Symfo Classics in Barendrecht

Yesterday, I went to see a show by 'Symfo Classics' in a theatre in Barendrecht (near Rotterdam). Does this have anything to do with Kayak? Yes, it does. Here goes: on vocals: Edward Reekers (also on piano and keyboards), Cindy Oudshoorn and Martin van der Starre. On guitars and vocals: Joost Vergoossen. On bass: Jan van Olffen, and on drums Sjoerd Rutten... They were joined by Werner van Gool (keyboards) and Hubert Heeringa (who plays about anything that makes a sound).

The title more or less says it all: classic songs from the 'symphonic' (or progressive) genre. The setlist was a fine mix of die-hard sympho and more or less 'commercial prog'. This way, both the prog fans and the casual visitor had their moments of recognition. And yes, they did play 2 Kayak songs...

With so much quality on stage, what can go wrong?. Well, not much. Edward was superb, and so were Cindy and Martin. And Joost. And the others. No problems at all to switch between the lighter and the more complex stuff. I really hope that this concept will be as successful as the other projects that come from the same company: Motel Westcoast and Best Of Britain. There is still so much more symfo to enjoy, and with these artists a fine performance is guaranteed. Needless to say I had a very enjoyable evening. You can find some pictures and video on my Facebook.

Here is (most of) the setlist, in random order:
Intro - Keeping The Dream Alive (Freiheit)
Turn It On Again (Genesis)
Fooling Yourself (Styx)
Humdrum (Peter Gabriel)
Firth Of Fifth (Genesis)
The Logical Song (Supertramp)
Storm And Thunder (Earth & Fire)
A Salty Dog (Procol Harum)
I'm Not In Love (10cc)
Child's Anthem (Toto)
Divergence (Solution, also known as 'Tommy' by Focus)
Red Rain (Peter Gabriel)
Psychobabble (Alan Parsons Project)
Mr. Time (Alan Parsons Project)
Old And Wise (Alan Parsons Project)
Davy's On The Road Again (Manfred Mann's Earth Band)
Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush)
Kayleigh (Marillion)
Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)
Livin' Thing (ELO)
Alienation (Kayak)
Ruthless Queen (Kayak)
Eve Of The War (Jeff Wayne)
Owner Of A Lonely Heart (Yes)

pic: Symfo Classics