Solange Knowles at the Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles Standard Newspaper

“Eldorado Ballroom” curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron. Featuring The Works of Julia Perry, Patrice Ruhsen, Mary Lou Williams and Solange Knowles.  Guest Artists include Bilal, Moses Sumney, Liv.e and more.  October 10, 12, and 13. 
 
The LA Phil is thrilled to announce the addition of Eldorado Ballroom, a performance series curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron at Walt Disney Concert Hall on October 10, 12, and 13, 2024. The series features a stellar lineup of contemporary and historic figures including the orchestra and opera works of Julia Perry, Patrice Rushen and Solange Knowles, the choral and piano works of Mary Lou Williams, and performances by Bilal, Moses Sumney, Cooper-Moore, William Parker, Michael Wimberly, J*Davey, Liv.e, Dominique Johnson, GMWA Women Of Worship Choir, Jeri Lynne Johnson, Artina McCain, Malcolm Merriweather and Zoie Reams.
 
Originally unveiled at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in 2023 and reimagined for the LA Phil, Eldorado Ballroom is a groundbreaking program that celebrates experimental and transcendent live performance. Named after a historic Black music hall in Houston’s Third Ward, this series reflects Solange’s commitment to honoring the legacies of Black artists while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music and performance art.

Solange’s dedication to celebrating and preserving the legacies of Black artists through Saint Heron is evident in a lineup that features timeless innovators whose work has deeply influenced music and performance art. Through these three shows, the community will experience performances of homage and celebration, where the pioneering spirits of the past harmonize with the vibrant innovations of today’s creators.
 
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Thursday, October 10, at 8PM
“On Dissonance (An Evening of Classical, Symphonic, and Opera Works)”
Featuring the works of Julia Perry, Patrice Rushen and Solange Knowles

“On Dissonance” explores Black orchestral and operatic innovations, featuring works by Julia Perry, Patrice Rushen, and Solange Knowles. Mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams will perform selections from Perry’s operatic works, while Rushen shares her dynamic piece Sinfonia. Knowles will present the U.S. premiere of her composition Not Necessarily In Arms Reach, marking her American debut in contemporary classical music.

This full orchestra performance, and rare presentation of Perry, Rushen, and Knowles’ classical works, bridges the gap between rich historical legacy and contemporary innovation. It pays tribute to Black women composers in classical and opera music and offers powerful insights into Black women’s contribution and voices in the genre.
 
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Saturday, October 12, at 8PM
“Contrapuntal Counterpoints (Experimentation In Funk, Soul and Jazz)”
Featuring performances by Bilal alongside Cooper-Moore, William Parker & Michael Wimberly, J. Davey and Liv.e

Celebrating the avant-garde pulse of funk, soul and jazz music that challenges its boundaries, “Contrapuntal Counterpoints” immerses itself in the visions of artists who are both architects and alchemists of their sonic realms. With experimental performances by the visionary singer-songwriter Bilal alongside multi instrumentalist and instrument builder Cooper-Moore with longtime collaborator William Parker—the legendary free jazz double bassist—and jazz drummer/percussionist Michael Wimberly, a reunion show by the genre-defying electronic duo J*Davey, the Dallas-bred luminary Liv.e, the evening unveils a mosaic of creative brilliance. These cutting-edge artists come together to present their innovative contributions, demonstrating their role in pushing music to expanded horizons.

The lineup draws the audience’s focus to a broader musical landscape shaped by the innovative technological experiments of Black artists in music production. This performance offers a diverse display of the genres, highlighting how it has transformed sonic preferences.
 
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Sunday, October 13, at 8PM
“Glory to Glory (A Revival For Devotional Art)”
Featuring performance by The GMWA Women Of Worship Choir, organist Dominique Johnson featuring Moses Sumney and the Spiritual Works of Mary Lou Williams performed by Artina McCain and Choir conducted by Malcom Merriweather

“Glory to Glory (A Revival For Devotional Art)” honors Black spiritual traditions through performances by The GMWA Women of Worship Choir, Dominique Johnson, Moses Sumney, Artina McCain, and Malcolm Merriweather. This program celebrates artists who have redefined faith through music, highlighting the spiritual compositions of Mary Lou Williams.

Eldorado Ballroom showcases a profound celebration of artistic legacy and innovation. It is a moving journey through the evolving expressions of Black performance art across generations.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.laphil.com/ or by phone to Audience Services at (323) 850-2000. Programs, artists, prices and dates subject to change. Ticket limits may apply.

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