SYML in Utrecht

SYML is the solo project of American singer-songwriter and producer Brian Fennell, a Seattle musician who previously played in the indie band Barcelona. The name means “simple” in Welsh. His music draws on indie pop and folk, often shaped by piano, guitar and restrained electronics; “Where’s My Love” became his signature song, while his albums include SYML and The Day My Father Died. In 2021, SYML filmed Sacred Spaces at St. Mark’s Cathedral in his home city, releasing the performance as a concert film and live album. The cathedral set used voice, piano, guitar and strings. He later documented another hometown concert at Hangar 30, including material from The Day My Father Died.

Metropole Orkest is a Dutch orchestra founded in Hilversum in 1945 by conductor Dolf van der Linden. Its repertoire covers jazz, pop, electronic and classical music, while its recorded work includes albums and film soundtracks. The orchestra has collaborated with Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Costello, Tori Amos, Within Temptation and Snarky Puppy; their album Sylva won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Metropole Orkest has appeared at the BBC Proms in concerts devoted to grime and Charles Mingus, and performed two shows at the Barbican with Basement Jaxx. Roadburn Festival also commissioned the orchestra to perform Triptykon’s Requiem.