INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is preparing to trade Beethoven for Beyonc\u00e9 this weekend as it welcomes a high-energy tribute to the icons of 2000s pop.<\/p>\n
Ed Parsons of the ISO joined Daybreak to discuss the upcoming \u201cMillennium Pop Queens\u201d show, led by the symphony\u2019s Principal Guest Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yanez. The program features brand-new orchestral arrangements of hits from legendary acts, including Destiny\u2019s Child, the Spice Girls, TLC, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got orchestral treatments of all of these amazing acts,\u201d Parsons said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be so much fun. [The musicians] train all their lives to play the classics, but we get to let loose and have some fun every once in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Fusion of Classical and Pop<\/p>\n
The performance features three powerhouse vocalists: Cassandra Lopez-Yanez, Brooke Simpson, and India Carney. Carney is a familiar face to ISO audiences, frequently appearing in the orchestra\u2019s popular \u201cSteve Hackman\u2019s Mashup\u201d series.<\/p>\n
Parsons highlighted the versatility of the orchestra, noting that while the classical series \u2014 currently under the direction of Music Director Jun M\u00e4rkl \u2014 requires deep technical focus, the pop series allows the musicians to showcase their \u201cyouth and vitality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnrico brings in youth and vitality to the pop series,\u201d Parsons said. \u201cHe wrote all the music for this. Obviously, he took the tunes, but he wrote all the orchestra parts for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Behind the Scenes<\/p>\n
While the classical series typically involves four rehearsals per program, Parsons revealed the professional musicians often prepare for pops performances with only one or two rehearsals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re professionals. They work their whole lives to do this stuff,\u201d Parsons said. \u201cIt\u2019s such an amazing thing to witness in person.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ISO\u2019s current season highlights a massive range of repertoire, spanning from the masterworks of the classical era to modern entertainment giants. This \u201cBeyonce to Beethoven\u201d approach is designed to ensure there is \u201csomething for everyone\u201d in the Circle City.<\/p>\n
How to Attend<\/p>\n
The \u201cMillennium Pop Queens\u201d performances take place at the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle.<\/p>\n