Rapper Frzy to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Harvey Daniels has a DVD of Jay-Z performing with the London Symphony Orchestra, which was the first time a hip-hop star collaborated with a full orchestra.
Daniels, the rapper known as Frzy, watches that DVD before every performance he does. Daniels will create a similar production with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
“I am a big Jay-Z fan, so this is a dream for me,” said Daniels of East Liberty. “To be on stage with the best symphony in the world in Heinz Hall means so much. I grew up waiting to have my name on the marquee.”
The event, “The Glorious Succession of Frzy,” is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
“Classical music represented genius to me,” Daniels said. “I never learned to read music, so I learned how to speak it. This historic and unique collaboration featuring my new album, ‘Success,’ is orchestrated as my love letter to Pittsburgh.”
Frzy and his band, The Faculty and DJ Solo, will join the full orchestra under the direction of the symphony’s associate conductor Moon Doh.
“I went from taking extra (Heinz) ketchup packets (from restaurants) to hopefully selling out Heinz Hall,” Daniels said. “This is a huge moment for me.”
Daniels released two albums on Nov. 1 — “Popularity” and “Success.” To introduce these two 13-song albums, he asked Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to help navigate viewers through the difference between popularity and success. Tomlin discussed those differences on Instagram.
Daniels said he wants this to be a show for everyone — there is no strict dress code and tickets are affordable.
“Everyone is welcome, and hopefully this can be an opportunity for all youngsters to see themselves on this stage one day,” Daniels said. “That is my goal. I plan to embrace the moment.”
Doh said this is the first performance of its kind in the U.S. and that Daniels’ album is arranged for an orchestra.
“We won’t just be accompanying him,” Doh said. “We will be collaborating onstage with him. This will be a major moment.”
Doh said he loves Daniels’ openness, humility and energy.
“He is super busy but finds time to visit children in the hospital and meet with cancer patients,” Doh said. “He grew up in this city, and he always finds time to give back. Being part of this event is a way to bring a new audience to Heinz Hall. This event is about diversity and showcasing the beautiful sound of hip-hop. We (Daniels and the symphony) collaborated for an event at Juneteenth this summer, which was a huge success.
“Music is universal, and it connects people and culture,” Doh said. “It transcends ages and genres.”
“The Glorious Succession of Frzy” is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Heinz Hall, Downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets start at $45 and are available here.
Details: pittsburghsymphony.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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