Rock Meets Classic 2024: TARJA TURUNEN, MIDGE URE and much more.

On April 20, 2024, Rock Meets Classic thrilled the Nuremberg Arena with a concert that fused rock music and a classical orchestra in a unique way. Lisa Müller took on the musical direction for the reinterpreted legendary hits, while Mario Gebert from Würzburg acted as conductor of the orchestra.
The very first sounds of the opener “Detroit Rock City” by KISS involuntarily gave you goose bumps. The powerful rock riffs and majestic melodies of the orchestra merged into a harmonious soundscape that captivated the audience. Gabriela Gunčíková from the RMC choir should also be heard and seen, an outstanding rock singer.

Apart from that, these well-known musicians were on hand: Paul Shortino(Quiet Riot), Robert Hart (Manfred Mann’s Earthband), Midge Ure (Ultravox), Russ Ballard, John Helliwell & Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp) and Tarja Turunen (former Nightwish).

Tarja Turunen: The Queen of the Night
When Peter Keller announced Tarja Turunen, it quickly became clear that many visitors from the Tarja and Nightwish fanbase had come to Nuremberg. Her voice is breathtaking, every note is perfect and she masters even the most demanding passages with impressive ease. It was noticeable that Tarja (as well as Lisa Müller on keyboards) was clearly having a lot of fun. She radiated an infectious good mood that immediately captivated the audience. She celebrated the songs, the big stage, the orchestra and the sold-out house – knowing full well that she was more than just the highlight of the evening – she was the queen of the night. YES she did it! – Fervently hoped for and almost prayed for, and Tarja sang it: “Phantom of the Opera”. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience during the intro. It was no easy task for Peter Keller to stand up to Tarja Turunen’s powerful voice, which seemed to outshine everything and everyone. In short: a wonderful evening in the Arena Nürnberg Versicherung with a brilliant Tarja Turunen.

Setlist:
RMC Band & Orchestra: – “Detroit Rock City”
Paul Shortino: – “Metal Health” – “Stay with Me Tonight”
Robert Hart: – “Davey’s on the Road Again” – “Mighty Quinn”
Midge Ure: – “If I Was” – “Vienna” – “Hymn” – “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes”
Russ Ballard: – “Voices” – “You Can Do Magic” – “The Fire Still Burns” – “God Gave Rock’n’Roll to You”
RMC Orchestra: – “Pirates of the Carribbean” – “Whole Lotta Love”
Supertramp: – “School” – “Breakfast in America – “Give a Little Bit”
Robert Hart: – “For You”
Paul Shortino: – “Cum on Feel the Noise”
Tarja Turunen: – “I Walk Alone” – “The Phantom of the Opera” – “Until My Last Breath” – “Logical Song” (with Supertramp) – “Nemo”
Russ Ballard + All: “Since You’ve Been Gone”

Text & Photos: Thomas Pfohl