A unique group of South Africa’s top music talent gathered in Cape Town today to launch the 2012 edition of the upcoming popular music event Heineken Symphonic Rocks. Hosted by Heineken and set against a sea-view backdrop, all the show’s stars – including international rock star Ed Roland from Collective Soul and orchestra conductor, John Walton displayed effervescent enthusiasm for the upcoming show.

Heineken Symphonic Rocks is a world class, cross-genre live music show ranging from rock to pop, adult contemporary, R&B, hip hop, electro and soul, all set against the breath-taking onstage backing of a 65-piece symphonic orchestra. The impressive list of artists this year includes award-winning MiCasa and Zahara, Tumi and the Volume, Freshlyground’s Zolani and Just Jinjer’s Ard Matthews, as well as the soulful ChianoSky and pop-rock band MacStanley. In addition, the 2012 show will also offer unique performances from the multi-award winning Van Coke Kartel and Afrikaans Rock superstars F*ofpolisiekar; electro-pop singing sensation, Toya Delazy; and finally, popular rock hit-makers, aKing

Asked about his experience of the show’s rehearsals so far, Ed Roland, who has performed live with a full symphonic orchestra previously in the States, said that it was like nothing he had ever experienced before. “You don’t just listen to the music,” he explained, “You experience it.”

Newcomer to the show, Toya Delazy, who has a classical music background, explained her elation at being part of the lineup this year. “I still can’t believe I’m here at last. This whole experience really is a testament to dreams coming true.”

Another newcomer, Zahara, who has been wowing audiences with her acoustic concerts, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the event and confirmed that she would be performing with her trademark guitar alongside the orchestra.

The highly talented group, who started rehearsing together for the first time this week, displayed awe and exhilaration at the impact that such grand-scale orchestral music has on their own popular songs. All commented on their respect and admiration for the show’s conductor, John Walton.

“Every aspect of this show is executed brilliantly, from the selection of the artists to the composition of their songs with the orchestra; every detail is painstakingly put together, culminating in an outstanding performance that cannot be rivaled. Heineken Symphonic Rocks really is a world-class event,” said Walton.

Summing up the overall experience for a rock band playing with an orchestra, Francois van Coke, lead singer of Van Coke Cartel, said: “It feels so comfortable playing with the orchestra that you often have to stop yourself from getting carried away by the music and focus on playing through to the end.”

The 2012 event took place this past weekend in Cape Town at The Grand Arena GrandWest Casino in Cape Town and will now be moving onto Johannesburg at The Big Top Arena, Carnival City on the 6 October.Tickets cost R225 to R250 in Johannesburg, and can be bought through Computicket.