The special event was a collaboration between M83’s Anthony Gonzales and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (conducted by Julian Kuerti). M83’s digitally created music would appear to have little in common with an orchestra. But, conductor Julian Kuerti and Anthony Gonzales have have chose two pieces of music to bridge the gap between M83’s technologically heavy music and the classical offerings of the LA Phil.

The night was broken down into 3 distinct sets:
1) M83 Solo
2) The LA Phil performing Arvo Pärt’s ‘Fratres’ and Debussy’s La Mer
3) M83 and the LA Phil performing M83 songs

Anthony kicked off his set solo with 3 ambient songs (i think they were off of Digital Shades Vol. 1). Being inside the Concert Hall with its amazing sound magnified the musical experience. Switching between his Mac, keys, and sampler he sculpted sonic landscapes. The darkness of the hall save for a purple key light on Anthony was like being in a sensory deprivation chamber and you couldn’t focus on anything but the music. This helped build the tension created by M83’s undulating atmospherics.

The second segment featured the LA Philharmonic performing Arvo Pärt’s ‘Fratres’. I thought the piece was a great transition from M83’s transcendental digitally infused songs to the bleak and harmonically rich ‘Fratres” piece. The LA Phil then played all 3 movements in Debussy’s “La Mer” which was beautifully moving.

The finale brought M83 and the LA Phil back to the stage to interpret Anthony’s music in an orchestral way. Collaborator Morgan Kibby was brought out to on play a few songs. The first, on piano for “Lower Your Eyelids to Die With The Sun”. The song started off with a simple piano part and escalated as the choir added their voices to the song. Being one of my favorite songs, it was also one of my favorites of the night. “The Highest Journey” was the perfect song to close out the set with- the listener’s auditory journey with Anthony and the LA Phil had come to an end and i wasn’t ready to leave yet.

Several times during the set, i was so moved that there were tears in my eyes. I don’t think i am able to accurately describe how transcendental and epic this experience was. I was completely enraptured by what M83 and the Los Angeles Philharmonic was able to accomplish by coupling modern and classical music.

LA Phil and M83:
Lower Your Eyelids to Die With the Sun (morgan on piano)
Moonchild (morgan on keyboards)
Pioneer (Bloc Party cover/ remix)
In The Cold I’m Standing
The Highest Journey (morgan on vocals)

Being a big fan of the Irish band since seeing them last year, The Audio Taco is excited to be giving away a tote bag and signed cd of Bell X1’s newest release “Blue Lights On The Runway”.

In honor of the Irish band and seeing as how its almost St. Patrick’s Day, the contest ends March 17th. As usual, shoot an email to: audiotaco@gmail.com with the subject heading “Bell X1 Giveaway” along with your name and email. A winner will be chosen randomly and contacted.

Don’t forget to check out Bell X1 on their current tour!

Bell X1 US March Dates:
w/ Harlem Shakes & Duke Special
12 Washington DC - 9:30 Club
13 Philadelphia, PA - World Café Live
14 New York, NY - Highline Ballroom
17 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club

Hey friends,

im giving away two tickets (you plus a friend) to see The Library at Boardners on March 11th. First person to email me at Audiotaco@gmail.com with the heading “The Library” as well as your name and email address will get both tickets.

once i have a winner, i will update this post.