American MC and Baby Got Back star Anthony Ray (aka Sir Mix-A-Lot) will be a special guest at an upcoming performance by the Seattle Symphony, which will feature a brand-new composition which re-works Ray’s music. The piece is part of the symphony’s Sonic Evolution series of performances.
The Sir Mix-A-Lot piece was written by Gabriel Prokofiev, a London-based composer and DJ who is also the grandson of great Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. In an interview with The Quietus, Prokofiev discussed how Sir Mix-A-Lot influenced him, saying: “I’m orchestrating two of his most famous hits, and he’s actually going to rap on stage with orchestra. He’s got this rap persona but in reality he’s the softest; he’s only interested in mixing. His most famous hit is ‘Baby Got Back’ which starts, ‘I like Big Butts…’ and so I’m doing a new piece based on the rhythms of his raps.”
The Seattle Symphony’s Sonic Evolution series commissions new orchestral works inspired by Seattle’s music icons. Previous performances have been inspired by Alice in Chains, Kurt Cobain, Quincy Jones and Jimi Hendrix.
“All the most famous people had been done,” Prokofiev said of his selection for the series. “But when I got the list, the one person who hadn’t been done who I thought was really interesting was Sir Mix-A-Lot. He’s a Nineties rapper; he’s quite humorous and a fun guy.”
The Prokofiev/Sir Mix-A-Lot work will premiere on 6th June at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, and will be conducted by Ludovic Morlot. The evening’s program will also feature work inspired by Bill Frisell and Ray Charles, and a performance from local indie band Pickwick.
Watch: Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back
http://youtu.be/kY84MRnxVzo
