The New Wave Orchestra arrives in Cincinnati on Saturday, February 7, 2026 for a one-night-only US tour performance at Taft Theatre. Produced by Bute Live Arts, this immersive concert event takes the most iconic New Wave tracks of the 1980s and transforms them with a vibrant orchestral sound, electrifying neon-lit staging and striking 80s-inspired costuming. For Cincinnati audiences, especially those with a deep connection to 80s music and the era’s visual flair, this marks a standout cultural moment and a rare opportunity to experience these beloved songs in a bold new light.
New Wave Orchestra celebrates the hooks, emotion and unmistakable attitude of the decade with a dynamic orchestral palette. Soaring strings, driving percussion and widescreen arrangements put melody and drama front and center, all while the stage glows with saturated neon color. From the dark romance of Depeche Mode and The Cure to the anthemic rush of U2, Blondie, Duran Duran and Simple Minds, it’s a high-impact night of nostalgia, energy and collective joy built for both longtime fans and newcomers.
“New Wave music still hits people in a deeply emotional way - the atmosphere, the style, the stories wrapped in those synths and guitars,” says Alexis Tobin, Producer at Bute Live Arts. “This show reimagines those songs through a cinematic orchestral lens, but the heart of the music stays intact. It’s about feeling that surge of recognition and excitement the moment the first notes hit.”
Featuring immersive neon-lit staging, bold 80s-inspired costumes and an orchestra arranged specifically for this project, the concert dives deep into the New Wave songbook with fresh energy and theatrical flair. Expect the art-pop brilliance of Kate Bush, the angular cool of Talking Heads, and the gleaming synth textures of New Order, A-ha and Erasure - all re-scored to heighten the intensity, emotion and craft in every chorus. For audiences in Cincinnati, this limited-run, one-night-only performance offers a distinctive night out: part concert, part communal sing-along, part neon-drenched 80s time machine.
“This show is built to be a social, celebratory experience,” adds Alexis, “Come with friends, relive the soundtrack of your past, or discover these songs in a completely new way. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s designed to leave you buzzing.”
