The Isle of Wight’s Symphonix Orchestra took to the world stage last night (Saturday 26th April), performing Chris Eubank Jr’s walk-on live during his historic boxing clash against Conor Benn – with millions of viewers around the globe tuning in.
Following their successful performance at the start of Ben Whittaker’s fight last June, Symphonix Orchestra stepped up to another level at the start of one of the biggest bouts in decades to deliver a spectacle for Chris Eubank Jr’s entrance.
Eubank Jr and Benn came toe-to-toe in London for what was one of the most anticipated boxing clashes in history, reigniting memories of the historic feud between their fathers dating back to the 1990s.
As the tension rose inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Fatal Fury, Eubank Jr – accompanied by his father – came out to ‘Simply the Best’ which transitioned into ‘Still Dre’ by Dr Dre – performed live by Symphonix’s 18-piece orchestra.
Andrew Woodford, who had just 5 days to pull the ensemble together, took to the stage as Conductor and Musical Director. Musical Arranger Chris Summerfield had the same tight timeframe to adapt the iconic track for the orchestra.
Symphonix is based on the Isle of Wight and headed up by Simon Ledger, as Producer and Director. Both Andrew and Chris are also well-known Islanders.
More than 40 million people are thought to have watched the bout, which was broadcast to over 150 countries. The Orchestra also played to 63,000 fans packed inside the stadium.
It was only 2 years ago that Symphonix Orchestra made their debut at Medina Theatre to a few hundred people. Now, the collective is firmly established on the world stage.
Islanders will get the chance to see Symphonix’s talent up close at Shanklin Theatre next Saturday (3rd May), with ‘Symphonix Whitney’. Tickets are available at www.shanklintheatre.com/events/symphonix-whitney.
There was another Isle of Wight link to last night’s clash… In August 2022, Conor Benn – alongside his father Nigel – conducted a training camp on the Isle of Wight ahead of his originally planned fight with Eubank Jr, which was later cancelled.
Congratulations Symphonix, it was also
a great fight.