A Historical and Hysterical Guide to the Orchestra
A curious customer walks into a shop where the sounds of an orchestra are playing. Upon finally getting the shopkeeper’s attention, the customer asks:
- “I would love to be part of an orchestra.”
- “You’ve come to the right place.”
- “Which instrument would you like to play?”
- “Which one do you recommend?”
- “Ah, well, for that we have to go back to the beginning!”
- “Back to the beginning of the orchestra?”
- “No, back to the beginning of everything!
And so the Shopkeeper begins his fascinating guide to each and every instrument of the orchestra from its invention to its inclusion in the symphony. Along this time travelling journey, as each instrument is unveiled, we also discover about its historical context. Did you know that flutes used to be made of mammoth bone and vulture wings? Or that timpani used to be played on horses? And is it a coincidence that cellos were made fatter than violins just around the same time as chocolate was brought over to Europe from Mexico?
Packed with original music to showcase each instrument, well-researched historical facts, and the trademark goofiness of Igudesman & Joo, audiences and listeners of all ages will feel inspired to discover more about the orchestra.
The piece was commissioned and given its world premiere by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich for their 150thAnniversary Celebration Concert.
What others say
Gidon Kremer
“The funniest show on music and the life of musicians I have seen since the great Victor Borge. I couldnt stop crying of laughter for the whole evening. Go see these gifted musicians. What they show is life at its funniest side. It isn’t just entertaining, it is hilarious! “
John Malkovich
“Having had the great pleasure to have shared a stage with my friends Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo, I can tell you that even from up-close they are the real thing.They are extremely funny, very original, and highly-skilled musicians to boot. Their mix of classical music and comedy is absolutely unique”.
Emanuel Ax
“I had the time of my life when I first saw them live in action, and felt honored to put in a cameo in some of their nutty skits! Take the opportunity to get a taste of their over brimming musical imagination!”
