National Geographic and Jason Michael Paul Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Tony- and Grammy-award winner Daveed Diggs will narrate, as a contributing artist, the upcoming National Geographic: Symphony for Our World, which begins touring in April 2018. The actor, rapper and producer, known for his award-winning work in the musical Hamilton and is bringing a modern take on the classics to the symphony scene with this new show. An inaugural performance of Symphony for Our World will be held in San Francisco at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall on Earth Day, April 22, 2018.
"Working with National Geographic on this new kind of immersive storytelling, and sharing so much about the world with music, is something near and dear to my heart," said
Daveed Diggs. "Ever since I was a kid I've always liked National Geographic, and am so excited to be a part of Symphony for Our World."
The original symphony and theme were created by Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated Bleeding Fingers Music featuring composers Austin Fay and Andrew Christie with contributions from multi-platinum selling rockers X Ambassadors. Along with Diggs, JooWan Kim of Ensemble Mik Nawooj has joined the project, composing the music for the show's narrations and overture.
"I had a great time collaborating with the creative director, Ryan, as he gave me the freedom to be inventive in deconstructing Le Carnaval as well as the iconic
Elmer Bernstein National Geographic theme. The idea was to create new pieces based on
THE ORIGINALS as opposed to medleys with modified instrumentation, which I believe we succeed in doing. I injected boom bap, trap, and other variants of Hip-Hop whenever possible so people could bop their heads to," said JooWan Kim.
This inspiring 90-minute live orchestral performance will be presented in concert venues around the world, with groundbreaking imagery and storytelling from 130 years of beloved National Geographic history matched in perfect synchronization with a live orchestra and choir.
"National Geographic has inspired generations to explore, understand and protect our world. Bringing this type of storytelling to life in symphony is an incredible honor," said Jason Michael Paul, President of Jason Michael Paul Entertainment, Inc.
"At National Geographic, we believe that our unparalleled visual storytelling can profoundly impact and inspire people to care about our planet. Our yellow border serves as a portal for people to gain new insight into the farthest reaches of the earth and beyond," said Rosa Zeegers, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products and Experiences at National Geographic Partners. "We're thrilled to have
Daveed Diggs join us in sharing this ground-breaking show that combines our beautiful imagery with breathtaking music. Daveed's passion for our mission truly elevates Symphony for Our World."
The tour's first performance is in conjunction with the television broadcast premiere of 'Symphony for Our World', an hour-long special which airs commercial-free on the same day on Nat Geo WILD. The 'Symphony for Our World' television event will premiere globally in 140 countries. For more information, visit www.natgeowild.com or www.natgeotvpressroom.com.
As a special addition to Symphony For Our World, photos from National Geographic Photo Ark will be featured for this Earth Day event. Founded by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, the Photo Ark aims to document every species currently living in the world's zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. Learn more at PhotoArk.org and join the conversation on social media with #SaveTogether.
Driven by a five-part composition, Symphony for Our World pairs artistry with
Science as it brings viewers from the depths of the sea, up to coastlines, over mountains and soaring into the sky. Each environment will be accompanied by a different orchestral movement, resulting in a powerful musical tribute to the beauty and wonders of our wild world.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
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