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The ground-breaking Paradox Orchestra, which consists predominantly of graduates of Leeds Conservatoire, is set to go global with a major new partnership with influencer and DJ, Charlie Sloth.
The radical and genre-defying orchestra, whose classically-trained musicians reimagine rock, pop, and dance classics, has announced its 2025 UK spring and summer season.
It launches with a hugely-anticipated show with Charlie Sloth at the Manchester Albert Hall on April 20.
Mikey Sluman, Artistic Director of Paradox Orchestra, said: “Charlie Sloth is one of the world’s most influential hip-hop artist and radio personalities, so it’s transformative for the orchestra that we are opening our spring/summer season with him.”
The presenter of Apple Music Rap show and Fire in the Booth, Sloth has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK rap and grime scene, providing a platform for artists like Stormzy, Dave, and Kano.
Charlie Sloth said: “This is something super exciting and different. Me doing a set with an orchestra live is something I’ve always thought about doing because it’s a new experience for people. This will be a real moment.”
The orchestra will then go on to perform a series of its flagship shows including the hits of Fleetwood Mac, a Celebration of Pink Floyd, and Angie’s Disco Orchestra in locations across Yorkshire.
The summer season also sees the orchestra premiere three new shows: An Orchestral Journey of Kate Bush with Live Vocals, Ibiza Symphonix and Pride Classical.
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.”
2025 also sees the orchestra perform internationally.
Mikey said: “2025 sees a lot of international growth for the ensemble with celebrity clients across the globe accessing Paradox Orchestra. This year will see the orchestra operate in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.”
Mikey plays the Oboe and has performed all over the world, including as a recitalist in Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, and Granada. He has lectured at the University of North Texas, Royal Northern College of Music, Leeds Conservatoire, Royal Academy of Music and has recorded concertos with European orchestras.
He’s also been heard on BBC Radio 3, BBC Music, and Worldwide FM as part of an international collective for LA based composer, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson at the Barbican for the London Jazz Festival.
Since Paradox Orchestras inception the ensemble has grown to a large-scale production company, employing over 150 local musicians, creatives, and collaborators, engaging with education hubs, universities, and charities, and performing in venues in disadvantaged areas.
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 paradoxorchestra.co.uk
Concert Schedule:
- April 20: Charlie Sloth at Manchester Albert Hall
- April 25: Fleetwood Mac at The Venue, Leeds Conservatoire
- April 26: Angie’s Disco Orchestra in support of Overgate Hospice
- 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
- July 26: Ibiza Symphonix at Bolesworth Castle
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