Orchestral Works and Artistic Innovation: A Harmonious Fusion

Solange Knowles has announced the latest installment of her Eldorado Ballroom series, scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Philharmonic from October 10-13. The “Cranes in the Sky” singer revealed the news on Instagram, unveiling a diverse lineup that includes orchestral works by Julia Perry, Patrice Rushen, and Knowles herself.

This series, backed by Saint Heron, follows the 2023 debut of Eldorado Ballroom at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and Knowles’ scoring debut at the New York City Ballet in 2022. With her New York City Ballet debut, Knowles made history as the first Black woman—and only the second woman of color—to compose a score for the company’s 70-plus-year history. In recent years, Knowles has moved away from traditional performance formats, opting for more complex and varied mediums, as evidenced by her orchestral series and the 2023 performance art exhibition In Service to Whom. Tickets for Eldorado Ballroom are now available at laphil.com.

Named after the legendary Houston nightclub that fueled Knowles’ deep-rooted passion for music and performance, Eldorado Ballroom comprises three distinct shows: “On Dissonance: An Evening of Classical, Symphonic, and Opera Works by Black Women Composers and Conductors,” “Contrapuntal Counterpoints: Experimentation In Funk, Soul, and Jazz,” and “Glory to Glory: A Revival For Spiritual and Devotional Art.”

In addition to her own vocal performances, Knowles promises an array of collaborators spanning R&B, soul, gospel, and classical music. This includes the reunion of the musical duo J*Davey, alongside performances by Bilal, Cooper-Moore, gospel legend Glenn Edward Burleigh, and more. Burleigh’s contribution is particularly noteworthy as it was composed in Houston—both his and Solange’s hometown—showcasing Knowles’ unique ability to collaborate with her inspirations while honoring them.

For years, Knowles has eschewed conventional performance mediums typically associated with singers, choosing instead more dynamic expressions of concepts and sonic delivery. Her infrequent recordings and public performances provide a more intimate and unique artistic experience, urging audiences to be fully present. This approach starkly contrasts with the highly commercialized nature of most industry tours. Reflecting on In Service to Whom, Knowles explained that the work focuses on “constructing new narratives surrounding my body, the posture of rest, protection from the gaze, and speaks to a reemergence into the world of everyday life following periods of personal incubation and self-revitalization.”

Saint Heron, Knowles’ production company, describes itself as a “multidisciplinary institution reverencing the spiritual act of creation through its preservation and collection of vital works in art and design.” Since its inception in 2013, it has produced all of Knowles’ major projects, including her critically acclaimed albums A Seat at the Table and When I Get Home. The institution has also curated a self-titled compilation album featuring artists like Kelela, Jhené Aiko, and Sampha.

Source: LA Philharmonic, Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City Ballet