Benee's top hits given an orchestral makeover

It's a musical concoction like no other - the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) meets Benee. 

"It's a more intense orchestral experience than just coming to hear your Mozart," says composer Claire Cowan.

"Drum and bass, drum and bass with the orchestra, why not?" Benee says.

The 21-year-old is teaming up with the 66-piece orchestra to put a fresh twist on her hits.

"I've never done anything like this before, it's very different but it's exciting and not something I'd think of... but when it popped up I was like, damn, I want to do this," she says.

Cowan is the mind behind the magic.

"To sit in the theatre and have three days of rehearsal and have me as the only audience member. Taping the sounds guys on the shoulder and saying more of this less of that to get that perfect sound."

NZSO percussionist Sam Rich loved the experience, and admits the songs sound a little different.

"She's got one that's like a Bollywood number, one that's James Bondy, one feels like Disney, it's never forced though, it feels very organic," says Rich.

And the performances may inspire Benee's new music.

"I'm going to LA in September to make new music, hopefully getting some releases out of it," she says.

Benee performs with the NZSO on July 30 and 31 at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre before performing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall on September 10 and 11.