Contact:
Rachel Dahl
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
602-452-0407
[email protected]
Local Furious Styles Crew Performing a Pre-Party Style Cypher
PHOENIX (May 6, 2024) – With music visionary and guest conductor Steve Hackman, The Phoenix Symphony is fusing Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur with classical music in a groundbreaking performance, The Resurrection Mixtape, May 17-19 at Symphony Hall.
Recordings such as Biggie’s “Juicy,” “Hypnotize” and “Who Shot Ya” and Tupac’s “Changes,” “Ghetto Gospel” and “California Love” are interpolated in thematically linked mashups that speak of hard roads, ravaged communities, gangster life and letting loose. As Mahler’s music whirls and rises to its triumphant climax, you’ll be reminded of the powerful and profound legacy of these two rappers, who, twenty-five years after their deaths, are as relevant and essential as ever.
Local hip hop organization, the Furious Styles Crew, will perform a pre-party cypher in the Symphony Hall lobby one hour before each concert.
Hackman – who is at once a composer, conductor, producer, DJ, arranger, songwriter, singer and pianist – will lead the Symphony into a transformative exploration of life, death, legacy, struggle and triumph.
Mixed with Biggie and Tupac is Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, considered one of the greatest symphonies of all time. As Act One begins, hear the sublime music of Mahler as the voices of Biggie and Tupac are heard through the loudspeakers and each rapper prophesizes his own death. This hurls the audience into the fiery first movement funeral rites of the Mahler symphony. As the first movement comes to a climax, hear the two songs that iconify the East-West coast feud that many believe led to both rappers’ deaths, “Who Shot Ya” and “Hit Em Up.”
In Act Two, the focus turns to social justice and transcendence. After the explosive opening of the Mahler fifth movement, the music slows to a complete halt. Over this stillness, hear Tupac’s enduring and poignant lyric: “Here on Earth, tell me: what’s a Black life worth?” Hear the painful pleas from both artists for equality and justice in songs like “I Wonder if Heaven Gotta Ghetto” and “Changes.”
The Resurrection Mixtape features The Phoenix Symphony, and:
Denise Carite, vocalist
Carite tours with recording artists Mary J Blige, Anita Baker, Demi Lovato, Eric Benét, American Idol Top 10, Jazmine Sullivan, Usher, & Lalah Hathaway.
Jecorey Arthur, vocalist
Jecorey “1200” Arthur is an award-winning teacher, musician, and activist from Louisville, KY.
Marcus Tenney, vocalist
Tennishu has been producing, recording and performing music all over the world for the last two decades.
TaRon Lockett, drums
Lockett is a 2x Grammy Nominated drummer/producer has worked with Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Ceelo Green, Prince, Liv Warfield, Willie Nelson, Sheila E, and DJ DNice and currently tours with Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles.
Nick Clark, bass
Clark is a bassist, musical director, and producer offering bespoke services ranging from artist development, live and studio production work, and musical direction.
Local Furious Styles Crew, established in 1993, will perform in a “pre party” style cypher prior to the concert in the Symphony Hall lobby. Embark on a journey through Arizona’s Hip Hop culture, where community, creativity, and edutainment converge in a breathtaking display of skill and passion. From mesmerizing style writing to captivating visuals, soulful dance and the infectious beats of talented deejays, immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration of Hip Hop spirit and culture.
“The Resurrection Mixtape is the last show of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2023-24 season and the performance will prove to be a powerful conclusion not to be missed,” said Peter Kjome, President and CEO of the Phoenix Symphony.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: With guest conductor Steve Hackman, the Phoenix Symphony fuses rap and classical music together in The Resurrection Mixtape
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 17, 7:30 p.m. May 18, 2 p.m. May 19
ARRIVE: One (1) hour prior to experience local Furious Styles Pre-Party
WHERE: Symphony Hall
COST: Tickets start at $30. Buy tickets at www.phoenixsymphony.org
Prior to the concerts, Hackman will join Phoenix Symphony ensemble at Durango Juvenile Center as part of the Mind Over Music® program. Phoenix Symphony musicians, as part of the orchestra’s Community Engagement and Education’s Mind Over Music program that applies real-world experiences as musicians to teach STEM lessons to students in the Valley, have made repeated visited Durango Juvenile Center since the summer of 2023. The musicians and Hackman will work with the students on a video project that will capitalize on the performance Friday, May 17. Due to privacy requirements for the students, Hackman and the Phoenix Symphony musicians do not have any media availability at Durango Juvenile Center.
Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2023 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
##
About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists. The core mission of The Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 125,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2023 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.
