TROY — The musical duo Black Violin is known for dispelling cultural stereotypes by blending classically trained musicianship with hip-hop influences. The duo will showcase their artform at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Friday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” The band released their major label debut Stereotypes (featuring Black Thought of The Roots and MC Pharoahe Monch) on Universal Music which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and No. 4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. NPR praised the album and band, saying “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.” They are currently writing and recording their next studio album, due out in 2018.
Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kayne West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. The band is currently touring the U.S. and Europe, as well as continuing to compose the score for the Fox series, “Pitch,” which premiered in the fall of 2016.
Wil and Kev place heavy emphasis on educational outreach, and have performed for more than 100,000 students in North America and Europe in the past 12 months, including the featured musical act for the Blue Ribbon Festival at the Music Center in Los Angeles, Calif. where they performed for 19,000 fifth grade students from the Greater Los Angeles area over a 3-day period. The band is endorsed by Yamaha Music, and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education
Tickets go on sale to Music Hall Members today, Tuesday, Nov. 7. Anyone can become a member and gain access to the pre-sale. Single tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, Nov. 10, by phone, (518) 273-0038, in person, or online at www.troymusichall.org. Tickets are available at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Box Office, 30 Second Street, Troy, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and upcoming programs are available on the website at www.troymusichall.org.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has hosted performances by legions of world-renowned artists, from legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Vladimir Horowitz, to the best on today’s contemporary music scene, including Joshua Bell, Andrew Bird, Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, and John Prine and many others.
