April 21, 2016 will live in infamy as the day we lost a genius, an icon, a legend. Prince is widely regarded as one of the best musicians ever to live, and one of the greatest showmen of all time. His music makes up the soundtracks of our lives- from the parties of our youth to our weddings; and we share his music with our children who repeat the cycle. Great music lives on forever, and, it’s with this in mind that we introduce “4U – A Symphonic Celebration of Prince.”
The first and only estate-approved Prince celebration, “4U” is curated, produced, and directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots, widely known to be Prince’s biggest fan and musical genius in his own right. Through the course of the evening, we’ll hear everything from the biggest hits to some lesser-known gems, all played by a top-tier band hand selected by Questlove, and with a spectacular video presentation featuring never-before-seen footage courtesy of the estate.
Additional Information
- Gates: Gate 1 will be open for the General Public.
- Camera Policy: The camera policy for this show is still to be determined. Please check back closer to the show for updates.
- Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
- Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
- Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
- Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
- Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
- Parking: Please be advised that the only General Public parking near the O’Connell Center will be in the O’Connell Center parking garage as well as the lot. Parking is first come, first serve and is lifted at 3:30 pm on the weekdays.
- Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
More information on the curation of the show by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson:
As he curates the set list and arrangements of 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince, acclaimed drummer and creative Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson enlists the talents of GRAMMY® Award winner Brent Fischer—a member of the original arranger team behind Prince—to arrange selected music titles* into an orchestral setting. Additionally, he taps the vast musical talents of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.
Performing in major markets across North America this fall, 4U makes history as “the first and only official Estate approved symphonic presentation of Prince’s music.” “In that respect, it feels completely apropos for the production to welcome Fischer’s orchestral arranging talents and production experience.” says Questlove. Notably, Brent and his late father Dr. Clare Fischer collaborated directly with Prince throughout three decades. Among countless classic recordings, their distinct sonic fingerprint can be felt on Sign O’ The Times, Graffiti Bridge, and Parade as well as on the big-screen in Under The Cherry Moon and Batman. Cited as one of the “GRAMMY® Seminal Moments” by show producer Ken Ehrlich, the father-and-son duo co-wrote the arrangement that powered the famous 2004 “Prince Medley” as the younger Fischer joined Beyoncé and Prince as an orchestra percussionist during the ceremony.
About his involvement in this historic production, Brent Fischer (Usher, Michael Jackson, D’Angelo, Elvis Costello & The Roots) said, “Questlove is one of the most innovative artists of today. Between his encyclopedic knowledge of and my history with Prince, we see eye-to-eye on so many creative levels and have a deep respect for preserving Prince’s amazing output.”
Meanwhile, Atwood-Ferguson lends his expansive musicality to the production. With credits ranging from Ray Charles to Dr. Dre, the world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, session musician, composer, producer, conductor, and DJ will handle instrumentation.
