According to a press release from The Kennedy Center, renowned Hip-Hop artist, civic leader, and activist Killer Mike, a recipient of three 2024 Grammy Awards, is set to take the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra for an innovative and original orchestra program. The upcoming concert will showcase fresh arrangements from Killer Mike's highly praised album Michael and will be conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. Notably, this collaboration marks the orchestra's first self-produced venture with a Hip-Hop artist since its performance with Common in 2017.
The album Michael, Killer Mike's sixth solo release and his first in over ten years, obtained the title of Best Rap Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Slate lauded the album for its "musical adventurism," while its "startling depth and warmth" resonated with audiences as it delved into his personal chronicle.
The National Symphony Orchestra has developed a tradition of embracing artistic innovation through partnerships with diverse musical talents. Noteworthy collaborations include sold-out performances with Maxwell at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall over four consecutive nights. The orchestra has also expanded the horizons of orchestral music by sharing the stage with luminaries such as Nas (2014), Kendrick Lamar (2015), and Common (2017).
Notably, recent collaborations with artists including Bob Weir and the Wolf Bros, Audra McDonald, Anoushka Shankar, Pharrell, Black Girls Rock, Jacob Collier, Laufey, and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds and his Declassified series underscore the orchestra's commitment to diverse and boundary-pushing programming.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the event, priced at $49–$169, can be purchased at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online at kennedy-center.org, or by phone through Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600 or toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, please contact the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.
Program Listing:
Killer Mike & The Mighty Midnight Revival with the National Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 8:00 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Steven Reineke, conductor
Killer Mike
The Mighty Midnight Revival
National Symphony Orchestra
Killer Mike will grace the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra for an original and captivating evening-length performance. The concert will showcase new arrangements from Killer Mike's critically acclaimed album Michael, under the baton of Principal Pops conductor Steven Reineke. Notably, this marks the orchestra's first self-produced collaboration with a Hip-Hop artist since its concert with Common in 2017.
Artists and performances are subject to change.
FUNDING CREDITS
The NSO Pops Presenting Sponsor is AARP.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Jen Luzzo
Director of Public Relations, Classical
(201) 572-9364
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