Trey Anastasio Shines With National Symphony Orchestra At Wolf Trap

Concert Review

By Stu Kelly / June 26, 2024

On a balmy summer evening, the enchanting grounds of Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA, played host to a memorable musical convergence as Trey Anastasio, the charismatic frontman of Phish, joined forces with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) under the adept baton of conductor Edwin Outwater. This unique collaboration, highlighted by intricate orchestrations from Don Hart, offered fans a transcendent blend of rock and classical music, creating an unforgettable symphonic experience. This was Anasasio’s first performance with a symphony since 2017 and fans were quickly reminded how beautiful these performances are. 

The show opened with a high-energy rendition of “First Tube,” an instrumental Phish staple that set the tone for the evening. The NSO’s lush, sweeping strings added a new dimension to the familiar, electrifying build-up of the piece, perfectly complementing Trey’s guitar-driven intensity. Transitioning to “Water in the Sky,” Trey took up his acoustic guitar, and the orchestra’s delicate accompaniment transformed the song into a serene and pastoral interlude. This gentle juxtaposition sets a beautiful contrast to the pulsating opener.

The orchestral debut of “Evolve” followed, with lush arrangements amplifying the song’s introspective lyrics and melody. This new orchestral treatment allowed the audience to appreciate the depth and intricacy of Trey’s songwriting, previously unheard in a pure rock context.

“Divided Sky,” a Phish fan-favorite known for its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, was a standout moment. The NSO’s contribution added a majestic, almost cinematic quality to the piece, with the string section highlighting the song’s expansive emotional range.

The introspective “Mercy,” another orchestral debut, offered a poignant moment of reflection. Trey’s acoustic performance, supported by the tender orchestration, conveyed a deep sense of vulnerability and beauty, resonating profoundly with the audience.

Concluding the first set, “Stash” brought the house down with its complex rhythms and winding, jazz-inflected melodies. The NSO’s ability to match and enhance the song’s intensity and complexity was a testament to their versatility and precision.

The second set opened with the orchestral debut of “Harry Hood,” a song beloved by Phish fans for its soaring, euphoric jams. The orchestral arrangement added a new layer of grandeur, making the climactic “You can feel good, good about Hood” even more uplifting and expansive.

“Petrichor,” with its evocative themes and shifting musical landscapes, felt mainly at home in a harmonious setting. The orchestra’s full palette of sounds brought out the song’s narrative depth, creating a vivid aural painting that captivated the audience.

“More,” performed acoustically, was given a lush, expansive arrangement that perfectly underscored its hopeful message. Combining Trey’s heartfelt vocals and the orchestra’s rich harmonies created a genuinely uplifting experience.

“What’s the Use?” provided a moment of meditative reflection. The sparse, ambient soundscapes, enhanced by the orchestra’s textures, enveloped the audience in a contemplative atmosphere, highlighting Trey’s ability to create profound emotional spaces through music.

The set concluded with “You Enjoy Myself,” perhaps the most iconic Phish song. The orchestral arrangement added a symphonic grandeur to the complex, playful composition, turning it into a euphoric celebration that brought the crowd to their feet. Trey’s interplay with the NSO during the song’s various sections showcased the unique synergy between rock improvisation and classical precision.

For the encore, Trey returned to his acoustic guitar for “The Inlaw Josie Wales.” The arrangement’s simplicity, with delicate orchestral support, offered a serene and reflective moment, allowing the audience to bask in the warmth of the performance.

The night concluded with “The Lizards,” a staple among the Phish community that encapsulated the joy and festivities of the evening. The orchestral accompaniment added a majestic touch to the song’s narrative arc, providing a fittingly grand finale to a night of musical fusion.

Trey Anastasio’s collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap was more than a show; it was a journey through sound and emotion. The seamless blending of Trey’s distinctive guitar work and the NSO’s lush orchestrations created a rich, immersive experience transcending genres. It was a night where rock met classical, improvisation met composition, and every note, whether familiar or new, resonated with profound beauty. For Phish and orchestral music fans, it was a dreamlike convergence that showcased the boundless possibilities of musical collaboration.

Gallery via Stu Kelly Photography