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Program
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MAHLER X NOTORIOUS B.I.G. X 2PAC
Mahler, Symphony No. 2 'Resurrection'
Movement IV 'Urlicht'
Movement I 'Totenfeier' - Allegro MaestosoEveryday Struggle
Me Against the World
Hail Mary
Party and Bullsh*t
Juicy
Kick in the Door
Ambitionz az a Ridah
Notorious Thugs
2 of Americaz Most Wanted
Things Done Changed
Ghetto Gospel
Who Shot Ya
Hit 'Em Up
Hypnotize
Keep Ya Head Up
So Many Tears
Intermission
Movement IV 'Ulricht'
Movement V 'In Tempo des Scherzos'Only God Can Judge Me
I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto
Respect
Suicidal Thoughts
Sky's the Limit
California Love
Victory
How Do U Want It
Big Poppa
Artists
Additional Info
A transformative exploration of life, death, legacy, struggle and triumph, Steve Hackman Conducts His MAHLER X NOTORIOUS B.I.G. X 2PAC which fuses the classic music of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur with Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. As Act One of the program begins, we hear the sublime music of Mahler’s Urlicht (primal light), as the voices of Biggie and Tupac are heard through the loudspeakers, each rapper prophesying his own death. This hurls us into the fiery first movement funeral rites of the Mahler symphony, as Biggie and Tupac’s music are interpolated in thematically-linked pairs; they speak of the hard road they face in ‘Everyday Struggle’ and ‘Me Against the World’; of the ravaging of their communities in ‘Things Done Changed’ and ‘Ghetto Gospel’; of gangster life in ‘Notorious Thugs’ and ‘2 of Americaz Most Wanted’; and of letting loose in ‘Party and Bullsh*t’ and ‘Hellrazor’. As the first movement comes to a climax, we hear the two songs that iconify the East-West coast feud that many believe led to both rappers’ deaths, ‘Who Shot Ya’ and ‘Hit Em Up’.
In Act Two, the focus turns to social justice and transcendence. After the explosive opening of the Mahler fifth movement, the music slows to a complete halt. Over this stillness, we hear Tupac’s enduring and poignant lyric: "Here on Earth, tell me: what’s a Black life worth?". We hear the painful pleas from both artists for equality and justice in songs like ‘I Wonder if Heaven Gotta Ghetto’ and ‘Changes’. As Mahler’s music whirls and rises to its triumphant climax, we are reminded of the powerful and profound legacy of these two artists, who, twenty-five years after their deaths, are as relevant and essential as ever.
Includes ‘Hypnotize’, ‘Ambitions as a Ridah’, ‘California Love’, ‘Juicy’, ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ and ‘Sky’s The Limit’.
FAQs
If you arrive after the concert has begun, an usher will seat you at an appropriate time, such as during applause or intermission. At the Kentucky Center, monitors located in the lobby allow you to follow the performance while you wait.
Concert length varies, but we recommend planning for about two hours. Digital programs include the specific music run-time, which can give you a better idea of the concert length. Please note that music run-time only covers the pieces being performed and does not account for speaking between pieces, applause, etc.
At The Kentucky Center, Old Forester Paristown Hall, and The Louisville Palace, you will go through security checkpoints upon entry. Expect to pass through a metal detector, and note that all bags may be searched. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside. Check each venue's Visitors Guide for more details:
- The Kentucky Center and Old Forester Paristown Hall - View Visitors Guide
- The Louisville Palace - View Visitors Guide
For events at outdoor or alternate venues, please check your email for "Know Before You Go" information, sent to the email of the ticket purchaser. For further questions, contact our Patron Services team at 502.587.8681.
Come as yourself! There’s no dress code, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. You’ll see everything from business and cocktail attire to casual and creative styles.
We ask all audience members to silence their phones before the performance begins. Photos and videos are prohibited, as light from screens can be distracting.
Snacks and drinks are sometimes available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests 21+ with a valid ID. We recommend dining before the show; check out our interactive map for nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking options.
Parking is available for purchase at all partner venues. For convenience, use our interactive map for parking recommendations as well as nearby hotels and restaurants.
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