What happens when an orchestra swaps the concert hall for a bar?
Kampala is set to find out this Sunday as The Singleton Bar Symphony makes its debut, promising one of the city's most distinctive live entertainment experiences.
Curated by acclaimed music director Josh SB, the event will combine orchestral music, contemporary hits, bespoke whisky cocktails and intimate storytelling in a setting designed to challenge conventional nightlife experiences.
For Josh SB, the concept is a natural extension of his creative journey, which has already attracted audiences online through his cinematic orchestral interpretations of popular songs.
“The idea is generally an extension of who I am,” he said. “I recreate popular songs and turn them into cinematic music. Based on the reception of that content, I knew it was time for people to experience it live, but in a setting they are already familiar with — the bar.”
He said the choice of venue was deliberate and aligned with his desire to challenge expectations.
“I always live for disruption,” Josh explained. “The fact that a symphony does not belong in a bar is the very reason I decided to take it there. People are hungry for something different from band nights, DJ sets and quiz nights. The Symphony addresses that gap.”
The experience seeks to bridge two worlds that rarely intersect — the sophistication of orchestral performance and the familiarity of Kampala's social scene.
Guests will be treated to popular songs reimagined through live strings, brass and percussion, offering fresh interpretations of familiar tunes.
“Some songs will take audiences a second or two to recognize because of how they unfold,” Josh said. “It's a mind-blowing experience.”
The setlist will draw from a wide range of musical influences, including 2000s classics, hip-hop, Afro-pop, house music, Ugandan favourites and tributes to legendary artists.
The event is backed by The Singleton, a brand that promotes experiences centred on craftsmanship, discovery and shared moments. Guests will also enjoy specially crafted Singleton whisky cocktails alongside an immersive atmosphere built around conversation and appreciation of artistry.
According to the brand team, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating culture through unconventional experiences.
“The Singleton is a brand that celebrates craftsmanship, discovery and memorable moments shared with others,” said Simon Lapyem, The Singleton Brand Manager.
“The Bar Symphony embodies all three. It is bold, innovative and encourages people to experience familiar things from a completely new perspective. Through the music, the cocktails and the conversations the night will inspire, we are creating an experience that guests will remember long after the final note is played,” he added.
Beyond the performance itself, the collaboration will feature a mentorship component aimed at creating opportunities for emerging creatives and musicians to engage with industry professionals and learn from the production team.
Josh SB said his previous involvement in rapper Navio's orchestra concert provided valuable lessons that helped shape the concept.
“That experience taught me what is possible and where the gaps are,” he said. “I was able to use those lessons to refine the approach and build the Bar Symphony.”
The production has required extensive preparation, including redesigning the venue's sound setup to accommodate the acoustic demands of a live orchestra.
However, Josh said the ambition extends far beyond technical execution.
“The main goal is emotional disruption,” he said. “I want to take people back to moments in time, introduce them to the future of music and ultimately make them dance, feel and be entertained.”
Organisers say Sunday's debut is only the beginning, with plans already underway to turn The Singleton Bar Symphony into a recurring cultural platform that could eventually expand across the region.
For one night, Kampala's nightlife will trade familiar playlists for violins, brass and unexpected musical journeys, demonstrating that some of the most memorable experiences emerge when different worlds collide.
