The genre-defying Paradox Orchestra, whose classically-trained musicians reimagine rock, pop, and dance classics, has announced a series of gigs in their home turf, Leeds and West Yorkshire.
The ground-breaking orchestra, which consists predominantly of graduates of Leeds Conservatoire, is set to go global in 2025 with celebrity clients around the world. But first, on April 25, Paradox Orchestra perform their iconic Fleetwood Mac experience at The Venue, Leeds Conservatoire, performing the timeless hits of the rock legends, reimagined for a live orchestra and vocalists.
It will then celebrate Pride in style as headliner at Kirklees Pride Weekend performing Pride Classical at Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday 7 June, promising an unforgettable night of drag, dancing and dazzling classical classics, playing iconic anthems.
The orchestra will then revisit their iconic 50 Years of Pink Floyd show performed by live strings at Halifax Minster on 27 June.
In July, Paradox Orchestra host a three-night series of gigs at the 1912 Mill, in Farsley, Leeds.
On 4 July, the orchestra will perform 50 Years of Pink Floyd at the 1912 Mill in Farsley. Performances of the show sold out in venues across the UK last year.
On 5 July, they’ll be a chance to experience the Fleetwood Mac show, with an afternoon and evening performance at the 1912 Mill.
Then, on 6 July, the orchestra bring a new show: Kate Bush: An Orchestral Tribute to the 1912 Mill.
Kate Bush fans can also catch the show, with live vocals, at Todmorden Unitarian Church on Saturday 19 July.
Paradox Orchestra celebrates the high level of professional musicianship and creativity Leeds and Yorkshire has to offer. Bold in its approach, it destroys orchestral stereotypes with collaboration, diversity, innovation, and access to music.
Leeds Conservatoire graduate Mikey Sluman founded Paradox Orchestra in 2020, and as its artistic director has pioneered innovative ways to support classical musicians find new audiences.
Sluman is a relative rarity in classical music, a sector marked by funding cuts and class inequality. He grew up in a mining town near Sheffield in a working-class family. His dad was a porter and mum a health-care assistant.
A Community Interest Company, the orchestra has made a name for its sell-out gigs across Yorkshire in accessible locations such as cathedrals, churches, and town halls, while delivering meaningful community work, with free ‘Inspire Days’ which provide access to orchestral experiences for local charities. To date the orchestra has donated over £80,000 to local community causes.
Mikey said: “It’s a joy to add Kate Bush to our existing programme which features Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd. I grew up with this music as my grandad and uncle were Pink Floyd fans, and my mum was hugely into Kate Bush and Fleetwood Mac, so it’s pretty much a homage to my family’s love of music.
“In 2025, we’re really proud to expand on our Inspire Days incentive. We’re now a registered Community Interest Company, and the orchestra is committed to giving back to local communities and charities here in Yorkshire. We will be growing our work with local music services, hospices, and education institutions, as well as growing our partnerships with Huddersfield Town Hall and Halifax Minster.”
Tickets for the Spring/Summer 2025 concert series are available now.
For more information on performances, ticket purchases, and the Inspire Days program, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/paradox-orchestra-52687991173
• April 25: Fleetwood Mac at The Venue, Leeds Conservatoire
• June 7: Performance at Huddersfield Town Hall for Kirklees Pride Classical
• June 27: Celebration of Pink Floyd at Halifax Minster
• July 4-6: A three-night series at 1912 Mill, Sunny Bank Mills, featuring 50 Years of Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and Kate Bush
• July 19: Kate Bush at Todmorden Unitarian Church