London Electronic Orchestra

London Electronic Orchestra is an out-of-the box hybrid classical-electronic ensemble from London.  Led by composer Kate Simko, LEO intricately fuses Kate’s background as a classical pianist with her Chicago roots in electronic music.  Comprised of harp, violin, cello, vocals, and Kate on keys, London Electronic Orchestra is an inimitable blend of lush strings weaving in-and-out of synths and organic beats.  The group created a buzz with it’s debut ‘Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra’ album on The Vinyl Factory in 2016, with appearances in a wide range of settings, including the Roundhouse, the Royal Albert Hall, The Jazz Cafe, and the National Gallery in London, (le) Poisson Rouge (New York), The Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago), Heart Ibiza, and at festivals including Latitude, Bestival, WOMAD ,Wonderfruit in Thailand, and Festival No 6.

Expanded to a full 27-piece orchestra, LEO debuted Jamie Jones and Kate Simko’s ‘Opus 1’ project to a sold out Barbican Centre in November 2018.  A full-length Opus 1 album and tour featuring LEO is planned for 2022 (Covid-19 dependent).

The core LEO ensemble features Kate Simko (composer/keybaord), Valeria Kurbatova (harp), Kamila Bydlowska (violin), Davina Shum (cello), and Jem Cooke (vocals).  A new LEO album is currently being written (2021).