In 1978, a newly post-operative Gloria Gaynor walked into New York’s Mom & Pop studio wearing a rigid back brace, recorded what her label dismissed as a B-side, and accidentally minted the most indomitable disco anthem of all time. Forty-five years on, “I Will Survive” still dominates dance-floors and protest playlists, the sole recipient of the Grammys’ short-lived “Best Disco Recording” prize. Belgian arranger Jan van Kraeydonck now straps that defiant spirit onto a wind orchestra, hoisting the key to D minor and reserving a Maynard-Ferguson-worthy trumpet scream for the climactic modulated chorus. Disco’s Unbreakable Anthem The original single hid on the flip side of “Substitute,” but Studio 54 DJ Richie Kaczor spun it into prime time, triggering a global stampede to No. 1 in early 1979. Penned by Dino Fekaris and Freddie Perren after Fekaris was fired from Motown, the lyrics drip with phoenix-from-the-ashes bravado—sentiments Gaynor felt keenly while recovering from spinal surgery and mourning her mother. The song’s unbroken “four-on-the-floor” bass-drum pulse mirrors a heartbeat that refuses to flatline; Kraeydonck keeps that kick implacable, asking percussion to whisper pianissimo yet never miss a beat. Bring your applause—and your own survival story—to The Old Museum on Sunday August 31st at 2pm and let the music crown you victorious all over again. Tickets available via the yellow button below or visit www.kgwo.org.au. | 
