YES – Symphonic Live [Limited Edition Box Set] (2026) *HQ*

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”Symphonic Live” from YES first became available in 2002 as a DVD-only release. It was later released as a 14-song double CD set. Then it came Blu-ray. For 2026, there’s a special edition reissue of Symphonic Live that includes the Blu-ray and two CDs. This is definitely the ultimate ”Symphonic Live” package to have.
Featuring the core quartet of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White (along with non-member Tom Brislin on keyboards) and the auspicious European Festival Orchestra, YES hit the road behind their 2001 studio album Magnification, playing in Amsterdam along the way.
”YES: Symphonic Live” is widely acclaimed as a top-tier live performance, easily among the best captured performances by the band. All Anderson, Howe, Squire, and White are very inspired, and Tom Brislin keyboard work is outstanding. While the orchestral backing rarely overwhelms, it provides a lush backdrop, particularly on “The Gates of Delirium” and “Magnification,” making it a must-have for fans.
And of course, ”Owner Of A Lonely Heart” is in the track list…

After an opening “Overture” from the orchestra, we are taken into “Close To The Edge,” and though it’s always great hearing this Yes classic, other than an amazing vocal turn from Anderson, this first Yes/orchestra mix isn’t all that special. At times, the orchestra actually drags a bit except in some sections.
“Long Distance Runaround” follows with a nice opening that really doesn’t develop beyond the usual arrangement, though it features some spot-on perfect Squire moments.

When it comes to the songs from Magnification, Howe really steps it up on “Don’t Go.” The orchestral collaboration really comes together on “In The Presence Of.” It’s everything you want from a Yes orchestral mix — Anderson’s vocals leading it all and White playing odd time signatures that never get cluttered. He really was a great drummer.

A rare performance of the 1976 epic “Gates Of Delirium” is followed by a Steve Howe guitar solo. Again, this is where the orchestra shines, never competing with Yes, but never taking a back seat either. You can understand why Anderson sounds so good; he is backed up by a wall of sound unlike any he’s used to live, especially for a song as dramatic as “Gates.” All those crashing spikes, the river of tension, the ‘war’ that we’ve always imagined in this classic from Relayer are brought out under Wilhelm Keitel’s baton. “In The Presence Of” and “Gates Of Delirium” are reason enough alone to own this set.

“Starship Trooper” finds Anderson in great form, along with some sparkling guitar work from Howe. Both he and White are high up in the mix on these recordings, while the orchestra is more muted. “Magnification” is next, featuring some splendid Howe slide work, and the orchestra sounds terrific.
“And You and I” has Anderson’s soaring vocals and the orchestra coming in at the halfway mark — the brass is especially noticeable — and the first real expressive solo from Brislin.

“Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil)”, like “Gates Of Delirium”, is another one that works well with the orchestra and features yet again another superb performance from White. At nearly 30 minutes, this is the centerpiece of the disc and one of the standout tracks on Symphonic Live.
The set ends with “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” and “Roundabout.” Anderson floats on “People,” while “Heart” is the most rockin’ playing on these two discs. “Roundabout” has Anderson sounding like it’s 1973 and Yessongs is playing at midnight.

”Symphonic Live” is very good, with the orchestra complementing the band in great form. There’s a strong contention that this period marked the group’s last attempt at doing something truly different and challenging by recording and touring with an orchestra.
Certainly, the short-lived combination of Anderson, Howe, Squire and White we hear on ”Symphonic Live” deserves props for living up to the high standards of progressive rock.
Highly Recommended

DISC 1:
1) Overture
2) Close To The Edge
3) Long Distance Runaround
4) Don’t Go
5) In The Presence Of
6) The Gates Of Delirium
7) Steve Howe Guitar Solo
Lute Concerto in D Major, 2nd Movement / Mood for a Day

DISC 2:
1) Starship Trooper
2) Magnification
3) And You And I
4) Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)
5) I’ve Seen All Good People
6) Owner Of A Lonely Heart
7) Roundabout

Jon Anderson – vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
Steve Howe – guitars, lap steel guitar, backing vocals
Chris Squire – bass guitar, backing vocals, harmonica, percussion
Alan White – drums, backing vocals, piano
with:
Tom Brislin – keyboards, backing vocals, percussion
European Festival Orchestra

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