'Symphony for the Dance Floor' premieres at Gammage
After completing a three-year artist in residency with ASU Gammage in 2006, world renowned Haitian-American composer and violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is returning to ASU Gammage for one-night only – Saturday, February 5 – to present the world premiere of “Symphony for the Dance Floor”. For his latest piece, DBR teams with celebrity hip-hop photographer Jonathan Mannion, merging his latest sounds with Mannion’s iconic photographs.
Ticketholders will also be invited to a pre-show reception where Mannion’s photographs will be on display as well as complimentary refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. performance and 8:15 p.m. for the 9 p.m. performance.
DBR is well known for his spin on classical music which includes his highly visible passion and emotion when playing. Featuring the raw uncompromising photography of Jonathan Mannion, best known for his soul bearing photographs of hip-hop icons Jay-Z, DMX, Lauryn Hill and Eminem, choreography by Millicent Johnnie and the direction of D.J. Mendel, Symphony for the Dance Floor is a soundtrack of our time. Equally inspired by hip-hop, electronica and symphonic sounds, DBR takes us on an ecstatic journey, bringing vivid glimpses of life and energy to the stage.
“This piece is about a composer and a photographer” says DBR, who has always pushed the envelope of his realm, expressed eagerness to challenge audiences into seeing Mannion’s photos for more than what they appear. “Video is often so direct, but with a photograph you’re able to develop your own story from what you see.”
DBR’s past collaborations have included Lady Gaga on FOX’s American Idol, as well as a recent composition for Daniel Beaty’s play Resurrection directed by Oz Scott and a film score for Nicole Opper’s award winning documentary Off & Running. He also continues to compose for orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the globe and tour with his genre-jumping ensemble DBR & THE MISSION.
Tickets are $20 and on sale now for the 7 and 9 p.m. performances at asugammage.com or by calling 1.800.982.ARTS (2787). ASU Gammage is located on the main campus of Arizona State University in Tempe at Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard.
About ASU Gammage
Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. ASU Gammage is the home theater of the PROGRESSIVE® Broadway Across America – Arizona and Beyond series. Its mission is connecting communities by providing artistic excellence and educational outreach to the public. ASU Gammage is an historic hall designed by internationally-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.