Crazy party monsters behind Clockwork Orange indulged their devoted followers with the ultimate celebration of 30 years of partying on the White Isle this past Sunday 23 July.
A 30-piece orchestra composed of members of the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony orchestras came together, under the guidance of conductor Matthew Freeman, to take us on a musical odyssey through the most meaningful Clockwork Orange anthems of the past three decades.
The result? Arguably the most spectacular musical event on Ibiza in 2023.
The culmination of an already fully-packed schedule of typically raucous Clockwork Orange parties around Ibiza, this was an exceptional effort. Each member of the production team had pulled out every stop to make this run, like clockwork…
In steaming heat, a 30-track score of House and Trance classics, curated by Andy Manston, and orchestrated by Mr Freeman, flowed seamlessly for 90 minutes without a pause for breath.
Just about every genre of dance music was given its moment, from the likes of Toca’s Miracle by Fragma, to Delirium by Silence and Energy 52’s Café del Mar from way back in the day, to modern classics represented by CAMELPHAT and Cristoph's Breathe.
Even the odd curve ball, such as Massive Attack’s Unfinished Sympathy, helped to weld the set together.
The faithful crowd absolutely loved it and didn't stop dancing from start to finish.
Now that the dust has finally settled, it’s time to reflect on the momentous event. The results are in:
Orchestral performance 10/10
Vocal artists 10/10
Sound quality 10/10
Musical programming 10/10
Staging and visuals 10/10
Audience participation 10/10
Humidity 150%!
Remarkably, none of our regular clubbing correspondents were on hand to review the occasion. So, let’s leave it up to the rest of the Spotlight crew who turned out to give you their thoughts on this unique spectacle.
‘The festival feeling was perfect, the organisation and decoration exquisite.’
‘…a great show with a great vibe both on stage and in the audience. A loyal orange army was full of vitality.’
‘Roger Sanchez delivered classic dance music hits that the youngest clubber to the most seasoned veteran would know’… ‘in short, long live Clockwork Orange!’
- Casandra, Ticket Admin Manager
‘It's been a long time since I saw people enjoy music and dance so much.’
‘I loved seeing Danny from Clockwork Orange among the crowd enjoying seeing people enjoy his show’
- La Skimal, Freelance Clubbing Photographer
‘I loved the music with all the classics, the amazing voices of the singers and the orchestra.’
‘An incredible atmosphere, happy people dancing, with barely a mobile phone visible.’
‘For me, one of the best days of the summer’
- María, General Content Social Media Manager
‘Inspirational! An undertaking of truly epic scale and an outstanding success.’
‘The sound quality was so tight, I had to keep reminding myself there really was an orchestra playing on stage.’
- Tim, one of the bosses
‘Seeing the crowd come together to sing along in unison was a truly magical experience’.
‘Clockwork Classical may have been a new addition to the long schedule … but it’s one I’m praying they bring back year after year’
- Hayley Morgan, Clubbing Social Media Manager
‘Such talented musicians, playing Ibiza-style music with so much enthusiasm and good energy was simply beautiful’
‘Everyone was loving it… haven't seen such happy faces and interaction between the crowd for a long time’
- Kt, Marketing Director
An emotional Clockwork maestro Danny Gould was so pleased with the success of Clockwork Classical that he is already planning to repeat the event again next year. Plus, he promises something even BIGGER. The mind boggles!
Want to make early plans for next summer? Clockwork Orange is back on Ibiza between Wednesday 17 July and Sunday 21 July in 2024.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by LifeandBeth
