Laufey, dodie, and Jacob Collier joined forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for a breathtaking performance of the traditional folk ode “Wild Mountain Thyme” at the Kennedy Center. Part of the PBS series Next at the Kennedy Center, the collaboration was curated by Ben Folds as part of his Declassified program, which aims to reimagine contemporary music through an orchestral lens. The performance showcased a fascinating blend of musicality as the three artists transitioned between delicate solos and complex vocal harmonies. Jacob Collier further elevated the atmosphere by encouraging audience participation, turning the historic venue into a massive choir. This unique pairing of a rising jazz superstar, a celebrated English singer-songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso highlighted the versatility of the National Symphony Orchestra while bringing a fresh, modern perspective to a classic folk standard.


