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INDIANAPOLIS – 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 “Millennium Pop Queens” show, led by the symphony’s Principal Guest Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yanez. The program features brand-new orchestral arrangements of hits from legendary acts, including Destiny’s Child, the Spice Girls, TLC, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got orchestral treatments of all of these amazing acts,” Parsons said. “It’s 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.”<\/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’s popular “Steve Hackman’s Mashup” series.<\/p>\n
Parsons highlighted the versatility of the orchestra, noting that while the classical series – currently under the direction of Music Director Jun M\u00e4rkl – requires deep technical focus, the pop series allows the musicians to showcase their “youth and vitality.”<\/p>\n
“Enrico brings in youth and vitality to the pop series,” Parsons said. “He wrote all the music for this. Obviously, he took the tunes, but he wrote all the orchestra parts for it.”<\/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
“They’re professionals. They work their whole lives to do this stuff,” Parsons said. “It’s such an amazing thing to witness in person.”<\/p>\n
The ISO’s current season highlights a massive range of repertoire, spanning from the masterworks of the classical era to modern entertainment giants. This “Beyonce to Beethoven” approach is designed to ensure there is “something for everyone” in the Circle City.<\/p>\n
How to Attend<\/p>\n
The “Millennium Pop Queens” performances take place at the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle.<\/p>\n