East End orchestra plays rap backing for the Queen
An East End orchestra brought a new kind of harmony to Buckingham Palace by fusing rap, pop and classical styles in a daring show for the Queen.
The Canary Wharf-based Docklands Sinfonia only formed two years but bagged themselves the ultimate invitation by entertaining the royals during a bash to celebrate young people in the performing arts on Monday.
Taking to the ballroom – the palace’s biggest hall – the 50-strong orchestra provided the musical accompaniment for performances from stars including singer Ellie Goulding, rapper Ironik and soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Their half an hour production came together with only two days of rehearsals.
Founder and musical director Spencer Down said: “The night included every genre you could think of. Afterwards Princess Beatrice and Prince Andrew came to tell us how much they enjoyed it.
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“It doesn’t get much bigger than Buckingham Palace.”
The group is made up of music students, professionals and talented amateurs who come together every Wednesday.
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Meanwhile, other celebrities including Hollywood stars Kevin Spacey and Helen Mirren also mingled at the event.
Ms Mirren, who lives in Wapping, famously played the royal in a 2006 film about her life.
