'Symphony for the Dance Floor' premieres at Gammage


<p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>DBR is well known for his spin on classical music which includes his highly visible passion and emotion when playing.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.</p><separator></separator><p>“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.&nbsp; “Video is often so direct, but with a photograph you’re able to develop your own story from what you see.”</p><separator></separator><p>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 &amp; Running.&nbsp; He also continues to compose for orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the globe and tour with his genre-jumping ensemble DBR &amp; THE MISSION.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p><strong>About ASU Gammage</strong><br />Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, <a href="http://asugammage.com">ASU Gammage</a> is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; ASU Gammage is an historic hall designed by internationally-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.</p>