David Mahoney, conductor of Ministry of Sound Classical, brings iconic dance anthems to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 9, 2024. For fans of Ministry of Sound, this performance promises a nostalgic yet transformative experience, merging dance music with the grandeur of a live orchestra.
In this EDMNOMAD Exclusive Interview, Mahoney shared insights on balancing authenticity with creativity, his on-stage experiences, and the unique energy of blending dance music with classical performance.
Breathing New Life into Dance Anthems
David Mahoney explained how he balances staying true to the original anthems while reinterpreting them through an orchestra. He credits Tom Player, the show’s music producer, with creating a seamless mix. “Tom Player spent hours with all the original stems from the Ministry of Sound label,” Mahoney shares. “He put a mix together that stays true to the original. It’s an hour and a half set,” he added. “There’s definitely something for everyone; no big hit has been left out.”
This balance of staying true to beloved tracks while adding orchestral richness makes the performance accessible for everyone. Each tune has been carefully woven into the set, ensuring no iconic beat goes unplayed.
Channeling Nightclub Energy On Stage
Conducting a classical orchestra in Dubai for dance music presents a unique challenge for Mahoney in the upcoming Ministry of Sound Classical concert. Harnessing the energy of a nightclub and distilling it through an orchestra, may pose some difficulty.
But for him, this energy comes naturally in a live setting. “Channeling the energy is actually one of the easiest things to do with the show,” Mahoney shared. “It’s not just an orchestra performing the tracks; it’s the orchestra layered on top of electronic dance beats,” he said. It’s the combination of these two elements that really give it a completely unique, new life and energy.
This setup combines classical and electronic elements, creating intense energy on stage. “When you’re on that stage, the whole thing shakes,” he added. “With those subs going, and the bass kicks in, the whole stage literally shakes,” he described. “If that physical energy doesn’t inspire the musicians, I don’t know what will.”
Connecting the Audience and the Orchestra
Dance music’s physical and emotional impact is undeniable, and Mahoney, as conductor, connects the orchestra and the audience. “I’m literally, quite physically, the connecting point between the audience and the orchestra,” he explained. Despite facing the orchestra, he feels the crowd’s energy intensely. “They’re behind me, but I feel every movement of that crowd,” he said. “It’s the closest I think I’ll ever come to feeling like a rock star!”
This connection allows Mahoney to interpret the crowd’s energy, channeling it back to the musicians.
Comparing Dance Music to Classical Repertoire
Mahoney’s work spans various genres, but Ministry of Sound Classical Dubai holds a special place. “It’s like nothing else I’ve ever conducted,” he said. “It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever done,” he continued. The blend of orchestral music with rhythmic beats, visuals, and the crowd’s energy creates a unique experience. “I’m fulfilled from the printed music the orchestra performs,” he shared. “But I also hear that constant beat of the dance music,” he continued. “I see content on the screen, beautifully edited,” he said. “Flashing lights and lasers point into the crowd,” he described. Mahoney calls each performance exhausting yet exhilarating. “I come off stage, sweaty and exhausted,” he added. “It’s like I’m in the middle of that crowd, living for every moment of that night.”
Surprising Reactions from the Crowd
For Mahoney, a standout aspect of Ministry of Sound Classical is the audience’s reaction. “It’s an explosion of energy from the start,” he shared. “Seeing thousands going crazy when we walk out on stage is incredible,” he said. The musicians, too, embrace the lively atmosphere. “They’re used to polite applause in concert halls,” Mahoney noted. “Now, they’re smiling on stage,” he said. “My timpani player raises his drumsticks, just going for it,” he added.
Expanding Boundaries with New Genres
While Mahoney has explored many music styles, he’s intrigued by bringing new genres to classical settings. His wife’s love of rock music has sparked future crossover ideas. “I love the idea of two or three guitars with a drum kit in the middle,” he said. “Then surround it with a full string section,” he added. “The impact would be unique,” Mahoney described. “Maybe in five years, we’ll bring a rock symphonic show to Dubai.”
For now, Mahoney focuses on Ministry of Sound Classical and looks forward to bringing this powerful fusion to Dubai.
Fans can expect a night of unforgettable beats, breathtaking orchestration, and the thrill of live performance. “Conducting Ministry of Sound Classical feels like the most fun I have in any show,” he shares ahead of the Dubai show.
Don’t miss out the Ministry of Sound Classical in Dubai concert. Tickets are still available via Platinumlist for the one night only show on November 9, 2024.
