Live Review: The Presets/Australian Chamber Orchestra: Timeline

What do you get when artistic director/violinist Richard Tognetti and Sydney duo The Presets try to condense 40,000 years of music into a two-hour performance? A mind-boggling journey through time and sound that's the ultimate musical history mix tape.

A mixed crowd of classical music lovers, Vivid visitors and Presets fans filled the Concert Hall for one of the most anticipated events of this year's festival – Timeline. The smartly-dressed Presets took their positions at the side of the vast stage, ready to add their modern touch to the classical sounds of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO).

Beginning with an interpretation of the Big Bang, part one took the crowd on a journey through ancient drumming, traditional chants and classical music from greats including Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart. The ACO's playing was faultless, seamlessly timed to the ever-changing visuals depicting the historical events, artworks and images of each era. The Presets' Julian Hamilton added his vocals to a number of pieces, showing off his classical training, while partner Kim Moyes kept everyone in sync with the colourful visuals.

After a short interval, it was time to move into the 1900s. Unlike the first half, many of the tracks were recordings, with the occasional input of the ACO or The Presets, such as Hamilton's synths on Vangelis's Blade Runner and a beautiful violin arrangement over Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart.

As the tempo of the tracks picked up, the ACO transformed from a serious classical orchestra into a smiling group moving along to the beat and showcasing an impressively wide range of playing styles. A stunning rendition of Sigur Ros's Staralfur was one of the last fully live tracks before a DJ mash-up of the best of 21st century music from Radiohead to Flume took over. The Presets' own hit, My People, was modestly brief, and the whole thing was over so quickly, it left you wanting more.

The world premiere of original composition Continuum by The Presets and Tognetti wrapped things up, fusing orchestral music with upbeat, modern sounds to the visuals of an astronaut floating endlessly into space. Huge applause and cheering erupted, wrapping up a cleverly-crafted and impeccably performed show that proves The Presets are far more than just your average dance duo.