Island orchestra performs for famous boxing match

Millions of people worldwide watched an Island orchestra company playing live, as Chris Eubank Jr walked into the ring to fight Connor Benn at the Tottenham Stadium, in London, on Saturday night.

The Symphonix Orchestra played a version of rapper Dr Dre’s Still D R E, for Eubank Jr, with the orchestra’s CEO, Simon Ledger, saying: “It has been described as the ‘most iconic ring-walk in UK boxing history’, which was quite amazing.” Simon, whose orchestra previously played for Ben Whittaker’s bout against Ezra Aryeneka at Selhurst Park in 2024, was only contacted about the event last Monday.

He added: “I was contacted by promotion company Boxxer, who said Connor had a gospel choir for his ring-walk and they wanted something better!

“I have musicians all over the country and organised an orchestra of 18 with some from the Island and Portsmouth. I went up the daybefore to make the arrangements with the producers and broadcast companies, as there were more than 40 million people from over 150 countries going to be watching the fight.

“There was such a quick turnaround before the fight, we were given just one minute to get set-up, which was impossible. So, for the 18 members of the orchestra, the organisers hired 18 stage hands to make things happen, one for each member!

“When we started playing it was just an incredible experience; it was nothing like I had even experienced. The atmosphere was fantastic.

“Eubank was in the ring with his father, Chris Sr, and he even had time to fist bump our keyboard player because he was so amazed. Although he had heard our demo, this was the first time he had heard it played live; it was magical.

“We were ringside to watch the fight and I had an access all areas pass, so I was able to meet lots of celebrities.”

Simon is supported by his friend, Andrew Woodford, who is conductor and musical director, and father-in- law, Chris Summerfield, who is the musical arranger. He was previously a keytar player and pianist, but reacted badly to a Covid injection and has been unable to perform since.

Instead, he ploughed his life savings into founding the orchestra two years ago, and they have performed in theatres and cathedrals.

However, Simon added: “After all the excitement, next week, we are back to reality!”

The orchestra will be performing a tribute to Whitney Houston at Shanklin Theatre on Saturday, May 3.

“We’re just a small unit from the Island playing with the big boys.”