Symphonic Beats: Celebrating Hip Hop Culture at Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra presents a unique concert that blends Hip Hop culture with classical music, curated by Dr. Kandace “DC” Lavender. Featuring over 15 artists, the event explores the origins and evolution of Hip Hop through spoken word, poetry, and dance, backed by symphonic musicians. Music Director Julian Kuerti collaborates with Dr. Lavender to create original compositions, highlighting the core pillars of Hip Hop: Knowledge of Self, Dance, Graffiti, Rap, and DJing. This innovative concert aims to celebrate the contributions of African American artists while forging new paths in orchestral performance.