A Symphony Built
By Las Vegas Hands
Classical Not Classical is a two-act symphonic concert in which the piano replaces the vocalist — a grand piano, a full orchestra, and a rhythm section playing original orchestral arrangements of Queen, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel, and more.
It was orchestrated in Las Vegas. The show’s musical director, Joe Escriba, has spent more than twenty-five years and over four thousand arrangements at the intersection of popular music and the orchestra — including his run as musical director for The Terry Bradshaw Show, which opened on the Strip in 2013 and toured nationally from there.
The world premiere is set for Fall 2026. The show is currently in its final stages of production, with venue and date to be announced. Touring markets are being selected now.
Why This Room, This City
A Town That Knows Production
Las Vegas audiences are the most production-literate in the country. They can tell the difference between a show that was built and a show that was assembled. This one was scored bar by bar, not licensed off a shelf.
Cross-Generational by Design
Older patrons arrive for Queen, Simon & Garfunkel, and Stevie Wonder. Younger audiences arrive for repertoire that is still moving on TikTok and Spotify. Families sit in the same room for entirely different reasons.
Exclusivity, Not a Package
Every arrangement is original to this production. A presenting orchestra gets genuine market exclusivity — not a pops package already circulating through three neighboring states.
Scales to the Room
Roughly seventy-nine minutes across two acts. Ensemble sizing flexes from chamber orchestra to full orchestra, and the scores are written to minimize rehearsal hours rather than consume them.
The Short Version
- The show Michael Rainwater’s Classical Not Classical — two acts, approximately 79 minutes with intermission
- At the piano Michael Rainwater, Carnegie Hall soloist and first-prize winner, Crescendo International Music Competition
- Musical director Joe Escriba — Las Vegas arranger and orchestrator; Celine Dion, David Foster, Diana Ross, Don Henley, Tower of Power
- Ensemble Grand piano, full symphony orchestra, rhythm section. No vocalists, no film projection
- World premiere Fall 2026 — in final stages of production, venue and date to be announced
- Available to Resident orchestras, performing arts centers, showrooms, presenters, and festivals across the Las Vegas valley, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and greater Clark County
Rick Kanfer
rickkanfer@me.com
770-530-8031