Electronic Pops Orchestra

The Electronic Pops Orchestra is a unique concept which brings the sound and thrill of a symphony orchestra to corporate events.

Created by Mark Cheyne and Michael Hankinson, two of South Africa's foremost symphonic composers and arrangers, the group comprises a small ensemble of musicians (varying from 8 to 20+) who recreate the experience of a full symphony orchestra through the innovative use of digital technology. The EPO adds new dimensions of possibilities for High-Tech events of the 21st century, like synchronising orchestra to lighting and AV, and the integration of pre-recorded effects and tracks with live performance.

The EPO was created with versatility in mind, and brings an exciting new sound to a repertoire that ranges from Opera to to African to Pop and Rock. New arrangements in any style can be made. In addition, singers, choreographers and lighting designers can receive the orchestra tracks in advance on CD, to ensure a slick, well-rehearsed production.

In most instances, the production company compiles a unique show for their event, utilizing existing material from the EPO Repertoire List, and/or commissions new tracks for the artists of their choice. Alternatively, the EPO has some existing compilations that can be adapted to suit the client's requirements.

SHOWS ON OFFER

Each show is put together according to the event requirements, and therefore is a unique combination of artists, repertoire & staging elements (dancers, costumes, lighting & sets). All shows vary in length to suit each particular event, and can be tailored in timing to accommodate awards, presentations, etc.

Swing Band Spectacular:

• 7 Piece Band including brass section, playing great swing classics and recent hits by Robbie Williams,  Michael Buble and others.
• Fantastic sound and appeal for varied audiences. Works best with 3 male singers and 1 female singer.
• Suggested artists: Timothy Moloi, Craig Urbani, Matthew Stewardson, Brandon Auret, Samantha Peo, Lee Rath.
• Repertoire includes: Mack the Knife / They Can’t Take That Away from Me / Mr Bojangles / Cheek to Cheek / Things / Mambo Italiano / I’ve Got You Under My Skin / You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You / Can’t Take My Eyes Off You / Straighten Up and Fly Right / Night and Day/ Somethin’ Stupid / These Boots are Made for Walking / I Won’t Dance / Fly Me to the Moon / The Way You Look Tonight

African Divas:

• Fabulous female SA stars thrill audiences, accompanied by the Electric Pops Orchestra.
• Suggested artists: Judith Sephuma, Vicky Sampson, PJ Powers, Lira, Temara Dey,  Gloria Bosman.
• Repertoire: Diva’s sing their hits plus great SA favourites including Paradise Road, Weekend Special, Afrikan Dream, Umqombothi, Meadowlands, The Click Song and The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Queen at the Opera:

• The musical arrangements from one of the highest grossing shows ever in South Africa, performed by the Electric Pops Orchestra. Barcelona will bring the house down! 
• Suggested artists: Joseph Clark, Duncan Royce, Luciano Zuppa, Juanita Kruger, Zanne Stapelberg.
• Repertoire includes: We Will Rock You / Radio Gaga / Play the Game / Under Pressure / Who Wants to Live Forever / Another One Bites the Dust / Don’t Stop Me Now / Don’t Try So Hard / Innuendo / Love of My Life / You Take My Breath Away / Bohemian Rhapsody / Barcelona

ABBA ‘The Winner Takes It All’:

• Bringing new life to the Swedish pop phenomenon’s music, the EPO and 3 soloists pay tribute in a stylish collection of ABBA hits, including music from the hit musical ‘Chess’.
• Suggested artists Craig Urbani, Andrew Webster, Samantha Peo, Candis Cheyne.
• Repertoire includes: I Have A Dream / Fernando/Chiquitita/Love Medley /Winner Takes It All / Chess Entracte / Wrap Your Arms Around Me / Someone Else’s Story / Where I Want To Be / I Know Him So Well / Abbalicious Orchestra Medley / Thankyou For The Music/ Dancing Queen / Mamma Mia / Waterloo / Ring Ring / Honey Honey / Take a Chance on Me / Money Money Money

Opera Fantasy:

• Famous opera arias as well as recent hits by international  stars Amici Forever, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman and the Opera Babes make for high impact sophisticated entertainment accompanied by the Electric Pops Orchestra.
• Suggested artists: Jannie Moolman, Tsepo Desando, Given Mobena, Genevieve Benny, Candis Cheyne, Juanita Kruger, Loveline Madumo.
• Repertoire Includes: Ode To Joy / Prayer In The Night / Nella Fantasia / Libiamo / Lakme / Il Mio Cuore Va (My Heart Will Go On (Italian)  / Nessun Dorma / Toreador’s Song / You Raise Me Up

The Electric Pops Orchestra plays SA Hits:

• Great melodies which make us proud can create just the right atmosphere as background music while guests are arriving and dining, performed by soloists in the EPO.
• Repertoire includes: Umqombothi/ Meadowlands Medley /Mbube, Kwaito Medley /Another Country Scatterlings of Africa/ Paradise Road / Brenda Fassie Medley / A Cry a Smile a Dance /Afrikan Dream.

Compile your own show:

• Choose from many great titles from the Electric Pops Orchestra repertoire list and create your own unique show that will appeal to your audience.