For almost six decades, front of house engineer Craig Thomesen has worked with some of the biggest names in the history of music. His résumé includes Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Bette Midler, Shirley MacLaine, Ann-Margret, Johnny Cash, The Doobie Brothers, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Barry Manilow and Paul Anka.
Thomesen has seen technology change quite a bit throughout his 57 years in the industry, and he is always looking to provide his clients with the best sound possible. When he came across DPA Microphones, he quickly became a believer.
“I was introduced to DPA’s d:vote 4099 instrument microphones five years ago when I was working at a venue that used them as their stock mics,” says Thomesen. “I tried them and I loved them. I went out and bought them as soon as possible and took them out on the road for the Classical Mystery Tour, where we have been using them since.”
For his recent work on the Beatles’ tribute show, Classical Mystery Tour, which includes a full symphony orchestra, Thomesen utilizes 16 d:vote 4099V instrument microphones for violin and viola, six d:vote 4099C instrument microphones for cello, two d:vote 4099B instrument microphones for bass and a pair of d:vote 4099P instrument microphones for piano.
“The d:vote 4099’s deliver a true and accurate sound,” he says. “Their overall sound for strings and piano are fantastic. The reaction I get from the string players is very positive. I also like how simple it is to mount the microphones exactly where I want them. If a musician takes a microphone off, it is incredibly easy to place them exactly where they were before. Anytime I need string mics inside or outside in the future, I will be using the d:vote 4099’s.”
The four lead musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The full show presents 30 Beatles tunes sung, played and performed exactly as they were written.
From the recent success of The Beatles Rock Band to the release of the band’s re-mastered albums, the demand for the group’s material is greater than ever. Many fans never had the opportunity to experience a live show; Classical Mystery Tour offers that live experience in the comfort of a concert hall. The tour has traveled all over the world, performing in almost every state in the United States, as well as Australia, South Africa and most parts of Europe.
