You’ve never heard the symphony quite like this.

Fans of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Led Zeppelin can come together under one roof Saturday for the “The Music of Led Zeppelin: A Rock Symphony.”

Joining classical musicians with classic rock may seem like worlds colliding, but philharmonic President and CEO Nathan Newbrough shares that Zeppelin’s music has a lot to offer an orchestra.

“Most Led Zeppelin fans have actually already heard an orchestral sound in the music every time they’ve heard it,” says Newbrough. “It’s really complex music and it lends itself very well to the philharmonic.”

Berklee-trained conductor Brent Havens will be joined by lead vocalist Randy Jackson (not that other Randy Jackson). The orchestra shares the stage with the touring band as well as a light show — complete with a haze worthy of any rock god — designed to deliver a true rock and roll experience.

“A light show to this scale is something new to us,” says Newbrough, who adds that transforming the Pikes Peak Center into a rock ‘n’ roll venue was a challenge. “We’re pulling out all the stops. We’ve done some things like this before, but not to this extent. We haven’t used haze.”

Your chance to see this tribute to the legendary music of Led Zeppelin is one night only, but the road to performing it has meant many nights in rehearsal for the philharmonic.

“This is music most of us grew up listening to. It’s not something classical musicians play all the time, but that’s what makes it interesting. It’s a chance to play something with a different style.”

So why blend those styles?

“For philharmonic fans, it’s a step out of the ordinary,” says Newbrough. “And I think Led Zeppelin fans will appreciate the experience.

“This is the start of the pops season. It’s something that symbolizes the versatility of the orchestra and an entrée to new audiences.”

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