Birmingham night for Ministry Of Sound - with added orchestra
Ministry of Sound need no introduction as the world’s most iconic dance brand and they are bringing one of their most popular collections - The Annual - to Birmingham next year.
But rather than being a straight-up night of banging dance classics from the 90s and 00s, the London Concert Orchestra will be along for the ride reimagining the hits to create The Annual Classical.
Some 23 years after the very first compilation dropped, The Annual Classical will see Ministry of Sound bring the 50-piece on the road, including a show at Symphony Hall on May 18.
The tour comes in the wake of DJ Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics tour using the same concept but with the Heritage Orchestra, which arrives at Arena Birmingham later this month on November 28.
The Ministry Of Sound tour will include some of the biggest dance tracks from the 90s, which have featured on early chart topping The Annual compilations. It will see the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim and Dario G all reimagined.
Compiled and mixed by a series of superstar DJs including Boy George, Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Tall Paul to name a few, The Annual quickly became the dance compilation of choice each year for dance fans. Over the course of 23 editions since its 1995 inception, The Annual has achieved six chart topping albums, and 16 Top 10 releases.
As Judge Jules says: “The Annual is the biggest selling dance music compilation of all time, and I was equally proud to be involved then as I am now. Orchestrating some of its biggest tracks is an homage to some of the greatest musical memories ever, and the show promises to be a truly heart-stirring experience.”
Ministry Of Sound chairman Lohan Presencer adds: “The Annual is the best-selling dance music compilation series of all time. Packed with classic anthems it’s only fitting that these tunes should get the classical treatment.”
To celebrate The Annual nearing a quarter of a century in age, a documentary has been made celebrating the series. It features interviews with the DJs who launched their careers at the London club including the likes of Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold and Brandon Block, alongside the key Ministry of Sound players including co-founder Justin Berkmann and chairman Mr Presencer.
The documentary explores the history of The Annual, the club, and features never before seen footage with a live orchestral accompaniment. The film will be screened exclusively at The Annual Classical performances across the UK.
Tickets for The Annual Classical are priced between £35 and £60 and are available here.