Steve Hackman Blends Beethoven and Beyoncé in Chicago Debut
Composer and conductor Steve Hackman is set to showcase his innovative work, “Beethoven X Beyoncé,” in a performance featuring the Chicago Philharmonic on November 20, 2023, at the Harris Theater. This 75-minute piece merges Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 7 with 15 songs by the renowned pop artist Beyoncé, marking Hackman’s return to his hometown for this unique cross-genre presentation.
Hackman’s ambition to fuse classical and pop music has not been without its challenges. He acknowledges that the initial reception to his idea was met with skepticism, primarily due to its unconventional nature. “It was very difficult in the beginning because of just the disruptive nature of the work and how shocking it was to the industry,” Hackman explained. He faced resistance not only from industry professionals but also from the musicians he was conducting.
“I was used to standing in front of an orchestra to conduct just the Beethoven symphony and having a collaborative relationship,” he added. “When I started to combine Beethoven and Beyoncé, they shut down.” Despite these obstacles, Hackman found support from fellow musicians and board members who encouraged him to persevere. The outcome has been promising, with concert performances selling out, suggesting a robust interest in his innovative approach.
Connecting Classical and Contemporary Audiences
Hackman’s mission extends beyond simply blending two musical worlds. He emphasizes the need to attract diverse audiences to classical music. “In the classical music world, we just need to address the problem of the composition of our audience being representative of our communities,” he stated. His goal is to meet audiences where they are, creating a bridge between genres. “Let’s say we see you, we hear you, we understand some of the music that you love,” he noted, aiming to provide a shared musical experience.
The creative process behind “Beethoven X Beyoncé” involved Hackman’s deep appreciation for both artists. He meticulously identified sections of Beethoven’s symphony that could harmoniously incorporate Beyoncé’s songs. “I know where they lie harmonically, rhythmically,” he recounted, detailing how the project evolved into an improvisational endeavor where he explored nearly 40 of Beyoncé’s songs to find the right fit.
The essence of the performance begins with the second movement of Beethoven’s symphony paired with Beyoncé’s hit “Halo.” Hackman sees this as an emotional anchor, transitioning from tragedy to beauty. “(Halo) talks about saviors and angels,” he explained, adding, “I was thinking of Beethoven and his music being his savior and his angel.”
Reimagining the Performance
Additional tracks in the program will include “Love Drought,” “Run the World (Girls),” “Love On Top,” “Sorry,” “Formation,” and “Crazy in Love.” Hackman has enlisted three vocalists to reinterpret these songs, ensuring they are not mere covers but rather reimagined pieces that blend Beethoven’s musicality with Beyoncé’s lyrical content. “I’m not interested in pyrotechnic, virtuosic voices just for the sake of being an extraordinary vocalist,” Hackman emphasized. “I’m interested in who has something to say, who has a perspective on this music.”
The fusion of these two worlds serves as a gateway for audiences. Classical music enthusiasts may discover the emotional depth of Beyoncé’s work, while pop fans may gain an appreciation for orchestral compositions. Hackman believes that this collaboration can enhance understanding and appreciation of music across genres. As he succinctly put it, “This work is built on the foundation of a very simple principle: that great music is great music, regardless of genre.”
The upcoming performance at the Harris Theater promises to be an exciting exploration of music’s potential to unite diverse audiences. Tickets for the event range from $51.80 to $86.30 and can be purchased through the theater’s website. With Hackman at the helm, “Beethoven X Beyoncé” is poised to challenge conventions and inspire a fresh dialogue about music’s role in contemporary society.
