On January 29, the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra and Denver Philharmonic Orchestra posted a YouTube video, “Battle of the Batons,” created for this weekend’s Super Bowl XLVIII, between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. The three-minute video—a mash-up subtitled “SuperBow I” that features members of both ensembles performing “Rocky Mountain High” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head—was created in less than a week by more than 40 musicians and volunteers from both orchestras. Denver Philharmonic Board President Jon Olafson said, “Since this is such an exciting time in both of our cities, we thought it would be fun to collaborate together on a Super Bowl project. [The mash-up] is a great way for our orchestras to show support for our communities,” said Olafson. “We want to let the Seahawks and Broncos know that the cultural organizations of their cities are behind them, and share in the excitement!” said SPO President Michael Moore. Watch the video here.
At the Seattle Symphony, the orchestra’s Twitter feed recently featured a photo of guest pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet taking his bow at last Sunday’s (1/26) concert with the orchestra in a Seahawks shirt; a second photo depicted Benaroya Hall lit specially with the number “12” (as a reference to the “The 12th Man,” Seattle Seahawks fans), and the comment “We’re showing our Seahawks pride & stepping up the #Hawkitecture@benaroyahall #GoHawks!!” And as previously reported at the Hub, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s recently recorded version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be played at Sunday’s game—at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—as soprano Renée Fleming sings in person.
Posted January 31, 2014
