better express the music, and most importantly, have fun.

"All of us here at DeepBlue were once beginners and are now teachers and performers, we know what it's like to have a dream this big, and we hope to inspire and open doors for budding musicians to find their feet in the 21st century music industry," noted the band representative.

Tomorrow's performance commences from 7.45pm at Radio the Voice of Viet Nam theatre, 58 Quan Su Street, Ha Noi.