The Song Remains (Mostly) the Same: DSO Takes on Led Zeppelin

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performed the music of Led Zeppelin this week, complete with stand-ins for the famed rock group. The conductor says Zep’s music is a natural to showcase the power of an orchestra.

 

Dawn Uhl-Zifilippo/WDET

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has featured music from a variety of composers.

But a bit different symphonic sound invaded Orchestra Hall this week.

It was  the music of Led Zeppelin, backed by the DSO.

Dawn Uhl-Zifilippo/WDET

The conductor and arranger of the piece, Brent Havens, has produced dozens of shows incorporating orchestral music with the likes of Queen, Prince and Michael Jackson.

Havens also revealed some snazzy moves as he jumped into the crowd in Detroit during the classic Zep tune “Dancing Days.”

He says Led Zeppelin’s intricate-yet-bombastic songs are a natural to showcase what he calls “the power of an orchestra.”

 

Click the audio link above to hear the full interview with Brent Havens

 

Here’s an excerpt of the Led Zeppelin show featuring the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra:

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.