FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

Contact: Susan Webb (405) 232-7575

swebb@okcphil.org

April 18th, 2018

Ben Folds is Back with The OKC

May 1, 2018 Civic Center Music Hall

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

 

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, with the support of The Inasmuch Foundation, announces a special event concert featuring Ben Folds, Tuesday, May 1st 7:30 at The Civic Center Music Hall. Folds brings his funky, creative approach to music making and songwriting to OKC, in partnership with The Philharmonic, showcasing that spirit of musical innovation that energizes us all. Join Music Director Designate Alexander Mickelthwate as he conducts this spirited collaboration. Tickets available by calling (405) 842-5387 or on line at www.okcphil.org/benfolds or okcciviccenter.com to purchase tickets online NOW!

Says Eddie Walker of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, “We are thrilled to bring Ben Folds back to Oklahoma City. After selling out his last engagement with OKC Phil in 2011, it’s clear our community has a hunger for his creative approach to music-making and songwriting, and it’s that spirit of innovation we want to foster in our audiences at The Phil. An added bonus is that Alexander Mickelthwate, our Music Director Designate will conduct this concert, so it’s sure to be an exciting night not to be missed.”

Join the OKC Phil’s young professional group OVERTURE, for a free reception following the concert in the south Lobby. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer, meet other Overture members and learn about the budget friendly OVERTURE 2018-2019 curated package which includes pre- and post-concert social gatherings! It’s a fun way to plug into a community of other music loving concert-goers!

For over ten years Ben Folds has shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, performing his pop hits and critically acclaimed Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. He was recently named as the first-ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center where he will bring pop artists together with the nation's orchestra to collaborate on new music.

Throughout his career, Folds has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and collaborative records with artists from Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor, to William Shatner. His most recent album is a blend of pop and classical original works that soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts.

Folds continues to perform with symphonies and also cross country solo touring reminiscent of his earliest years, delivering a high energy rock performance using the intimacy of just a piano.

An avid photographer, Folds is a member of the distinguished Sony Artisans of Imagery, and earlier this year completed an assignment as a photo editor for National Geographic. And he’s an outspoken advocate for music education and music therapy as a member of Americans for the Arts, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Symphony.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation’s premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Joel Levine and has remained steadfast in its mission “to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music.” Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experience. Committed to expanding its reach well beyond the concert hall, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Oklahoma’s colleges and universities as well as the city’s other premier arts organizations including Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Voices. Additionally, the Phil presents the free, annual Red, White and Boom concert. This event includes a spectacular fireworks display and is attended by thousands from across the metro each July. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphil.org. [END]