Light of Music concert at Cadogan Hall (Jan 2016)

There is something thrilling about the beginning of a new year and new projects, ventures and collaborations. Well 2016 brought just that in the month of January: I got to shoot my first concert at the lovely Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square, with the Light of Music Philharmonic Orchestra.

And if you happen to be less familiar with it, the Cadogan Hall is one of London's leading concert venues, located in the heart of Chelsea. Every year it hosts around 300 cultural events, from BBC Proms and Royal Philharmonic concerts, to jazz, world music, and contemporary dance shows plus lots of talks and debates... Not to mention it's got awesome lighting and two floor levels, which is great for creating photo opportunities when capturing a live performance there. So can you see where the excitement is coming from?

Similar in terms of novelty, the Light of Music Philharmonic Orchestra established not too long ago in 2014, brings together a modern-instrument symphonic orchestra and a Persian chamber orchestra under the direction of principal conductor Babak Kazemi. Based in London, a multi-cultural capital like no other, the orchestra charms its public with a wide repertoire ranging from early baroque to contemporary classical and world music.

So naturally when Iranian conductor Babak Kazemi enquired about working together on this concert photography project, I was thrilled to be part of the wonderful event they had planned in support of Cancer Research UK. From past experiences with classical concerts and recitals, sharing the artists' passion and having that extra motivation has always translated in great images (according to my happy customers). 

And just as expected, when the performance started that evening everyone in the room fell under some sort of musical spell and to my delight, both conductor and musicians cooperated silently and wonderfully throughout the show, which made my job so much easier. And as the finished photos got delivered, everybody seemed to love the concert imagery, so I just had to paint a picture of that special atmosphere.