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In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, The Philadelphia Orchestra and West Philadelphia rapper Chill Moody will perform Darin Atwater's Black Metropolis: Improvisations on Paint Factory. This one-of-a-kind composition explores the pillars of hip-hop and Black culture through an architecture of sound. In addition to the great Philadelphia Orchestra, this evening will also feature rappers, DJs, and choirs. Join us for this free concert debuting at the TD Pavilion at the Mann on July 19!
Black Metropolis looks at the way in which culture is constructed through music. It creates a musical language connected to the social movements and sonic atmosphere of our time. Interweaving a dramatic narrative - from scenes of modern urban culture to red-as-fire-no-nonsense sermonizing from a prophetic protagonist - the tragic and heroic testify in ecstatic celebration of Black Culture.
The original Paint Factory first premiered in 2007 with Atwater’s Soulful Symphony, a 75-member orchestra predominantly featuring people of color. While many of the themes will remain the same in this newly adapted iteration, Black Metropolis: Improvisations on Paint Factory is an entirely new work in partnership with the Mann’s Artist-in-Residence Chill Moody.
