New Jersey Symphony Blends Classical and Pop in Beethoven-Beyoncé Concert

At Newark's NJPAC Prudential Hall, the New Jersey Symphony plans to mix Beethoven's Seventh Symphony with Beyoncé hits on October 24. Steve Hackman takes the baton for this bold musical blend.

"Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, the symphonic repertoire's most joyful and exuberant celebration of dance, is the canvas onto which fifteen of Beyoncé's most popular songs across her entire catalog are interwoven," said the organizers in a press release per NJArts.net. "The night's music spans from Girls to Texas Hold 'Em, with Crazy in Love, Cuff It, and Single Ladies in between. The production's emotional peak is when two of the most recognizable melodies from each composer are intertwined: ‘Halo' and the hauntingly beautiful second movement of the Beethoven.”

Starting June 27 at 10 a.m., fans can buy tickets on the Symphony's website. Guest artists will join the musicians on stage for this special night.

This show builds on Hackman's past work. He's known for blending classical giants with modern stars, from Brahms with Radiohead to Tchaikovsky with Drake.

The show comes after Beyoncé's record-setting run at MetLife Stadium. She broke new ground as the first performer to pack five shows into New Jersey's biggest venue during one tour.

Two centuries of music meet on stage that night. While Beethoven first shared his Seventh with the world in 1813, Beyoncé's hits mark twenty years of solo success. The mix shows how great music speaks across time.