If anyone deserves the “4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince” concert, it’s the late musician’s Atlanta area fans who were left heartbroken when he passed away in 2016, one week after performing two mesmerizing shows at Fox Theatre.
In September, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will present a multi-media homage to Prince with guest performers, along with photos and videos. The show was curated and arranged by The Roots bandleader Questlove with the approval of Prince’s estate.
Understanding how Prince moved audiences with his instrumental style and blend of funk, R&B and rock music, the ASO expressed interest in the show shortly after it was announced last spring.
“We had ‘The Music of Prince’ with the orchestra in Symphony Hall [in January], and sold out six months in advance,” says Natacha McLeod, the ASO’s marketing director. “We wanted to bring this show to a larger space.”
The upcoming concert will be at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, which can hold more than 7,000 people.
“So far, we’ve seen a wide variety of ticket buyers,” McLeod says. “We’re looking to attract everybody.”
The “Symphonic Celebration of Prince” tour is scheduled for the U.S. and Europe through November. Fans are especially intrigued by Questlove’s role in the project. However, the music producer and New York Times bestselling author is not performing in the September tribute concert.
“Questlove was involved in all aspects of building the show,” McLeod says. “His fingerprints are all over the performances.”
“4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince.” The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Sept. 15. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5000. atlantasymphony.org
— H.M. Cauley
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