Symphonic Disco: The Format United Soloists Invented
Symphonic Disco is the concert format the United Soloists Orchestra invented: a roughly 25-piece symphony orchestra playing the biggest disco and pop hits of the '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s. Not a covers night, but real orchestral arrangements — for anyone who wants classical sound and dancefloor energy in one single evening.
What exactly is Symphonic Disco?
Symphonic Disco is a full-length symphonic concert in which around 25 musicians play disco and pop classics in their own orchestral arrangements. The United Soloists Orchestra shaped the format: strings, winds and a rhythm section turn songs from ABBA to Boney M. into a symphonic rush of sound — for an audience of every age.
This is just how we do things: in a single evening, Beethoven chats with the Bee Gees and Tchaikovsky embraces Coldplay. That same freedom across genres runs right through Symphonic Disco too — only with a mirror-ball twist. Founded in Ticino in 2017, the United Soloists Orchestra set out to open classical music up to everyone, and this format is the best example of that.
One thing matters: this is not a tribute band and not playback. Every single note is played live on real instruments. Read more about us on our about page.
What happens on stage?
Around 25 musicians take the stage — strings, winds, rhythm section and vocals. Officially it's a seated concert, but at United Soloists nights the audience rarely stays in its seats: standing up and dancing is expressly encouraged. That's how you get the sheer force of a full orchestra paired with the energy of a disco night.
The press has caught it more than once: Ticino Welcome called us "the ensemble revolutionising music in Europe", and laRegione spoke of an "explosion of life". One look and you'll understand why.
Why does the whole hall end up dancing?
Because these songs were written for the body. An orchestra doesn't make them quieter — it makes them bigger. Someone who has seen plenty of shows agrees:
Vanessa Bochsler, manager of the Salle Métropole in Lausanne, said after a Symphonic Disco show that in ten years at the venue she had never seen the entire hall dance — she genuinely thought the balcony was about to come down.
Which songs will you hear?
The setlist runs from the '70s all the way into the 2000s: disco anthems, Italo-pop and dancefloor classics. Among others, you'll hear September by Earth, Wind & Fire, Daddy Cool by Boney M., Mamma Mia by ABBA and Livin' la Vida Loca — all in the orchestra's own symphonic arrangements.
A few highlights from the programme:
- September — Earth, Wind & Fire
- Daddy Cool & Sunny — Boney M.
- Mamma Mia & Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! — ABBA
- I Will Survive and YMCA — the dancefloor anthems
- Livin' la Vida Loca — Ricky Martin
The complete, officially curated setlist is there as a Symphonic Disco Spotify playlist — perfect for getting into the groove beforehand.
What is the Symphonic Disco: Latin Edition?
The Symphonic Disco: Latin Edition is the format's hotter sister: the same roughly 25-piece orchestra, but with the focus on Latin and dance hits — from Livin' la Vida Loca through Conga to Gasolina. Same idea, more southern heat.
You can catch the Latin Edition on 3 December 2026 at the Tonhalle St. Gallen. If you like it danceable and a little exotic, this is your night — here's the event.
Where can you experience Symphonic Disco?
Symphonic Disco tours across Switzerland. Next up, the United Soloists Orchestra plays the classic programme on 31 October 2026 in Geneva and the Latin Edition on 3 December 2026 in St. Gallen. You'll always find the current dates on the events page.
- Geneva — 31 October 2026, Bâtiment des Forces Motrices: Symphonic Disco Geneva
- St. Gallen — 3 December 2026, Tonhalle: Symphonic Disco: Latin Edition
There are discounts for under-30s, and children up to 6 get in free. Current ticket prices and further cities are right there on uso.swiss/en/events. Best to grab your ticket early — our shows often sell out.
Frequently asked questions about Symphonic Disco
Is Symphonic Disco a real live orchestra?
Yes. Around 25 musicians play live on stage — strings, winds, rhythm section and vocals. No playback, no tribute band, but a real symphony orchestra with its own arrangements.
How long is a Symphonic Disco concert?
Around 90 minutes, usually with one intermission. Enough time to dance through four decades of disco and pop history.
Do I have to stay seated, or can I dance?
Officially it's a seated concert — but standing up and dancing is warmly welcome. At our shows it happens almost by itself.
Is Symphonic Disco suitable for families?
Absolutely. The format is made for every generation, and children up to 6 come along for free. For older children, the standard ticket rules of each event apply.
Which cities does Symphonic Disco play in?
Right now Geneva (31 October 2026) and St. Gallen (3 December 2026), among others. More Swiss cities are being added — the up-to-date list is always on the events page.
About the author
Arseniy Shkaptsov is the founder, Music Director, conductor and arranger of the United Soloists Orchestra. He studied in Moscow, at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and in Ticino, and has worked with conductors such as Paavo and Neeme Järvi. Many of the Symphonic Disco arrangements come from his own pen. More about him on his profile.