Nik Kershaw, Jaki Graham and Johnny Hates Jazz join the Orchestra of Opera North 

Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is set to host one of music’s most anticipated touring events as 80s Classical brings together some of the decade’s best-loved artists alongside the full orchestral power of the Orchestra of Opera North.

Nik Kershaw, whose hits including Wouldn’t It Be Good defined a generation, will join Jaki Graham and Johnny Hates Jazz on Thursday June 11 for an evening that promises to reimagine familiar pop classics in an entirely new light.

Kershaw, who has been involved with 80s Classical since its early days at Millennium Square in Leeds, said: “It felt like a great opportunity, not to reinvent the songs, but to approach them from a completely different angle.”

The power of the orchestra

For Kershaw, performing alongside a full orchestra remains a genuinely moving experience. 

“There’s something truly magnificent about it,” he said. 

“You realise you’re just one small part of something much bigger.

“These were songs I originally pieced together with a band in a studio. To hear them brought to life with that kind of attention is incredible.”

The orchestral setting also changes the way audiences receive the music. 

“It gives the songs weight and richness you don’t get with a standard band setup,” Kershaw said. 

“It makes the music feel bigger, more important.”

A venue fit for the occasion

Symphony Hall itself is a fitting backdrop, according to Kershaw, who has performed there on numerous occasions. 

“The acoustics are incredible – it really is a beautiful space,” he said.

The event is also drawing a notably broad audience, with fans spanning multiple generations. 

“Younger audiences are discovering the songs as songs,” Kershaw said. 

“Older audiences have memories attached – it takes them right back.”

Tickets and information

80s Classical takes place at Symphony Hall Birmingham on Thursday June 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available via B:Music.