The Philadelphia Orchestra Backs Ben Folds at the Mann

This summer, the Mann Center will house the Philadelphia Orchestra for a three-week summer residency that kicks off with an awesome-sounding collaboration with singer-songwriter Ben Folds on Tuesday, June 24th.

Ben Folds is no stranger to tinkering with new ways to present his music — remember the whole Chat Roulette thing in 2010? — and this new blending with classical orchestras is apparently a winning combo. Described as “part piano concerto, part pop hits,” The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience was recently tried out with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Here’s what one reviewer from the St. Louis Post Dispatch had to say about that performance:

The centerpiece of the concert’s first half was Folds’ newly written piano concerto. Folds performed its first movement, which he said is designed to “kick ass” before giving way to a more sedate second movement and then going out with a bang during the third. More than anything, he seems determined not to reinvent the wheel in terms of composition. The piece draws on Folds’ pop sensibilities while also offering an opportunity to show off his digital dexterity: clearly, he’s been practicing.”

His romp with the Philly orchestra will be conducted by Steven Reinke. Tickets, ranging from $15 to $49.50, can be purchased here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmxXmBeVBrE