BLACK PANTHER IN CONCERT Seattle Symphony January 3 - 5, 2025 Review
Black Panther in Concert
Seattle Symphony
Benaroya Hall
January 3, 2025 8pm Performance
The Seattle Symphony kicked off the new year with three performances of Black Panther in Concert. Original score by Ludwig Goransson. Conducted by Anthony Parnther with guest soloist percussionist Massamba Diop.
Each date was preceded with a selection of vendors, music, and unique performances inside the lobby prior to show time. There was a well attended fashion show from AYO Collections featuring some stunning one of a kind African creations for men and women on opening night. The pre show event really helped set the mood for the performance.
As the conductor Anthony Parnther entered the stage, he spoke to the audience about his background, the film score, and a host of other anecdotes. He then introduced guest soloist percussionist Massamba Diop who came down from the top of the south aisle playing his tama talking drum. He worked his way down the aisle until he took his place on the stage next to the conductor podium. This was an exceptional way to start the performance of Black Panther in Concert.
Watching Black Panther while the original score was performed live was a perfect treat. Having been to a good number of these film score live shows, I can honestly say this was arguably my favorite out of all of them. One of the best reasons was the audience. I have never seen so many African Americans in Benaroya Hall (I would guesstimate one third of the audience.). This was one of those times when the marketing of the event matched the audience that bought tickets. It’s been an unfortunate situation at many live events in the greater Seattle area where the focus of any given show is on a marginalized group only to have the “target” audience not show up for the performance(s). Kudos to all involved for getting this event right.
Massamba Diop was certainly another piece to the puzzle that made the event successful. Even when he wasn’t performing he was feeling the music that the symphony was playing. His energy and his tama talking drum performance absolutely stood out all through the night. He had an hour-long feature but it was on January 2nd. I wish there had been a way to incorporate him into a pre show feature before every performance. But, I’m sure time was an issue as there was a lot going on each day before the shows.
As I’ve said many, many times, if you haven’t attended a film with a live score performed by the Seattle Symphony, it’s absolutely worth your time and money.
Highly recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email
The next film with a live score is: "La La Land in Concert" on February 14-16, 2025. Tickets and more information: CLICK HERE!
Seattle Symphony
Benaroya Hall
January 3, 2025 8pm Performance
The Seattle Symphony kicked off the new year with three performances of Black Panther in Concert. Original score by Ludwig Goransson. Conducted by Anthony Parnther with guest soloist percussionist Massamba Diop.
Each date was preceded with a selection of vendors, music, and unique performances inside the lobby prior to show time. There was a well attended fashion show from AYO Collections featuring some stunning one of a kind African creations for men and women on opening night. The pre show event really helped set the mood for the performance.
As the conductor Anthony Parnther entered the stage, he spoke to the audience about his background, the film score, and a host of other anecdotes. He then introduced guest soloist percussionist Massamba Diop who came down from the top of the south aisle playing his tama talking drum. He worked his way down the aisle until he took his place on the stage next to the conductor podium. This was an exceptional way to start the performance of Black Panther in Concert.
Watching Black Panther while the original score was performed live was a perfect treat. Having been to a good number of these film score live shows, I can honestly say this was arguably my favorite out of all of them. One of the best reasons was the audience. I have never seen so many African Americans in Benaroya Hall (I would guesstimate one third of the audience.). This was one of those times when the marketing of the event matched the audience that bought tickets. It’s been an unfortunate situation at many live events in the greater Seattle area where the focus of any given show is on a marginalized group only to have the “target” audience not show up for the performance(s). Kudos to all involved for getting this event right.
Massamba Diop was certainly another piece to the puzzle that made the event successful. Even when he wasn’t performing he was feeling the music that the symphony was playing. His energy and his tama talking drum performance absolutely stood out all through the night. He had an hour-long feature but it was on January 2nd. I wish there had been a way to incorporate him into a pre show feature before every performance. But, I’m sure time was an issue as there was a lot going on each day before the shows.
As I’ve said many, many times, if you haven’t attended a film with a live score performed by the Seattle Symphony, it’s absolutely worth your time and money.
Highly recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email
The next film with a live score is: "La La Land in Concert" on February 14-16, 2025. Tickets and more information: CLICK HERE!
(All Photos: Jim Holt)
(All Photos: Jim Holt)
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