Foreigner with the Nashville Symphony & Chorus
Schermerhorn Symphony Center - Nashville, Tennessee
January 16, 2020
Last night I attended one of the most amazing musical events that I’ve ever attended in a very long time. The pairing of the legendary band, Foreigner, with yet another world class symphony, The Nashville Symphony and Chorus, was a rare opportunity to be treated to amazing music to embellished arrangements. Set in the gorgeous Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, it was truly a night to remember.
Of course, before the show, I had already seen and heard a similar event with the band’s “Foreigner with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus” in Lucerne, Switzerland (a must-have for your personal library) so I had a good idea what I was in for.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
I normally don’t include any “meet and greet” coverage in my reviews. However, in this case, I must because I can truthfully say that it was the absolute best and most organized I’ve ever had the privilege of participating in.
Prior to the entire band coming out and doing the typical photo op thing, hors d’oeuvres were served that were created by lead singer, Kelly Hansen, and celebrity chef, Maneet Chauhan. It was wonderful Indian inspired dishes that really teased the taste buds and I don’t consider myself a foodie. Kelly came out and explained everything in such a way that we felt that we were at his home dinner table as he explained what we were eating. An open bar was also provided for those who like to imbibe.
During the meet and greet, the entire band were incredibly inviting and gracious, making each guest feel welcome and special. The band was a class act all the way.
The music? Well, there aren’t enough superlatives to explain the show. It was absolutely amazing. Kelly’s connection the first of three sell-out crowds was, again, fun and first class. He wandered in the crowds two or three different times while he sang at different times during the show.
The band did all the hits that fans would want and expect as well as some deep cuts from their album catalog. The Nashville Symphony and Chorus was bang-on from beginning to end. The musical texture and flavor they added was not a distraction at all from the core music. In fact, as they performed the dramatic intro to “Juke Box Hero”, one could feel the hair on the back of one’s neck stand up. Absolutely incredible!
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight that the band’s orchestral arranger & master cellist, Dave Eggar, brought the instrument to rock star status with his performance and solos. In fact, I’d love to catch a solo show by him sometime.
If you’re local to Nashville or will be in town tonight or tomorrow night (and if you can manage to find tickets) – or, if you hear of Foreigner performing with an orchestra near where you live - I strongly encourage you to take advantage of catching one of these performances. I would also recommend picking up a copy of the aforementioned CD/DVD. You’ll wind up enjoying it for countless hours.