Beethoven X Beyoncé – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Beethoven X Beyoncé – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Uncharted Series, features concerts created by the maverick composer-conductor-producer-singer-songwriter-DJ-arranger Steve Hackman. The concerts are a hybrid of classical and pop music, and singularly unique for literally changing the face of classical music concerts in Indianapolis and beyond. A prime example of how Hackman’s concerts have brought together diverse gatherings of young people, including an equal balance of African American and white music fans, was Wednesday night’s concert, titled Beethoven X Beyoncé
Conducted by Hackman and accompanied by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the program content consisted of movements from Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th Symphony with some of the greatest hits of Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter or “Queen Bey’ — two of music history’s most beloved, innovative figures.
Beethoven X Beyoncé – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
According to Hackman, what the two superstars of their day share in common is their creation of concept works. Beyoncé, an acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur widely recognized as a leading figure of the 21st century, has released several notable albums, including her 2022 disco and LGBTQ+ themed Renaissance and the 2024 country-inspired Cowboy Carter. Beethoven’s masterpiece, celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and emotional depth, was composed between 1811 and 1912, a period of social and political upheaval, and was premiered at a charity concert for wounded soldiers in the Napoleonic Wars. Under Hackman’s impassioned baton, the always versatile ISO interpreted his composition with appropriate panache and impeccable technique and execution.
One of the reasons why Hackman’s concerts have been so successful is because of the top-notch vocalists he chooses to perform. The sensational trio featured in this concert included Marta Cruz, Brooke Simpson, and Bramla, who replicated Beyoncé’s distinctive tone and range with their powerhouse voices. Accompanying as well was Hackman’s first-rate rhythm section that consisted of bassist and music director Nicholas Clark, drummer Taron Lockett, and guitarist Max Townsley.
Beethoven X Beyoncé – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Highlights of the concert were the haunting second movement of Beethoven’s 7th that was merged seamlessly with Bey’s emotion-laden ballad Halo, about love and transformation. Act 1 ended with a seamless blend that earned a standing ovation before intermission. Much of Act 11 found the crowd on their feet, dancing at their seats. The most Thrilling, drama-filled segment was Beethoven’s 7th with Beyoncé’s Single Ladies, Texas Hold ‘Em and Love Drought.
The highly entertaining concert concluded with Hackman’s catchy original song Dancing You Away to which the audience responded with wild enthusiasm.
Hackman, who credits the ISO with launching his Fusion style compositions through the Uncharted Series, is displaying his creativity further in his first film score that will be released in November 2025, as well as new music coming soon.
For tickets and information about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra 2025-2026 season visit indianaolissydmphony.org.
